regional water availability report€¦ · 29/06/2020 · figure 1 - weekly rainfall totals for...

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Regional water availability report

Weekly edition 29 June 2020

Water availability weekly report 2

Contents

1. Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 3

2. System risks .......................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Climatic Conditions ............................................................................................................................. 4

4. Southern valley based operational activities ................................................................................... 6

4.1 Murray valley ............................................................................................................................................... 6

4.2 Lower Darling valley ................................................................................................................................... 8

4.3 Murrumbidgee valley ............................................................................................................................... 10

5. Central valley based operational activities .................................................................................... 10

5.1 Lachlan valley ........................................................................................................................................... 13

5.2 Macquarie valley ..................................................................................................................................... 10

6. Northern valley based operational activities ................................................................................. 18

6.1 Namoi valley ............................................................................................................................................. 18

6.2 Gwydir valley ............................................................................................................................................ 20

6.3 Border rivers ............................................................................................................................................... 21

6.4 Barwon-Darling River system ................................................................................................................... 21

7. Coastal valley based operational activities ................................................................................... 27

7.1 Bega river .................................................................................................................................................. 27

7.2 Hunter valley ............................................................................................................................................. 28

7.3 Toonumbar Dam ...................................................................................................................................... 30

8. Rural Dam Levels ............................................................................................................................... 31


1. Overview

WaterNSW manages and operates 42 dams and storages to deliver water for environmental,

domestic, town water, stock, industrial and irrigation purposes across the state. WaterNSW storages

provide supplies to all the major river systems in Western NSW, Greater Sydney, the Southern

Highlands, Shoalhaven Bay as well as the Hunter, Bega, and Iron Pot valleys in coastal NSW.

The total active storage percentage of rural water supplies on 29 June 2020 was 35.0% of the total

active storage capacity. This was an increase of 1.3% since last week.

The total storage level of urban water supplies on 29 June 2020 was 81.0% of the total storage

capacity. A decrease of 0.2% since last week.

2. System risks

The relatively small inflows to most northern dams mean that drought measures and works are

being reviewed, but most will likely remain in place, despite the larger flows downstream. This is

particularly the case for Chaffey, Split Rock and Wyangala Dams, where the risks to critical needs

remains high. Risks are also increasing in the Hunter Valley as inflows to Glenbawn and Glennies Ck

Dams continue to track well below previous drought records.


3. Climatic Conditions

Figure 1 - Weekly rainfall totals for New South Wales

This week’s weather forecast

A high pressure system over southeast Australia is slowly tracking to the Tasman Sea as a series of

cold fronts approach from the west. The first of these fronts slips to the south on Tuesday. The

second front, which is more significant, looks set to cross the state on Thursday. By the weekend a

new high pressure system will return over the state.

For the coming week negligible rainfall is predicted across parts of the southern region and also

north east of the state. The rest of the state is predicted to remain dry

Figure 2a – First 4-day Forecast (30 June – 3 July 2020) Figure 2b – Following 4-day forecast (4 – 7 July 2020)


Climate outlook overview

Wetter months likely for late winter to early spring.

Issued: 25 June 2020

• The fortnight 29 June to 12 July is likely to be drier than average for most of New South

Wales.

• August to October is likely to be wetter than average for most of New South Wales (60–75%

chance).

Figure 3 – 3-month rainfall outlook


4. 4Southern valley based operational activities 4.1 Murray Valley

Storage and release status

• Hume Dam is currently 37% of active capacity, and at minimum releases

of 600ML/d.

• Release downstream of Yarrawonga Weir is at about 10,000ML/day and likely to decrease by

500-1000ML each day, matching the tributary inflows.

• Recent rainfall has led to elevated tributary inflows to the River Murray and Lake Victoria is now

guaranteed to fill. DPIE-Water declared a period of unregulated flow for certain reaches of the

River Murray System starting on the 27 June 2020.

• The Edward River Offtake flow is currently about 1,570 ML/d and is likely to remain steady over

the week

• The Gulpa Creek Offtake flows are at about 200ML/d and likely to increase to about 250ML/d

(which is deemed to be the current channel capacity pending remedial works on the Reed bed

sills) and then remain steady over the coming week.

• Stevens Weir level is about 4.27m and will vary marginally for the next 3-days due to increased

flows expected through the forest upstream of Toonalook. Water level upstream of Wakool

Canal offtake is about 1.6 m.

• Flow downstream of Stevens Weir is about 990 ML/day and is estimated to decrease over the

coming week to about 600ML/day.

• Flows in the Colligen Creek (380ML/day), Yallakool Creek (240ML/day) are likely to remain

relatively steady. Wakool River will have little or no flows due to the lowering of Stevens Weir.

• Flow in Niemur River at Mallan School is currently about 43ML/d flow will remain relatively steady

around this level while the supplementary event is on.

• Merran Creek flows upstream of its confluence with Wakool is about 330 ML/day and is likely to

increase to about 350 ML/day over the coming week. With upstream flows continuing to

increase from last week's rain.

• Flow in Wakool River at Stoney Crossing is currently at about 450 ML/day and is likely to decrease

slightly while the supplementary event is on.

• Flow at Balranald is currently about 1,040 ML/d and will remain relatively steady over the next

week. The end of system target at Balranald for the month of July is 829ML/day.

