Page 1 of 19
Water Availability Report 11 September 2017
Table of Contents
Overview ........................................................................................................................ 2 System Risks ................................................................................................................... 2 Climatic Conditions ............................................................................................................ 3 3 Month Forecast Climatic Conditions ...................................................................................... 4 Valley Based Operational Activities ......................................................................................... 5
Murray Valley .............................................................................................................. 5 Lower Darling Valley..................................................................................................... 5 Murrumbidgee Valley .................................................................................................... 6 Lachlan Valley ............................................................................................................. 7 Macquarie Valley .......................................................................................................... 9 Namoi Valley ............................................................................................................. 11 Gwydir Valley ............................................................................................................ 13 Border Rivers ............................................................................................................ 14 Bega River ................................................................................................................ 16 Hunter Valley ............................................................................................................ 16 Toonumbar Dam ........................................................................................................ 18
Water NSW – Dam Levels.................................................................................................. 19
Authorised by Craig Cahill
Water System Operations Manager North (07) 4671 6126
Page 2 of 19
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 of 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 11 September 2017 was 75.0% of the total active storage capacity. This resulted in an increase of 0.1% from last week.
The total storage level of urban water supplies on 11 September 2017 was 89.3% of the total storage capacity. This was a 0.6% decrease from last week.
System Risks BoM is forecasting average probability of median rainfall across inland NSW while above average on
the north and south coast with warmer minimum and maximum temperatures during spring.
Spills from southern and central storages have about a 25-50% chance of occurring over winter/spring due to relatively high storage levels.
Releases planned to increase with increasing temperatures to satisfy orders across the state.
Increasing demand with increased temperatures may cause some system shortfalls. Delivery of peak irrigation and environmental water demands down the Bulgeragar Creek if the channel
capacity is not restored
Page 3 of 19
Climatic Conditions A high pressure system was located over the northern Tasman Sea in the beginning of the week and the warm air from central Australia ahead of a cold front contracted to the far northeast. Cooler fresh to strong westerly winds extended over the remainder. A deep low located south of Tasmania maintained a cool to cold westerly airstream across New South Wales through the first part of the week. Rainfall for the next 4 days occurred to the south of the state, with falls of 1 - 25mm, mainly in the Snowy Mountains area. The rest of the state was dry.
Figure 1 - Weekly rainfall totals for New South Wales (w/e 11 September 2017)
A high pressure system drifting over southeast Australia is promoting dry and mostly clear conditions. This high will remain over the northern Tasman Sea in the early part of the week, with warm northerly winds developing over New South Wales as a series of cold fronts approach from the west. A significant front will bring a vigorous cool change during the latter part of the week. Rainfall will be minimal over the next week (around 1mm) across the southern part of the state. The Snow Mountain region should receive around 10mm.
Figure 2a - 4 day Forecast (1st 4 days) Figure 2b – Following 4 day forecast (15 - 18 Sept)
Page 4 of 19
3 Month Forecast Climatic Conditions BoM is forecasting average probability of median rainfall in across inland NSW while above average on
the north and south coast.
Figure 3 - 3 month rainfall forecast
The spring (September to November) outlook, issued 17 August 2017, suggests rainfall is likely to be below average for western parts of Australia.
September is likely to be drier in southwest Australia, but wetter in parts of southern Queensland.
Daytime temperatures are likely to be warmer than average for most of Australia. Chances are highest (greater than 80%) in the north and southeast.
Spring nights are likely to be warmer than average over northern and eastern Australia.
Both of Australia's major climate drivers at this time of year, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), remain neutral. More localised influences, such as sea surface temperatures around the Australian coastline, are likely to be affecting this outlook.
Page 5 of 19
Valley Based Operational Activities Murray Valley Storage Status
Hume Dam is currently at about 90%, releasing about 4,200 ML/day.
Predicted Release Patterns
Releases from Hume Dam are likely to remain around the current rates
The flow at downstream Yarrawonga Weir is about 8,600 ML/day. The flow is likely to range between 7,500 and 8,500 ML/day depending on environmental targets.
Stevens Weir is being held at about 4.6m to assist in diversion to the Wakool-Yallakool system. The flow at downstream Stevens Weir is about 1,900 ML/day and is likely to gradually recede.
Environmental watering events in the Wakool / Yallakool and Colligen systems are continuing at low rates and are likely to continue to end of June 2018.
The Edward offtake regulator has been raised clear of water is response to high flows in the Murray River.
Gates in the Gulpa Creek Offtake Regulator has been reinstated to control the flow at about 350ML/day.
Operating Conditions
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions recent low inflows there is about a 50% chance of Hume Dam spilling by November. BoM is forecasting a lower than average probability of median rainfall in the catchment this winter.
Stevens Weir pool is being maintained at about 4.6m, and will be held at about this level to supply water to irrigation and environmental flow in the Wakool system.
Flows at the Wakool River offtake, with gates fully open, is currently around 60-70ML/day for eWater.
