Deal gives water security for Warragul, Drouin

A potential short-term water supply shortfall for Warragul and Drouin has been averted with Gippsland Water securing a new entitlement of 3.3 gigalitres a year from the Tarago Reservoir.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said the agreement would provide a reliable and safe reticulated supply to the two rapidly growing towns for decades to come.
The entitlement follows the release of the state government's Central and Gippsland region sustainable water strategy and Gippsland Water's urban water strategy.
Ms Cumming said modelling showed that strong regional growth and a long-term trend of warmer and drier conditions would continue. She said the extra assured supply from Tarago was critical in supporting growth and investment in the local economy.
Ms Cumming said the need to secure Warragul and Drouin's water supplies was highlighted as a priority by customers during recent engagement to develop GW's next five-year price submission to the Essential Services Commission.
The extra annual entitlement is the equivalent of the capacity of 800 Olympic sized swimming pools each year and will come into force from July next year.