Record autumn rains fill Candowie Reservoir
Candowie Reservoir is now 100% full, thanks to record rains falling over the catchment in the last 4 days.
The wet season is well and truly here, heavy rains have soaked south Gippsland. Candowie Reservoir registered a rise from Monday’s 80% storage level to 100% (2240 ML) as at Thursday morning, 14 April 2011.
According to Westernport Water’s Reservoir and Catchment Supervisor, Brett Beaumont, “We recorded 103mm of rain in the last 4 days and the total rainfall year to date is 80mm above the average.”
Mr. Beaumont commenting “I have not seen the reservoir full at this time of year ever… and I have been an employee here since the late 80’s”.
Rainfall over the catchment since the start of 2011 has been 367mm, compared to 170mm for the same period in 2010, and the recorded 104 year average of 285mm for the full four month period Jan – April.
According to Westernport Water’s Managing Director, Murray Jackson “Candowie reservoir spilling this early in the year is very positive for reservoir health, further proving Candowie to be a reliable source of water.”
”With the reservoir upgrade we will be able to store these above average inflows, reduce flooding downstream, further improve water quality and have a greater holding capacity for drought periods.” Mr. Jackson added.
For water storage updates and historical data please visit www.westernportwater.com.au or phone 1300 720 711.
Media only contact: Managing Director, Murray Jackson, mob: 0427 336 609.
Communications and Media Manager – Geoff Russell, mob: 0418 536 487