• Lake Victoria is currently holding about 594 GL or 86% of active capacity. The lake is expected to

fill over the week. The flow to South Australia is about 3,960 ML/d.

https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/158901/26-06-2020-Murray-26-June-2020-Supplementary.pdf

https://riverdata.mdba.gov.au/system-view


Environmental water operations

• eWater delivery has now ceased into Wakool-Yallakool system and into Colligen-Niemur system.

Water availability

• The latest Murray Water Allocation Statement 15 May 20 confirmed that general security

allocation has increased by 3 per cent.

• The allocation announcement for the new water year are expected on 1 July 2020.

Drought operation measures

• The NSW Murray regulated river water source has remains at Stage 2, meaning drought

operational planning has commenced in preparation for extreme dry conditions that may

continue through 2020-21.

Water quality

• Potential Blue Green Algae issues:

– Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Lake Hume shows Lake Hume is on a Green alert

level. The sites at Heywoods and Ebden indicate Amber alert level.

– For more information visit: Water Quality Algae

Planned supply interruptions:

• Maintenance activities are underway in the Stevens weir gates and super structure under the

Coatings Programme. However, the maintenance activity is not expected to impact the normal

river operations and Weir levels.

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/301393/Was-Murray-20200515.pdf

https://www.waternsw.com.au/about/newsroom/2019/algal-red-alert-issued-for-lake-hume

https://www.waternsw.com.au/water-quality/algae


4.2 Lower Darling valley


• Menindee Lakes system collectively holds about 27% of total capacity, and

is releasing about 220 ML/d.

• The status of individual lakes: Lake Wetherell - 71%, Tandure – 86%, and Lake Pamamaroo – 121%,

Copi Hollow – 138%; while Lakes Menindee and Cawndilla remain dry.

• As per the Water Sharing Plan, the planned minimum flows for the months of May to October will

target 200 ML/day measured at Weir-32.

• Water transfer from Lake Wetherell to Lake Pamamaroo has ceased with current levels in Lake

Pamamaroo approaching the spill level of the inlet regulator to Lake Menindee.

• Inflows to the lakes commenced on 10 March 2020 and so far about 664 GL (with updated

ratings) has reached Wilcannia.

• Current forecast in the Barwon-Darling system indicates that in total about 584 GL is expected to

reach the lakes including the water in transit.

Water availability

• To date the current inflows have not resulted in the storage volume reaching 640GL and are

currently not forecast to reach this trigger in the current event. As such the storage remains in

NSW control and the resources shall be managed for Lower Darling operations.

• Water allocations for 2019/20 have been increased to 100% for domestic and stock licence

holders, local water utility licence holders, and high security licence holders. General security

has now increased to 30% and access to carryover is available.



• The temporary water restriction that came into effect on 4 December 2018 limiting the taking of

water to town water, domestic and stock, permanent plantings, and, from Copi Hollow, high

security licences has been repealed on 30 March 2020. DPIE Media Release

• The Lower Darling regulated river water source is assessed to be in drought Stage 2.

Water quality

• Amber Alert for Copi Hollow (site N1094)

• Green alert for Lake Wetherell (site 1, 2, 3 and 4), Wilcannia (N1042), Darling River at Weir 32

(N1086), Darling River u/s of Weir 32 (site N1171 and Daring River Pumping Station @ Menindee

(N1095).

– For more information visit: Water Quality Algae.

https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/155977/Lower-Darling-Menindee-Lakes-releases-21-4-2020.pdf

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/media/releases/2020-media-releases/flows-resume-in-the-lower-darling-river-and-temporary-water-restriction-repealed

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/allocations/summary




None


4.3 Murrumbidgee valley


• Burrinjuck Dam is currently at 43% of active capacity, releasing about 450

ML/d. The release is likely to vary as per the transparency/translucency

rules.

• Blowering Dam is currently at 57% of active capacity, releasing about 560 ML/d. The release is

likely to remain steady as per transparent release rules.

• With the rainfall over the previous weekend DPIE has announced a one-day supplementary

event. The event will be announced for different reaches of the river as the flow travels

downstream. The alerts to the customers for the event as it opens for different reaches are sent

via email and SMS. Customers may contact the WaterNSW Call Centre (1300 662 077) to register

for receiving the alerts by email or SMS, if they have not already done so.

• The Beavers Creek offtake regulator is fully open as per the work approval conditions.

Decreasing flows at Wagga Wagga (2,422 ML/day) flows are likely to decrease at Beavers (288

ML/d) over the week.

• Berembed Weir (3.68 m) is currently gradually being lowered for annual maintenance and the

gates will be fully withdrawn by the 6th of July 2020.

• Bundidgerry storage is currently at about 4.3 m and is likely to vary in line with MI water

demands.

• Gogeldrie Weir is currently empty for routine winter maintenance activities and the gates will be

reinstated this week. The weir is expected to return to normal service levels by mid-July.

• Hay Weir is currently at full supply level and will remain steady until the end of June. By the start

of July 2020, the weir will be lowered gradually and by mid-July the level is expected to below

5.5m impacting the town water supply pumps. The gates will be withdrawn clear of water by

the last week of July for annual essential maintenance.

• Maude Weir is at 3.5 m that is the optimum weir height to keep the Nimmie-Caira offtake

channels drier for maintenance works in the Nimmie Creek Regulator until third week of July.

