In response to dry conditions, stage two water restrictions will be introduced in Apollo Bay, Marengo, and Skenes Creek on Monday, 7 April.
Barwon Water has determined that measures are needed to safeguard supplies and ensure the system has sufficient water until storage recovers.
The Apollo Bay area experienced its third driest summer in the past 50 years. Storages have declined to their lowest level since 2016, falling to 38.7 per cent on 23 March—compared to 98.2 per cent at the same time last year.
General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said restrictions would come into effect before visitor-driven demand potentially rose across Easter and the school holiday period.
“The lengthy dry period has had a significant impact, and we want to ensure we protect our supplies until storages can recover,” Butcher said. “Stage two restrictions aim to best manage our storage levels and ensure that the wider community uses water efficiently and wisely.
“We’ll continue closely monitoring storages, usage trends and rainfall forecasts, to lift restrictions as soon as possible.”
The very dry conditions have had impacts across the wider Barwon region.
Colac storages have also fallen to a nine-year low, while Geelong’s storages entered March at 46.3 per cent—about 27 percentage points lower than at the same time last year.
Apollo Bay’s storages are harvested solely from the Barham River in the southern Otway Ranges.
This makes the supply vulnerable during extended dry periods in summer and autumn, when rising customer demand draws down the Apollo Bay and Marengo basins.
Barwon Water has invested in a range of storage improvements and sustainability initiatives in Apollo Bay in recent years.
Forecast growth and a changing climate mean more investments will be made to maintain reliable long-term supplies in the area.
Barwon Water’s “Apollo Bay: Water Your Say” project aims to help plan a sustainable and resilient long-term water future that supports a vibrant and sustainable region.
For more information on the project, including details on an upcoming webinar, visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/apollo-bay-hub
What do stage 2 water restrictions mean?
The key changes under Stage 2 restrictions are:
- Residential and commercial lawns cannot be watered at any time.
- Gardens can be watered using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, bucket, or watering can at any time on any day.
- The use of watering systems is only permitted between 6am and 8 am and 6 pm and 8 pm on alternate days. Even and no-numbered properties may water on even dates, and odd-numbered properties may water on odd dates. All properties may water on the 31st of the month. (Councils and schools can water sports grounds and gardens in accordance with the prescribed times.)
- Cleaning windows, hosing down hard surfaces and washing vehicles are restricted.
Please note: Restrictions do not apply to recycled water or tank water.
Residential demand accounts for 73 per cent of water use across the Barwon Water region, meaning household changes can have a significant impact.
By making simple changes inside and outside your home, like taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, washing with full loads and not watering your garden in the heat of the day, you can lower your water and energy bills and help the environment – every drop counts.
More information on storage levels can be found at www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au
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