Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Malmsbury is experiencing significant storage depletion. With the reservoir sitting at just 23.3%, the total available volume is 12 GL. This lower-than-average capacity may trigger preliminary water-saving advisories in Victoria if dry conditions persist.
Fed primarily by the Coliban river, this reservoir plays a critical role in the Murray-Darling Basin drainage division. Hydrological health in this specific drainage basin is vital for downstream ecosystems. The Murray-Darling Basin region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Agriculture in the surrounding areas of Victoria depends heavily on the water security provided by Malmsbury. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Without the buffer provided by this massive 12 GL storage, regional farming would face extreme volatility.
The surrounding catchment of Malmsbury also supports diverse local flora and fauna. During periods of healthy water levels, the area often sees an increase in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Authorities must constantly balance the need for human water consumption with the ecological necessity of maintaining healthy river systems downstream.
With a mild reading of 12°C today, surface evaporation is significantly reduced, helping to preserve current volume. With 0mm of recent rainfall and partly cloudy skies, the catchment is relatively dry today.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of Malmsbury's water levels will depend heavily on upcoming seasonal rainfall patterns. State water authorities utilize highly sophisticated monitoring tools to ensure every drop is accounted for. Resilience against extreme weather events remains the ultimate goal for the managers of this critical infrastructure.