• Currently, the Redbank Weir level is about 5.60 m. The level is to remain relatively steady.

• Flow at Balranald is currently about 1,040 ML/d and will remain relatively steady over the next

week. The end of system target at Balranald for the month of July is 829ML/day.

• The current diversion into Yanco Creek is about 550 ML/d and is likely to decrease to 250ML/d

over the week. Currently, the flow into the Yanco arm below Tarabah Weir is maintained at

about 90-100 ML/day, while the split into Colombo arm is about 340 ML/day.



• Planned environmental releases as per the transparency rules is being delivered from Blowering

and transparent/translucent releases from Burrinjuck Dam.

• The Burrinjuck Dam translucent rules operate between 22 April and 21 October. These rules

mean that a proportion of daily inflows are released, which means releases can be large when

inflows are large.

• Planned environmental water flow rules are fully complied with at both Balranald and Darlot.

• A significant eWater delivery of about 34,000ML over a period of about 6-weeks is scheduled to

begin by early July via Yanga 1AS into Lowbidgee.

Water availability

• For Inter Valley Transfer (IVT) account from Murray to Murrumbidgee refer to WaterNSW website

WaterNSW website

• As per the Murrumbidgee Water Allocation Statement 15 May 20 there is a general security

increase of 5%, with cumulative allocations for 2019/20 to general security licences now totalling

11% of entitlement in the Murrumbidgee regulated water source. Allocation is at 100% for towns

and 95% for high security. General security licence holders in the Murrumbidgee have full access

to water carried over from 2018-19, which is a volume equivalent to about 8% of general security

share component.



• The Murrumbidgee regulated river water source is at drought Stage 1, meaning all allocated

water can now be delivered under normal regulated river operations. Despite the small

improvements, drought conditions continue to threaten.

Water quality

• Potential Blue Green Algae issues:

– Burrinjuck Dam at Station 1 (Dam Wall), Downstream, Burrinjuck Water State Park, Woogarlo

and Goodhope are at Green alert level.

– Blowering Dam on a Green alert status.

– For more information visit: Water Quality Algae.

Unplanned supply interruptions:

• Nil

https://comms.waternsw.com.au/link/id/zzzz5e13b3c219f1e400Pzzzz5b876460a3398809/page.html

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/301392/WAS-Murrumbidgee-202000515.pdf

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/270772/WAS-Murrumbidgee-190815.pdf




• Planning is underway to commence regular winter maintenance of Berembed Weir. the

Berembed Weir is been gradually lowered; gates are expected to be clear of water by 6 July

2020. The weir will be reinstated by end of July 2020.

• Regular winter maintenance work at Gogeldrie Weir has been completed. The weir will be

reinstated this week.

• Planning is underway to commence regular winter maintenance of Hay Weir. In preparation of

the planned maintenance, the Hay Weir will be gradually lowered starting from 30 June 2020

and gates are expected to be clear of water by last week of July 2020. The weir is expected to

be returned to normal service levels (about 6.0 m) by mid-August 2020.

• Maude weir will be maintained below a level of 3.7m in order to keep the Nimmie creek

regulator work area from being inundated until third week of July.

• As part of the coating program, the Nimmie Creek offtake gates will be removed for a period of

5-weeks stating from 3rd June 2020. Supply to North Caira, South Caira and Nimmie Creeks are

impacted. The Nimmie Creek regulator is expected to be returned to service by 17th July 2020.

• Painting of super-structure of the Maude Weir has started and will be completed by 30 October

2020. Painting programme for Gogeldrie starting on the 30th June and will continue until mid-

January 2021. However, the maintenance activity under the coating program is not expected

to impact the normal river operations and Weir levels

• Planning is underway to carryout required works on the Emergency Coaster Gate in the

Blowering intake tower. The closure will result in little or no flows in the river for about 48 to 72

hours during 21-22 July and again on 4-6 August 2020.

• Planned maintenance work in the High-Level outlets and one of the four low level outlets have

commenced. The works are expected to be complete by end of August 2020. Due to the

maintenance activities, the maximum release capacity from Burrinjuck Dam is expected to be

about 6,000 ML/day during the planned outage period.


5. Central valley based operational activities

5.1 Lachlan valley


• Carcoar Dam is currently 16.4% of capacity and releasing 2ML/d.

• Wyangala Dam is currently 16.7% of capacity and releasing around 60ML/d.

Releases are forecast to remain at 60-80M/d for rest of the week.

• Lake Cargelligo is currently around 88.5% of capacity and will be reduced to around 85% by end

of the week.

• Releases downstream of Brewster Weir are around 30ML/d. Releases are forecast to remain

around 25-30ML/d during the week.

• Willandra Ck flow ceased from 1st December and releases may resume with any increase in

tributary inflows.

• The recent rain and tributary flows d/s of dam have produced some surplus flows. Some of these

flows were diverted into Lake Cargelligo and most of the flows are being diverted into Lake

Brewster outflow wetlands and into the main cell from Lake Brewster weir.


• As part of the 2019–20 spring pulse, 2GL of environmental water was held in Brewster Weir to help

maintain the habitat for the endangered population of olive perchlet over summer.

• This environmental water was released from Brewster weir piggy backing the recent rainfall

events. Another ~400ML of licensed environmental water was also be released downstream of

Brewster weir pool to support a wetland refugia upstream of Oxley for the arrival of migratory

birds in spring.

