For the first time in six years, Lake Eppalock near Bendigo has started spilling after heavy spring rain.
Goulburn Murray Water staff described the spill, which started on Friday, as "extraordinary" after the man-made lake was sitting at just 50 per cent capacity in early August.
The lake is one of Victoria's biggest drinking water supply storages and supplies the Bendigo, Heathcote and Ballarat regions.
"So it's had a really good two months of inflow," water storage service manager Martina Cusack said.
"We've gone from 50 per cent to 100 per cent in just two months.
"There'll be lots of water for our customers for the next year or two, so it's good news all around.
"Last time it spilled was in 2016 and the time before was 2011, so it's averaging at about every five years."
Ms Cusack urged lake users to be aware of boating restrictions around the spillway.
"It generates its own currents in the lake as the water moves from the back of the lake over the spillway," she said.
"There is also a lot of flotsam and jetsam, along with debris, so people have to be aware of the hazards."
Accommodation business boost
Lake Eppalock Holiday Park's Peter Rose says his business is likely to be booked out for the next six months.
"It guarantees us a lot of visitation," Mr Rose said.
"Our business operates at the level of the lake. When it's low they go elsewhere."
Metcalfe Pool Holiday Park's Ann-Louise Pratt said since levels started to increase over the past month, she has started to see an increase in visitors.
"After COVID, it's a godsend, we can't believe how fortunate we are," she said.
"People are coming on non-school holidays because I think after COVID people are enjoying life more.
"Everyone is so happy. I think everyone now really appreciates what they have. Life is too short not to enjoy it."
Flood risk being monitored
Ms Cusack said Goulburn Murray Water would be looking closely at its flood management plans as the water flowed downstream into the Campaspe River.
There is also more rain forecast for later this week.
"We have no control of the water in the lake so it's a monitoring exercise and keeping [the] Bureau of Meteorology and the SES informed," Ms Cusack said.
"However people in low-lying areas should be well prepared now for what looks like a pretty wet spring."