The Yallakool Offtake Regulator has been fully opened and the flows are likely to be maintained around the current range of about 530ML/day for eWater delivery.
Planned Supply Interruptions
None.
Lower Darling Valley Storage Status
The lakes currently hold a total volume of about 705 GL or about 36% of active capacity.
Predicted Release Patterns
Menindee outlet releases to Darling River are currently averaging about 200 ML/d to supply environmental orders above minimum flow targets. L Wetherall outlet is releasing about 210ML/d.
Releases for operational requirements of MDBA may be delayed until late September / early October due to tributary inflows in the Murray.
Page 6 of 19
Operating Conditions
Approximately 57GL of inflow has been recorded at Lake Wetherall from 1 May 2017 and the inflows to the lake system have nearly ceased.
Irrigation releases for the Redbank Creek from Lake Cawndilla are continuing at about 550 ML/day.
Planning is underway with MDBA to leave enough water in the upper lakes, to secure Broken Hill and Lower Darling supplies, through a repeat of the worst drought on record.
Planned Supply Interruptions
Nil
Murrumbidgee Valley Storage Status
Burrinjuck Dam is currently at about 60% releasing about 450 ML/day.
Blowering Dam is about 83% releasing about 4,400ML/day.
Predicted Release Patterns
The releases from Burrinjuck are likely to remain around the minimum planned releases as per
transparency / translucency rules.
The releases from Blowering dam are likely to remain around 4,400 to 5,000 ML/day to meet the
irrigation and system demands.
Operating Conditions
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is about a 35% chance of both Burrinjuck and Blowering Dams spilling by October 2017. BoM is forecasting a lower than average probability of median rainfall in the catchment this winter.
Irrigation demands have started to increase especially in the Yanco Creek system and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. Due to very dry winter, most broad acre farmers who did not pre-irrigate or do not have on farm storages require water to support the winter cereals. There is some interest in pre-irrigating for Cotton crops and is expected increase by mid-September.
All the lay flat gates in the Beavers Creek Offtake have been fully lowered, as per the Work Approval
conditions, to allow free fish passage. During September the gates may commence controlling the
flows subject to regulated flow target of 600ML/day at Kywong.
The current diversion into the Yanco Creek is about 660ML/d. In addition about 100ML/day from CCD escape of CICL has been called to meet the Yanco – Billabong system demands.
Water Operations and Customer Operations staff are working closely with customers in the Yano-Billabong system to manage water orders. Several water users have been identified to take water without valid orders while few have not been taking water in accordance with existing water orders.
The excess flow in the Murrumbidgee system is being captured for re-regulation in Tombullen and Hay Weirs.
Maude and Redbank Weirs would remain well below the full supply levels and the available airspace would be utilised to capture any surplus flows in the system.
Page 7 of 19
The river flow below Gogeldrie weir is likely to remain low as most of the downstream demands would be met from re-regulation available in the Tombullen storage and Hay Weir. A customer notice / media release has been issued to advise the water users.
Planned Supply Interruptions
Nil
Lachlan Valley Storage Status
Carcoar dam is at 91% and releases are at the riparian flow of 2 ML/d.
Wyangala Dam is at 87% of capacity and releases have averaged about 1300 ML/d.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Jul-1
1S
ep-1
1N
ov-1
1Ja
n-12
Mar
-12
May
-12
Jul-1
2S
ep-1
2N
ov-1
2Ja
n-13
Mar
-13
May
-13
Jul-1
3S
ep-1
3N
ov-1
3Ja
n-14
Mar
-14
May
-14
Jul-1
4S
ep-1
4N
ov-1
4Ja
n-15
Mar
-15
May
-15
Jul-1
5S
ep-1
5N
ov-1
5Ja
n-16
Mar
-16
May
-16
Jul-1
6S
ep-1
6N
ov-1
6D
ec-1
6M
ar-1
7A
pr-1
7Ju
n-17
Aug
-17
Oct
-17
Dec
-17
Feb-
18A
pr-1
8Ju
n-18
End
of M
onth
Sto
rage
(GL)
Burrinjuck Dam Forecast Storage CapacityUpdated mid-August 2017
Extreme dry scenario (99%)Dry Scenario (80%)Average scenario (50%)Wet scenario (20%)Actual
* Including Snowy releases
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Jul-1
1S
ep-1
1N
ov-1
1Ja
n-12
Mar
-12
May
-12
Jul-1
2S
ep-1
2N
ov-1
2Ja
n-13
Mar
-13
May
-13
Jul-1
3S
ep-1
3N
ov-1
3Ja
n-14
Mar
-14
May
-14
Jul-1
4S
ep-1
4N
ov-1
4Ja
n-15
Mar
-15
May
-15
Jul-1
5S
ep-1
5N
ov-1
5Ja
n-16
Mar
-16
May
-16
Jul-1
6S
ep-1
6N
ov-1
6D
ec-1
6M
ar-1
7A
pr-1
7Ju
n-17
Aug
-17
Oct
-17
Dec
-17
Feb-
18A
pr-1
8Ju
n-18
End
of M
onth
Sto
rage
(G
L)
Blowering Dam Forecast Storage CapacityUpdated mid-August 2017
Extreme dry scenario (99%)Dry Scenario (80%)Average scenario (50%)Wet scenario (20%)Actual
* Including Snowy releases
Page 8 of 19
Predicted Release Patterns The tributaries downstream of Carcoar Dam are still able to meet the minimum flow at Helensholme,
therefore the release from Carcoar Dam will be maintained at the minimum of 2 ML/d.