• Releases for environmental water from Brewster weir ceased Monday 18th May and last day at

Booligal was 7th June.

• Due to drought conditions, end of system daily environmental flow requirements in the Belubula

River have been suspended and are only being met intermittently with the contribution from

tributaries.

Water Availability

• It is estimated that a combined dam and tributary inflow volume of more than 273GL is required

in June before a further allocation can be made in the Lachlan River. Inflows received in June so

far are just under 4GL.

• The DPIE Water Allocation Statement (WAS) published on 12 June 2020 provided expected 1 July

2020 water availability for 2020-21 water year.


• Full (100%) allocation for all Local Water Utilities and Domestic & Stock license holders • At least 70% allocation for High Security license holders.

• Conveyance will receive its commensurate allocation in accordance with the water sharing

plan.

• No allocation to General Security water users will be possible. • In addition, access to water in general security accounts on 1 July 2020 will be restricted to 50%

of the active sub-account balance on 30 June 2020.

• The detailed June WAS by Dept Planning, Industry & Environment can be viewed at: WAS

Inflows needed to improve deliverability of carryover

2019-20 inflow period Inflows (GL) 1 July 2019 to 30 April 2020

Additional combined inflows required to deliver

remaining usable allocations in 2020-21,

begin to ease GS delivery restrictions and to start

increasing HS allocation

Additional inflows

required for new GS

AWD (GL)

(no restrictions)

By end of June 177 95 273

By end of July 177 100

By end of Aug 177 168

Notes: Estimated water held in general security accounts on 1 July 2019 was 155,000 ML. Water

delivery operations in 2019-20 provided under drought contingency planning (Stage 3). Minimum

storage level of 5% is targeted at the end of 2019-20 water year to maintain critical supplies in 2020-

21.

• These are indicative improvements only and are not guaranteed. Estimates may change based

on weather variability, water management decisions and other events. This means water users

should use this information with caution and at their own risk, as it projects many months ahead.

• The assessment for the table above is based on water delivery operations in 2019-20 provided

under drought stage 3 and 2020-21 under severe drought stage 4. NSW extreme events policy

can be viewed at Extreme Events Policy.

• In the Belubula, general security water access licence holders have 0% allocation but will have

access to account water that has been carried over from the previous water year. A Temporary

Water Restriction under Section 324 of the Water Management Act 2000 has been gazetted on

1 October 2019. It allows access to 40% of the water in general security access licence account

balance as at 30 September 2019. The remaining 60 per cent is moved to a drought subaccount

and cannot be used. Please refer: Belubula WAS Oct 2019

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/310553/WAS-lachlan-20200612.pdf

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/187703/Extreme-Events-policy.pdf

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/279396/WAS-Belubula-20191001.pdf


• While allocations for the Belubula River system have been announced by DPIE Water, the delivery of water is restricted due to the ongoing drought. Please refer: Belubula Ops Update Oct 2019

• At the Belubula Landholders Association meeting on 21 January 2020 the following were

agreed,

• Water delivery between Carcoar Dam and Needles is maintained to meet daily demand until

end of February or early March 2020.

• High security and domestic and stock access licence holders on regulated Belubula receive

100% allocation.

• The Department of Planning, Industry & Environment – Water has now approved access to

uncontrolled flows in the Belubula River during the recent trib flow event.

Water Quality

• Latest BGA samples show that Lake Cargelligo Boatshed, Lake Cargelligo TWS, Lake Cargelligo

Outlet, Lake Cargelligo intake d/s of Curlew Water is at Green Alert.

• Wyangala Storage results (18th June) show that productivity has declined at all sites. Few

cyanobacteria across the entirety of the storage have been noted. Downstream

showed low level detections of benign cyanobacteria. The storage is now on green

alert.

• Some flow is being circulated through the Lake Cargelligo inlet and outlet with the intention of

improving water quality in the channels connecting the lakes and the river.


Jemalong Weir maintenance

• WaterNSW has scheduled planned maintenance and repair work on Jemalong Weir.

• Scheduled work at Jemalong Weir have commenced on 29th June and is planned to last till end

of the week. During this period, the weir gates will be fully raised, and a good flow will be still

maintained past the weir resulting from the tributaries, this will meet the downstream

requirements.

Wyangala Dam maintenance

• There will be an outage at Wyangala Dam starting the first week of June ending second week of

July. This outage will require all releases to be through the bypass line and the maximum dam

release capacity during the outage is about 300 ML/d. The forecast demand in the upper

Lachlan above lake Cargelligo is unlikely to be more than the release capacity of the bypass

line.

https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/149022/Operations-Update-Belubula-River-1-October-2019.pdf

https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/149022/Operations-Update-Belubula-River-1-October-2019.pdf


5.2 Macquarie valley


• Burrendong Dam is at 23.3% of capacity and currently releasing around 40ML/d.

Releases are forecast to remain steady this week. Downstream tributary flows

continue to meet town water supply and Domestic and Stock demands. Storage inflows in June

to date are around 21GL.

• Windamere Dam is currently 27.0% of capacity (100GL) and releasing 13ML/d. Releases are

forecast to stay around 15- 20 ML/d during this week.

