Background
Cairn Curran Reservoir is currently close to full capacity. This can largely be attributed to the higher than average rainfall stemming from three consecutive La Niña events and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole.
2022 was only the third time since records began in 1900 that a La Niña weather pattern had occurred in three consecutive years.
How the storage level is managed at Cairn Curran Reservoir
Cairn Curran Reservoir has spillway gates that allow GMW to release water when required.
Releases from Cairn Curran Reservoir are managed to maintain the storage level close to the fully supply level at the end of the water harvesting period.
Under its flood operations policy, GMW may release water to create additional airspace prior to higher inflows being received.
Releases from Cairn Curran Reservoir flow down the Loddon River to Laanecoorie Reservoir.
Cairn Curran Reservoir’s current state
Cairn Curran Reservoir is at 87.6 per cent as of 4pm on 5 February 2024. Approximately 35 ML per day is being released from the storage.
Laanecoorie Reservoir is at 76.4 percent. Approximately 80 ML per day is passing through the weir.
GMW’s responsibilities
The requirements for GMW to manage its storages are set out in the Victorian Water Act.
The Act advises that the primary role of GMW storages is to harvest and store customers' water entitlements. However, GMW can provide flood mitigation benefits at some storages where possible.
GMW work closely with the State Emergency Services (SES) and Bureau of Meteorology to ensure timely dissemination of flood related information to the community.
The SES is the lead agency responsible for issuing flood advice should it occur.
More Information
For more information visit www.gmwater.com.au/managing-storages or phone GMW on 1800 013 357.