Lake Eppalock is only a quarter of its capacity | Photos

Compare Lake Eppalock in 2010 to what it looks like now.

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LAKE Eppalock is at 21.6 per cent capacity – less than a quarter full.

At the same time last year, the 65,909 megalitre reservoir was 45.5 per cent full.

Goulburn Murray Water manager of water resources Mark Bailey said only small amounts of rain had drained into the lake despite above average rainfall through autumn.

“Rain has started wetting the catchment but it has been so dry for two years that it takes a long time to become very productive,” he said.

“We have only seen small amounts go into Eppalock and some of that has already been released. 

“Certainly, we are hopeful for a wet winter and it is looking much more promising than it has for some time, so we should see good flows.”

In the 10 months from July 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, Lake Eppalock received inflows of 3,900 megalitres.

According to the Goulburn Murray Water website, the total volume of water released from Lake Eppalock this year is similar to previous years.

Mr Bailey said this volume is only 2.8 per cent of the long-term average for this 10 month period.

“It would be greater in 98 years out of 100 based on our long-term records,” he said

“Even with the rain, Eppalock only received 600 megalitres of inflow during May (this year),” he said.

The Victorian Environmental Water Holder now owns a significant proportion of the Campaspe entitlement. 

Mr Bailey said most of this water is used by irrigators in the now-closed Campaspe Irrigation District. 

“Irrigators drawing directly from the Campaspe River downstream of Eppalock also own a large proportion,” he said.

“The flows being released are around the Goulburn Murray Water obligations to maintain flows in the river downstream of the dam. There is very little irrigation demand at present.”

With Bendigo so close to Eppalock, Mr Bailey said its storage levels often captured the most attention.

He said the last time it was near full was in 2011 but that it had gradually dropped down since then.

“The only other one in the Bendigo area goes across to Loddon and it is in the same sort of boat as Eppalock,” he said.

“They are getting a bit of rain, 20 millimetres helps the catchments but we do need large haul (of rain). If we get that we could see quick changes.”

The average capacity of Lake Eppalock by the end of winter (August 31) is about 188,000 megalitres.

“The long-term record is about 60 per cent of capacity at the end of winter,” Mr Bailey said.

“But we do know the use of Eppalock-sourced water is changing and this may not be the case in the future.”

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Positive plans for Lake Eppalock’s future

Business owners in Eppalock aren’t being deterred by low water levels in the area.

Lake Eppalock Holiday Park owner Peter Rose said tourist operators need what other non water-based activities people interested in.

Lake Eppalock Holiday Park owner Peter Rose.

“We are looking at positive things that can be done going forward. If (the lake) stays empty, what can we do?” he said.

Mr Rose has been attending meetings with the Lake Eppalock Advisory Group to explore other tourism ideas for the area.

“If a farmer has no water, they work out how to survive. They don’t put their head in the sand. 

“You have to work out plan for future. Can we increase people who come for mountain bike or motorbike riding? Maybe it would be nice to have a track to go around Eppalock.”

 DELWP Loddon Mallee regional director Graham Phelps said the Lake Eppalock Advisory Group was formed to achieve a better understanding of the lake’s management system and user needs.

“It is encouraging to see the keen level of interest by all members to improve the visitor experience for Lake Eppalock and the local area.

“The group has discussed a wide range of matters around management of Lake Eppalock including looking at ways to secure stronger, more stable and more durable economic and social benefits for Lake Eppalock and surrounding areas,” he said. 

"The group has worked with Goulburn Murray Water to get an increased knowledge on recreational management.  

“We are now looking at how we can build a broader range of recreational experiences around the Lake Eppalock area all year round regardless of water levels.”