• The recent storms and isolated stream flows have delayed the second phase of the transfer from

Windamere to Burrendong to at least March 2021. The transfer will leave a minimum of 70GL in

Windamere Dam, which provides a very secure supply for local demand for the next five to

seven years.


• Translucent environmental water from Windamere Dam is deliverable all through the year when

inflows to the dam meet the relevant triggers, subject to storage volume being more than

110GL.

• Environmental water accounts in Burrendong were suspended to extend supplies for towns and

critical industries. Link. This suspension is now being repealed and both active and translucent

account water will be available

Water availability

• The DPIE Water Allocation Statement (WAS) published on 11 June 2020 provided increased

water availability for this year and forecast of possible allocation on 1 July 20.

• Local Water Utility (LWU), Stock & Domestic (SD) licences and High Security allocations have

been lifted to 100 per cent of entitlement for 2019-20.

• The temporary water restriction on Macquarie general security water accounts is being

amended to allow the transfer of 40 per cent of the drought sub-account balance to the active

account for use.

• All higher security licence categories forecast to receive100% allocation on 1July 2020.

• Trade from the Cudgegong down to the Macquarie water source had been closed as an

emergency drought measure to protect Burrendong Dam supplies and particularly water

security in the Macquarie for critical needs. The restriction can now be lifted, allowing trade to

resume in accordance within the water sharing plan.

• Given that general security water users have been prevented from accessing their water during

the drought, protection from account reductions due to evaporation or spills from Burrendong

Dam will be provided until the end of February 2021.

https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2019_2019-69.pdf



• Due to recent rainfall and inflows into the dam and downstream of dam, Macquarie Regulated

River Water Source has improved to Stage 3 drought Criticality

• All S&D replenishments were completed from the recent rainfall events and contributions from

downstream tributaries.

• The actual inflows to Burrendong Dam since the last AWD in August 2017 totalled about 330 GL

to end of May 2020. This was just 60% of the previous record low inflow for the 34 months ending

in May.

• This drier than historical minimum inflow confirms that the system has entered into a new drought

of record for Burrendong Dam.

Water quality

• Burrendong Dam results for the 17th June show few cyanobacteria at all upstream sites. A minor

detection of Microcystis sp. was noted at the Dam Wall and small counts of benign

cyanobacteria were detected both in the Mookerawa arm and downstream. The Cudgegong

arm showed no cyanobacteria. Storage remains at green alert.

• Windamere dam results 17/06 show the assemblage continues to be dominated by Microcystis

sp. at all upstream sites. Latest results however show that numbers have declined. Few other

cyanobacteria were observed. Downstream showed a minor Microcystis sp. detection.

Windamere dam is now on amber alert.

• Works to reinstate the temperature curtain at Burrendong Dam have been completed and the

commissioning phase has commenced. The curtain is fully lowered due to low storage levels.


• Nil


6. Northern valley based operational activities

6.1 Namoi valley

Storage, release and inflow status

• Split Rock Dam is at 4.6 % of active capacity, is currently releasing 1ML/d.

• Keepit Dam is at 14.7% of active capacity, releases have ceased after

recommencing briefly for limited domestic and stock near the dam.

• Chaffey Dam is at 15.1% of active capacity and currently releasing around 16ML/d (3 ML/d via

valve and about 13 ML/d via pipeline to Tamworth).

• The Pian Creek replenishment flow has been completed from flows below Keepit Dam.

• For regular updates, refer to the Operations Update page in WaterNSW website.


• There are not any current orders for the release of environmental water in the Namoi.

• Environmental releases of 3ML/d at Chaffey Dam will cease this week.

Water availability

• The Water Allocation Statement by DPIE (dated 15th April 2020) confirmed that in the Peel Valley

local water utility and domestic and stock allocation is 70%; high security and its sub categories is

50%, and general security is 0%.

• There is a shortfall of more than 34.19 GL before there is likely to be an AWD increment in the

Lower Namoi valley.

• The latest Water Allocation Statement by DPIE (dated 6th June 2020) confirmed that allocations

remain unchanged in the Upper Namoi: local water utility and D&S have 100%, while high

security has received 100% allocation and the general security a 50% allocation – as the Split

Rock Dam storage volume has exceeded the 5 % full trigger (as per the water sharing plan). The

restrictions on access to carryover have been repealed.

• Lower Namoi local water utility and D&S have 100%, high security has 100% and general security

has 0%. The restrictions on access to carryover have been repealed.


• The Peel valley is in drought stage 4. Commissioning of the Chaffey to Dungowan pipeline is

complete and operation of the pipeline commenced on 17 June. Operational flow targets

below Chaffey will be for very low environmental flows.

• The Upper Namoi is now at Stage 2, down from stage 3. Releases recommenced on 30 March

and will be used to supply water orders in the Manilla River from Split Rock Dam to the junction

with the Namoi River. For customers located on the Namoi River (below Manilla), water orders

https://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/regional-nsw/operations-updates

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/294943/WAS-peel-20200415.pdf

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/309471/WAS-namoi-20200605.pdf


will be supplied (were possible) using the inflows from the Namoi Unregulated River. Customers

wishing to take water from their high security, general security or stock and domestic licences

are reminded to place an order for their water

• The Lower Namoi is at Stage 3, down from the Stage 4, the highest level under the Incident

Response Guide.

