Goulburn-Murray Storage Levels Summer 2007

The current drought and associated depleted water resource position means that Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) storage levels are likely to reach very low levels as the season progresses.  This will impact on activities that rely on the storages. 

Predictions for Lake Eildon under the driest forecast indicate water levels down to 3.8% of full supply level (FSL). Eildon levels at key holidays are predicted to be:

The previous minimum level for Eildon was 8.5% FSL on 7 May 2003. It must be remembered that the predicted levels are the worst case scenario and rainfall could improve the situation. 

Even at the minimum predicted level the water body would be more than 22 kilometres long.

G-MW remains committed to maximising recreation activities at Lake Eildon despite the severe drought.  We are extending boat ramps and adapting other amenities to deal with the low levels. However, we would like recreation users to take extra care on the water, as trees will become a hazard in areas that have previously been safe.

The low storage levels have provided an opportunity for Goulburn-Murray Water to resurvey the exact shape and topography of storages in a measure to manage water resources more accurately.  The survey results in an updated level / capacity relationship called a capacity table. Previous capacity tables were generally based on 1950s data. 

The surveys show slight changes to the previously estimated capacities. The revised capacities do not mean that water availability has changed, only that we now have an accurate picture of the true capacity.  G-MW has been using the updated data to determine 2006 water allocations and, therefore, there is no impact on irrigation customers.

A comparison of existing and revised capacity at surveyed storages is shown below. The differences are shown at FSL and vary as storage levels change.

G-MW will now publish storage information to achieve a higher degree of accuracy including decimal places as shown below.