North East Water

North East Water is reassuring Yackandandah customers that despite low flows in Yackandandah Creek, the Corporation is confident of maintaining Stage 1 restrictions in the township in the short term.

North East Water Executive Manager, Operations, Fiona Smith said "North East Water operates two diversions on Nine Mile Creek to supply Yackandandah and Beechworth with water, at both points we currently have enough water to allow for passing flows. We are aware that the impact of the ongoing dry conditions and extreme hot weather has seen Yackandandah Creek dry up over the last week."

"When our staff became aware of the low flows in Yackandandah Creek, early last week, we made the decision to stop diversions to Lake Kerferd, which acts as a raw water storage for Beechworth, to try and enhance flows in Yackandandah Creek".  Ms Smith said.

"As part of our planned maintenance of our assets we had intended to stop this diversion in order to allow works on the system that supplies water to Lake Kerferd.  When we became aware of the flow levels in Yackandandah Creek we decided to bring this process forward in order to retain more water in Nine Mile and Yackandandah Creeks."

North East Water's storage at Lake Kerferd provides significant storage capacity for Beechworth and can supply the township for a number of months.

"Our operations staff are conscious of ensuring we continue to balance security of supply for our customers with the needs of the environment and waterways".

Ms Smith said "We are continually monitoring flows in Nine Mile and our demand levels and if in the future we do not receive significant rain or demand increases we will re-evaluate the current restriction levels."

North East Water is also investigating long term security of supply options for Yackandandah and has recently completed an options investigations project.  This project will also support the securing of minimum environmental flows in Nine Mile Creek. 

As part of this project planning, North East Water will be seeking community on the long term water supply options report for Yackandandah.  A Residents Association meeting to be held this Thursday 12^th February 2009, at the Java@Yack Cafe in High St, Yackandandah at 7.00pm will provide residents the opportunity to review the report and provide feedback and input to North East Water staff.   

For information, call Naomi Laauli, Community Engagement Coordinator, 1300 361 622