• Deliverability of this water will rely on tributary flows and/or improved storage volumes. No further

block releases are planned for the Lower Namoi until further inflows occur.

Water quality

• Split Rock Dam is on a Green alert in the storage,

• Keepit Dam is on a Green alert in the storage, and

• Chaffey Dam is on a Green alert in the storage.


• Mollee fish way is currently unavailable due to infrastructure failure.


6.2 Gwydir valley


• Copeton Dam is at 13.3% of active capacity and is currently releasing 25ML/d.


• No current environmental flow orders.

Water availability

• The latest Water Allocation Statement by DPIE -Water (dated 6th June 2020) confirmed that – as

a result of small inflows in May, there is an increase in allocation of 0.27 per cent for General

Security (GS) water users in the Gwydir regulated river water source. The total allocation for this

2019/20 water year has increased to 2.17 per cent of entitlement.

• The local water utility and domestic and stock access licence holders have 100% of entitlement.

High security has 100% and general security have 2.17% as well as access to general security

account water carried over from the previous water year as well.

Water quality

• Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Copeton shows Copeton on a Red alert in the

storage.


• The Gwydir is in drought Stage 2. Management action will focus on ensuring water is available

for critical needs for as long as possible.

• However, deliverability will rely on downstream tributary contributions and infrequent block

releases. Operations Update Gwydir 1-July


No supply interruptions are expected.

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/309470/WAS-gwydir-20200605.pdf

https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/145286/Operations-Update-Gwydir-1-July.pdf


6.3 Border rivers


• Pindari Dam is at 12.6% of capacity and releasing around 13ML/d (minimum

release).

• Glenlyon Dam is at 13.4% of capacity. Releases ceased.

• Boggabilla weir is full from tributary inflows and currently passing all inflows.

• Flow arrived Mungindi weir pool on 15 Feb and continues to spill.

• Continued rainfall since February had generated significant flows across the Northern valleys.

Catchment is wet now and response from further rainfall will be quicker.

• Significant improvement noted in the draft 1 May 2020 resource assessment due to recent inflow

event. Draft resource assessment indicates that there is no shortfall. If inflow continues, there is a

possibility to announce some General Security allocation in near future.

• For regular updates, refer to the Operations Update page in WaterNSW website.


• No current additional releases for environmental water orders.

Water availability

• The Available Water Determination (AWD) for 2019-20 is 100% for towns and high security, while

general security A-class and general security B-class is zero. Total carryover into 2018-19 is around

1.8% of general security share components.

• Supplementary access was allowed in Border Rivers due to recent rainfall event. Refer to

supplementary announcement page in WaterNSW website for details.

• General Security customers can access GS account balance now. Refer to Operations update

page in WaterNSW website for details.


• The Border Rivers is in drought Stage 3. Customers are advised that if dry conditions persist, future

deliveries, including essential supplies, will be grouped together (block releases), and where

possible with tributary flows, to improve delivery efficiencies.

Water quality

• Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Pindari shows an amber alert level.


• No supply interruptions are currently forecast


https://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/regional-nsw/supplementary


https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/droughts-floods/update/critical-valleys-in-drought


6.4 Barwon-Darling River system

River flow status

• Significant rainfall observed across northern valleys since January 2020.

• Inflows arrived from the Border, Moonie, Gwydir, Namoi, Culgoa, Bokhara, Castlereagh, Bogan

and Warrego systems.

• The Barwon-Darling is now flowing from Mungindi to Wilcannia. Flow arrived at Lake Wetherell on

10 March.

• The Temporary Water Restriction Order for A, B and C class licences was removed for Mungindi

to upstream of Culgoa junction section on 27 February. Temporary Water Restriction removed

from downstream of Culgoa junction to upstream of Lake Wetherell section on 6 March 2020.

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/temporary-water-restrictions


• Planned Environmental Water (PEW) is water in the system that is below the commence to pump

conditions for access licences.

Water Availability

• Flow has resumed between Mungindi and Wilcannia and access is allowed, as per licence

conditions, for customers for all management zones.

• Refer to the Barwon-Darling flow class map for up to date information on licence class

availability.


• The Barwon Darling unregulated river water source is assessed to be in Stage 2.

Flow forecast

• The Barwon-Darling system is an unregulated river, which travels through a very arid environment

with significant losses from the system due to high evaporation and long travel times. It is very

difficult to accurately forecast downstream flows as local conditions can vary significantly over

the number of weeks it takes the water to travel along the river.

• The below summaries are the current forecast estimates of flows along the system. This

information is regularly updated as required.

https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/temporary-water-restrictions

https://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/regional-nsw/barwon-darling


• Menindee inflow forecast is now for 584,500ML to 586,000ML.

• A small inflow is on the way from Border rivers but no more inflow is expected from Moonie, Gwydir, Namoi and Macquarie at this stage.

• The Condamine Balonne has contributed around 175 GL from Culgoa River upstream of Warraweena and around 32 GL from Bokhara River upstream of Beemery.

• Around 47GL inflow was observed at Dick’s Dam as inflow from the Warrego River, including flows from local rain that commenced on 6 March. Additional Warrego flows also arrived at Louth from flows that bypass Dick’s Dam.

• Forecasts include estimated extractions from Mungindi to Culgoa junction from 27 Feb 2020 and downstream of Culgoa junction from 6 Mar 2020.


