South Gippsland Water is asking all Leongatha and Koonwarra residents to reduce their water use as ongoing dry conditions and low stream flows point to possible water restrictions in the coming months. Both town’s water is sourced from Ruby Creek which relies heavily on natural rainfall and is subject to changing climate conditions. Managing Director […]
South Gippsland Water is asking all Leongatha and Koonwarra residents to reduce their water use as ongoing dry conditions and low stream flows point to possible water restrictions in the coming months.
Both town’s water is sourced from Ruby Creek which relies heavily on natural rainfall and is subject to changing climate conditions.
Managing Director Rob Murphy said Leongatha and Koonwarra are particularly vulnerable this year given the ongoing dry conditions.
“Since the start of 2024 we’ve seen a lack of sustained rainfall in our region, which has intensified this year,” Mr Murphy said.
“Our Leongatha storage levels are currently at 42 per cent. Leongatha typically draws down gradually over summer and autumn and then recharges quickly in Winter. But our storages have drawn down more heavily this year due to the lack of rainfall and our winter refill has been at a much lower volume than usual. This means if the lack of rain continues, we will likely need to put in place water restrictions for Leongatha over the coming months.”
“We know how much people in our communities pull together in difficult times. That’s why we believe voluntary actions such as these, can really help.”
Mr Murphy said only the Leongatha region was impacted this year, with no expectations any other towns in South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Wellington Shires will have restrictions in 2025.
How to help
To avoid restrictions for Leongatha and Koonwarra, South Gippsland Water is asking the community to reduce household water use, such as limiting showers, reducing garden watering, not letting taps run between activities and not washing cars or hosing down driveways.
We are asking all customers to start these changes immediately, to give our storages a chance to recover before summer.
South Gippsland Water encourages everyone across our region to follow Victoria’s Permanent Water Saving Rules at all times, to help conserve our precious water resources.
For tips on how to save water visit www.sgwater.com.au .