Lake Eildon at 58 per cent capacity

IN recent months, Lake Eildon’s water levels have become a source of concern for local communities, environmental managers, and recreational users.

As of mid-September 2025, Lake Eildon is sitting at just 58 per cent full. For a lake that can hold more than 3.3 million megalitres when full, this represents a substantial drop.

It’s also a noticeable shift compared to the same period in previous years, where levels were commonly well above 80 per cent, and in wetter years, close to spilling.

This year’s decline is not entirely unexpected, but the trend is worrying. The region has experienced a prolonged dry spell, with rainfall well below average across the catchment area.

At the same time, irrigation demand remains high. Farms and downstream users depend on Lake Eildon to sustain agriculture and meet water rights allocations. These releases, though essential, place further strain on the storage.

Seasonal drawdowns for ecological flows and environmental river health also add to the cumulative outflow.

The implications of low water levels are far-reaching. For irrigators, this could mean reduced allocations in the next farming season. Already, water agencies are tempering expectations.

If the dry pattern continues, restrictions may be inevitable. For the environment, lower volumes can compromise aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and the…