Location Observed

volume

(ML)

Total forecast

volume –

including

observed (ML)

Date of flow

arrival

Comments about inflows to each

section

Mungindi 80,899 82,500 – 83,300 15 Feb 2020 Inflows are from the Border Rivers

Presbury 71,106 72,800-73,800 5 Feb 2020

Mogil Mogil 212,005 212,500-213,500 27 Jan 2020 Expected total inflows (observed

and forecast) are 17-18 GL from Gil

Gil and about 76 GL from Moonie.

Gain from localised inflows.

Collarenberi

(total flow

including Old

Pockataroo

anabranch)

250,419 250,700 – 251,500 6 Feb 2020 Expected total inflows (observed

and forecast) are 25 GL from Mehi.

Total observed flows at Garwon

(Old Pockataroo) are 10 GL

Tara 271,846 272,000 – 273,000 7 Feb 2020 Gain from localised inflows

Walgett 379,453 379,500 –380,500 9 Feb 2020 Expected total inflows (observed

and forecast) are about 92.5 GL

from Namoi at Goangra

Boorooma 414,633 414,700 – 415,100 13 Feb 2020 Flows were out of bank

Geera 529,237 529,300 - 529,500 12 Feb 2020 Significant inflow from Castlereagh

River and Marthaguy Ck from April

rainfall

Brewarrina 496,818 497,000 – 497,500 16 Feb 2020

Beemery 634,853 634,500 – 636,000 18 Feb 2020 Around 32 GL inflow arrived from

Bokhara. Gain from localised

inflows.

Warraweena 773,196 773,300 – 774,000 19 Feb 2020 Around 175GL inflow from Culgoa.

Bourke 719,563 719,600 – 720,000 20 Feb 2020

Louth 715,217 715,230 – 715,300 24 Feb 2020 Around 47 GL inflow from Warrego

Tilpa 681,266 681,400 – 683,00 28 Feb 2020

Wilcannia 669,341* 669,800 – 672,000 5 Mar 2020


Lake Wetherell,

Lake Tandure

and Lake

Pamamaroo

584,429 584,500 - 586,000 10 Mar 2020 Around 10-20 GL expected from

Dolo-Bonley Creek system

downstream of Wilcannia. Higher

losses between Wilcannia and Lake

Wetherell.

*Observed volume updated based on rating table change


WaterNSW HYPLOT V134 Output 01/07/2020

Period 6 Month 01/01/2020 to 01/07/2020 2020416001 BARWON R @ MUNGINDI 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

416050 BARWON U/S PRESBURY 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422004 BARWON @ MOGIL MOGIL 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422003 BARWON @COLLARENEBRI 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422025 BARWON @ TARA 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422001 BARWON @ DANGAR BDGE 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422026 BARWON @ BOOROOMA 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422027 BARWON @ GEERA 141.006 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

WaterNSW HYPLOT V134 Output 01/07/2020

Period 6 Month 01/01/2020 to 01/07/2020 2020422002 BARWON @ BREWARRINA 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

422028 BARWON @ BEEMERY 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425039 DARLING@WARRAWEENA 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425003 DARLING@BOURKE TOWN 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425004 DARLING@LOUTH 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425900 DARLING@TILPA 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

425008 DARLING@WILC. MAIN C 141.00 6 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

036007200

108001440018000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun


7. Coastal valley based operational activities

7.1 Bega river


• Brogo Dam is at 94% of capacity.


• No current additional operations.

Water availability

• An AWD of 40% for general security, and 100% for all other licence categories was announced

on 1 July 19.

• Due to heavy rainfall on the weekend of 8 and 9 February 2020 Brogo Dam filled to 100%. In

these circumstances, full water security has been restored, and the temporary water restrictions

on general security was lifted on 12 February 2020.

• This has also resulted in increased allocation for general security licence by 20 per cent, which

makes the total allocation to 60 per cent of entitlement. The increase in GS allocation was

announced on 24th February 20.


• The Bega/Brogo regulated river water source is assessed to be in normal conditions now,

improved from drought Stage 4 to Stage 1.

• WaterNSW held an online ROSCCo meeting on 7th May 20 and provided the operational update

to the group.

Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Brogo (12/05) showed very low productivity across the storage mostly

represented by green alga. A minor count of benign cyanobacteria was detected upstream

and no cyanobacteria were detected downstream. Storage remains on green alert.


• Nil


7.2 Hunter valley


• Glenbawn Dam is currently at 38% of capacity and releasing around

300ML/d. Releases are forecast to reduce to minimum in next couple of

days .

• Glennies Creek Dam is at 37% of capacity and releases are currently around 20ML/d. Releases

are forecast to remain steady during the week after rainfall events contributed to instream flows

and reduced demand.

• Lostock Dam is at 100% of capacity and spilling.


• An Environmental Water Allowance (EWA) flow event in Hunter commenced on 5th June 2020

and is likely to continue to end of June. A total of up to 10,000 ML is expected to be delivered

over and above the extractive water orders.

Water availability

• General Security licenses in the Hunter Valley received 95% allocation on the 1 July 2019 while all

other categories received 100%.

• Paterson valley allocations are 100% for all licence categories.

• Water Allocation Statement(WAS) published on 20 May 20, by Department of Planning, Industry

and Environment provided resource outlook for 2020-21.

