A Caroline Springs lake that was drained earlier this year as part of a police investigation has been re-filled months ahead of schedule.
More than 25 megalitres of water – equivalent to 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools – has been “harvested” into Spring Lake using rainwater from nearby Serpentine Lake, known locally as Lake Logan.
The arduous task of refilling Spring Lake started in mid-February, and there were fears the lake could take years to refill.
However, Melbourne Water has confirmed the “complex” task of refilling the lake to pre-January levels was completed less than a fortnight ago thanks to a wetter-than-average autumn.
Western regional services manager Emily Phillips said crews were on site weekly, with pumps and pipes, moving stormwater from Lake Logan – which is shallow and has a large catchment area – to Spring Lake.
“Our stormwater harvesting efforts from the surrounding lake systems were assisted by good recent rainfall,” Ms Phillips said.
“This has meant we have been able to transfer significant amounts of surplus stormwater into Spring Lake and return to normal levels sooner than predicted, while still ensuring surrounding lakes do not drop below normal levels.”
Wildlife and migratory birds have already returned to the lake, Ms Phillips said, with the area now returning to its former glory.
With Alexandra Laskie
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