Coliban Water announces opening rural allocations
Coliban Water has today announced the 2025/26 rural season will open with a 30% allocation for all licensed rural channel and pipeline customers.
Managing Director, Damian Wells, said the opening allocation reflects the current water resource position and uncertain climate outlook.
It is the first time in 15 years the rural season has not opened at 100% allocation, which is reflective of the regions' ongoing dry conditions.
“Rural allocations are determined on the available water resource and in accordance with our drought response planning. Our combined Coliban catchment storages, located near Kyneton, are holding less than this time last year.
“The last 12 months have been very dry. We received around 550 mm of rain at our Malmsbury Reservoir, where median rainfall is 710 mm per year (July-June).
“The catchment is dry and has resulted in low inflows. Post 1997 inflows have been, on average, around 30 gigalitres per year, but this past year we only received 9 gigalitres of inflow.
“As a result, our storages have fallen to 53% capacity, or about 37 gigalitres. This time last year they were at 75% capacity.
“We would need significant rainfall to translate into inflows in order to increase from the opening allocation of 30%. We will reassess the water resource position on the 15th of each month,” Mr Wells said.
In December Coliban Water began pumping water from Lake Eppalock, via the Goldfields Superpipe, to help preserve levels in our water storages near Kyneton.
“By using our 18% share in the Lake Eppalock to supply Bendigo, we can hold more water in our catchment storages, which are the sole water supply for customers in Kyneton to Castlemaine.
“Typically, we receive most of the inflows to our reservoirs over winter and spring. However, if this doesn’t eventuate, water restrictions for urban customers in these southern towns will be likely,” Mr Wells added.
Last season 21% of rural water licences were not used. Customers in this position can consider making their unused licence volumes available for temporary transfer, enabling customers to buy more allocation from others.
Customers wishing to make arrangements for a temporary transfer, can call us on 1300 363 200 or visit www.coliban.com.au
“We will continue to keep customers informed on our water resource position,” Mr Wells said.
Last updated on 01 Jul 2025