• As per 20 May WAS, high security and general security licences can expect an opening

allocation of 85% and 20% respectively.

• All other higher priority licences including Local Water Utilities, Major Water Utilities, and Domestic

and Stock water access licenses can expect full (100 per cent) allocations.

• The Environmental Water Allowance will be credited with 20 gigalitres (GL) in accordance with

the water sharing plan.

• Unused water in accounts (Carryover) can be carried forward, up to the water sharing plan

limits of 25% for high security and general security licences and will be fully deliverable in 2020-

21.


• The Hunter regulated river water source is assessed to be at drought Stage 1, however if

conditions remain dry the drought stage may escalate to stage 2 or higher.


Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Hunter storages indicates a green alert is maintained at Glennies

Creek and Lostock, however an amber alert is for Glenbawn.


• Nil


7.3 Toonumbar Dam


• Toonumbar Dam is at 68% of capacity and releasing about 4ML/d. A small inflow is coming into

the dam from recent rainfall. This should maintain the storage volume.


• No current additional operations.

Water availability

• All licence categories have 100% availability.

• WaterNSW held a River Operations Stakeholder Consultation Committee (ROSCCo) online on

24th June 2020 and advised the stakeholders of the current situation and future operations Plan.

• Full allocations already announced for all entitlement holders in 2019-20 are confirmed and fully

deliverable this year, while high priority commitments for 2020-21 are also assured.

• Recent rain and forecast weather conditions indicate a possible shift in weather patterns

following months of extreme dry weather. If Toonumbar storage levels are maintained or

increased in coming months, there will be a strong possibility of full general security allocation for

2020-21.


• The drought criticality level has eased from Stage 2 to Stage 1 – normal operations.

Water quality

• Recent results for Toonumbar shows that benign cyanobacteria dominate the assemblage with

minor counts of Microcystis sp. noted. No cyanobacteria were detected downstream. Storage

remains at amber alert awaiting another clear result


• Nil


8. Rural Dam Levels The following table shows the status of water supplies at 29 June 2020.

River Valley Capacity Current Status Weekly

change

(GL)

Comments

Likely-

hood of

fill and

spill

Allocations for 2019/20

Storage Dam, Nearest Town (GL) % of active

capacity

Active

(GL) Supply Issues

High

Security

Gen.

Security

C’over

avail @

1/7/19

Border Rivers

Glenlyon Dam, Stanthorpe (Qld) 253 13% 34 0 d/s trib flows continue <20% 100% 0% <1%

Pindari Dam, Inverell 312 13% 39 1 d/s trib flows continue <20% 100% 0% <1%

Gwydir Valley

Copeton Dam, Inverell 1346 13% 179 3 d/s trib flows continue <5% 100% 2.17% 5%

Namoi Valley

Keepit Dam, Gunnedah 419 15% 62 1 d/s trib flows continue <20% 100% 0% 5%

Split Rock Dam, Manilla 394 5% 18 -0 d/s trib flows continue <5% 100% 50% 22%

Chaffey Dam, Tamworth 98 15% 15 1 d/s trib flows continue <50% 50% 0% N/A

Macquarie Valley

Burrendong Dam, Wellington 1154 23.3% 269 11 d/s trib flows continue <20% 100% 0% 3%

Windamere Dam, Mudgee 367 27% 99 -0 Low releases <5% 100% 0% 54%

Lachlan Valley

Wyangala Dam, Cowra 1217 17% 202 12 Minimum releases

<20% 87% 0% 15%

Carcoar Dam, Carcoar 36 16% 6 0 d/s trib flows, access to UCF and

Supp flows ceased <10% 100% 0% 38%

Murrumbidgee Valley

Burrinjuck Dam, Yass 1025 43% 442 8 WSP Plan min releases

40% 95% 11% 8%

Blowering Dam, Tumut 1604 56% 904 60 WSP Plan min releases

<10% 95% 11% 8%

Murray

Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta (Vic) 3837 50% 1931 21 WSP Plan min releases N/A N/A N/A N/A

Hume Dam, Albury 2982 37% 1108 108 WSP Plan min releases <25% 97% 3% 18%

Lower Darling Menindee Lakes, Broken Hill 1633 27% 479 2 WSP Plan min releases <30% 100% 30% 19%

Hunter Valley

Glenbawn Dam, Scone 750 39% 290 -1 Ongoing EWA water delivery, <20% 100% 95% 23%

Glennies Ck Dam, Singleton 282 37% 104 -0 Small d/s trib flows <20% 100% 95% 23%

Lostock Dam, Gresford 20 100% 20 -0 spilling 100% 100% 100% N/A

Coastal Area

Toonumbar Dam, Kyogle 11 67% 7 0 d/s trib flows continue 100% 100% 100% N/A

Brogo Dam, Bega 9 94% 8 -0 Regulated releases 100% 100% 60% N/A

Total 17747 35.0% 6217 226 WaterNSW has water resources in Dartmouth, Hume and Glenlyon Dams. TWS = Town Water Supplies

1 Gigalitre (GL) = 1,000 Megalitres (ML) 1 ML = 1,000,000 litres

More information Subscribe to our customer information (weekly water availability reports, e-newsletters, etc.)

at waternsw.com.au/subscribe.

regional water availability report€¦ · 29/06/2020 · figure 1 - weekly rainfall totals for...

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