Conserve water warning for Myrtleford

NORTH East Water (NEW) is calling on Myrtleford residents to reduce their water use as ongoing dry conditions, low stream flows and reduced raw water storage levels point to possible water restrictions in the coming months. The town’s water supply, sourced from Buffalo Creek, is part of the unregulated Ovens and King rivers system, which heavily relies on natural rainfall and climate conditions. NEW general manager environment, systems & operations, John Day, said Myrtleford was particularly vulnerable during dry periods. “When flows in Buffalo Creek fall below 4.5 megalitres per day, we need to stop water extraction to protect the health of the river system”, Mr Day said. “This threshold has been reached multiple times already this year, often for extended periods, highlighting the challenges of our current water source.” Storage levels reflect not only the recent dry months, but also the impacts of a drier-than-average summer in 2023–24, followed by a winter period in which storages were not fully replenished. Further compounding the issue, water demand in Myrtleford rose above the five-year average from January to March this year. “The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast suggests there is potential for continued dry periods in the coming months,” Mr Day said. How can the community help? To avoid restrictions for Myrtleford, North East Water is seeking the community’s help to reduce household water use. “Specifically, we are aiming for a 14 per cent reduction in town water use to 1,300,000 litres per day,” Mr Day said. “To meet this target, residential usage needs to reduce to 505 litres per household per day. "Currently average household water usage per day is 590 litres per household. “If we see a strong community response to reducing demand, we may be able to avoid restrictions or delay their implementation. “We know from experience that communities respond best when supported to make positive changes, rather than being subject to restrictions.” North East Water’s voluntary reduction period will run from now until mid-June 2025 to allow the community to respond to and sustain reduced water use. “We’re encouraging everyone to continue following the Permanent Water Saving Rules which are in place across Victoria, and also explore additional ways to reduce water usage at home and in gardens,” Mr Day said. “We know from experience that communities respond best when empowered to make positive changes, rather than being subject to restrictions and we’re confident that Myrtleford will get behind this effort and prove that we can all take action to save water.” For tips on how to save water and information about Permanent Water Saving Rules and what water restrictions could entail, visit North East Water’s dedicated water conservation website: https://www.newater.com.au/pwsr. Customers can also view the town’s daily performance and weekly water use scorecard at www.waterwise.tips/myrtleford.

Conserve water warning for Myrtleford

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