On 26 August, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) started releasing water from Lake Eildon to slow the rise of water levels at the storage.
GMW increased the release from Lake Eildon to 2000 ML/d on 26 August and plans to increase to 3000 ML/d from 27 August. Close monitoring storage levels, rainfall and tributary flows downstream of Lake Eildon will inform releases in the coming weeks.
GMW Water Storage Services general manager Martina Cusack said the releases to manage the storage level had been carefully planned.
"We have been closely monitoring storage levels and the rain forecast to determine if and when releases might be necessary," she said.
"With Lake Eildon currently at 93 per cent capacity, and the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a wetter than average spring, it is important we are proactive and slow the rise of the storage level.
"The releases from Lake Eildon will remain below minor flood levels. GMW will continue to monitor the flows into the storage and adjust the release rate as required.
"There is a fine balance between holding capacity to absorb further inflows, managing downstream impacts and ensuring that the storage is filled prior to downstream demands commencing."
"GMW is committed to ensuring its storage capacities are maximised, providing as much water available to entitlement holders as possible."
Under its Goulburn system bulk entitlement, GMW is obliged to consider filling targets through winter and spring to control the rate of rise in Lake Eildon.
Further detail can be found by heading to Managing Water Storages - Goulburn Murray Water (g-mwater.com.au)
People who have not already are encouraged to create their Flood Emergency Plan by heading to Plan and stay safe (ses.vic.gov.au)
People can further prepare for flooding by:
- Checking the Bureau of Meteorology's website or the BOM Weather app to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings: Warnings and flood
- Staying up to date with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's weekly river report at the MDBA website
- Checking the VicEmergency website or app
