The 2024-25 irrigation season has already taken many by surprise, with water delivery figures rising to unusually high levels.
Goulburn-Murray Water has delivered an astonishing 373,000 megalitres of water in the first three months, more than double the average for this time of year.
“We have come off a few very wet years, which has meant our dams have been well-stocked, and water availability has been high,” G-MW general manager of water delivery services Warren Blyth said.
However, complications have surfaced.
Mr Blyth said the dry winter contributed to a surge in orders at the start of the season.
Additionally, the lack of spring rains has exacerbated the situation, reflected in the inflows to G-MW’s major storages during September.
Lake Eildon, for example, received only 84,500Ml in September, about a third of its usual monthly inflows.
The demand for water downstream of the lake has caused its levels to fall during a time of year when they would typically rise.
Even more alarming are the significantly reduced inflows into Lake Eppalock, which saw a mere 2300Ml throughout September, less than 10 per cent of the September average.
In contrast, the October 2022 floods saw the lake record 132,000Ml of inflows in just one day.
“It highlights the extremes of our climate and the importance of planning for such extremes,” Mr Blyth said.
As the busy autumn season approaches, when irrigation demand typically peaks, Mr Blyth urged irrigators to plan accordingly.
“When irrigation demand approaches channel capacity, water orders invariably take longer to be delivered,” he said.
“People should, therefore, be mindful that if they order water during the busiest time of the season, they could potentially face delays in receiving their order.”
Irrigators with questions about their water orders or delivery shares are encouraged to contact their water planner on 1300 468 469.