The release from Wyangala Dam is currently at 1100 ML/d and this release is to meet the irrigation and
operations demands for Upper Lachlan alone. Lower Lachlan demands are met with water released
from Lake Cargelligo and Lake Brewster.
The operational target flow at Lake Cargelligo is now set to 150 ML/D. The change is to manage the
expected increase in demand from summer watering with minimal operational shortfalls in the upper
Lachlan.
Delivery of Stock and Domestic replenishment flows into Merrowie, Muggabah and Willandra Creeks
have ceased. Delivery to Merrowie Creek ceased on 15 July 2017, Willandra Creek on 2nd August
2017 and Muggabah Creek on 17th August 2017.
The Lower Lachlan releases at Brewster have been averaging 420 ML/d to meet the irrigation
demands.
Operating Conditions
Supplementary access on the Belubula River recommenced on 21st May 2017 and ceased on 9th
September 2017.
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is a 20% chance of Wyangala Dam
spilling by end of September 2017. However, BoM is forecasting a lower than average probability of
median rainfall in the catchment this spring.
The ongoing assessment of airspace requirements at Wyangala has not yet indicated the need to
make pre-releases.
The translucent flow period is from mid-May to mid-November at the dam. The inflows to Wyangala
Dam from January to 11th September totalled 75.3 GL. Another 175 GL of dam inflows are required in
order to trigger any delivery of translucent environmental water. As there is only 158 GL of airspace left
in Wyangala Dam, it is highly likely that all three storages will fill and spill before commencement of any
translucent environmental water delivery.
Lake Cargelligo storage is currently at 97 % and it is planned to maintain the storage level below 100%.
The flows in the regulated section of the Willandra Creek have been restored and planned to maintain
very minimal flows when there are no water orders.
The Island Creek fish ladder was re-opened on the 2nd August 2017.
As of 5th September 2017, the Lake Brewster level is 139m and overall, Lake Brewster is currently at
72% holding about 105 GL.
When water in Lake Brewster northern cells depletes, it is planned to manage the outflow wetlands
actively in order to allow growth in wetland plants.
Latest samples from Lake Brewster show no cyanobacteria except the outlet channel. The outlet
channel is dominated by benign cyanobacteria. All sites are currently at green alert levels.
Planned Supply Interruptions A workshop was held on 1 August 2017 after Cowra experienced poor water quality between January
28 and Feb 6 this year. Treated water turbidity exceeded the critical limit of 0.5 NTU on four occasions.
Page 9 of 19
Poor clarifier performance (settled water turbidity exceeded the critical limit of >5 NTU) which put
excess load onto the filters and caused turbidity breakthrough in the treated water. The root cause was
identified as changes in raw water temperatures (caused by unseasonal high temperatures) which led
to poor clarifier performance.
The outcome of the workshop concluded that the council requires a better long term infrastructure
solution but in the meantime, WaterNSW was asked to assist in a trial in this coming summer by pulsing
higher flows when the Cowra experiences high temperature similar to this year’s temperatures. The
overall releases should be within the limits of the power station capacity, within the daily average of the
required releases and do not create a change of more than 0.2m at Cowra in order to reduce bank
slumping.
Account spill and reset of general security allocations
If WaterNSW were to commence dam releases to maintain airspace in Wyangala Dam, it will trigger an
account spill and reset of general security allocation accounts, high security spillable sub-accounts and
the conveyance licence account as per section 56 of the Lachlan WSP. DPI Water has announced that
if there is an account spill and reset there will be no further reset in the following 6 months.
Macquarie Valley Storage Status
Burrendong Dam is currently at 79.3% and Windamere Dam is at 48.5% of active capacity.
Predicted Release Patterns
Currently releases from Burrendong are around 1800ML/d and would gradually reduce to 1500ML/d
during this week. Majority of the water released from the dam is for delivering environmental flows. A
total of ~120 GL will be delivered to the Macquarie Marshes over 90 days. About 35GL down the
Marebone Break and 85GL downstream of Marebone Weir in the Macquarie River.
Page 10 of 19
Release made from Burrendong Dam for environmental flows are passing through Marebone Weir and
are getting diverted as per the orders into Marebone Break (further bifurcation of water in Bulgeraga Ck
and Gum Cowal) and d/s Marebone weir.
Environmental managers require the bulk of the environmental water ordered for river d/s to be
delivered via the new bypass gates to provide the attraction flows for the fishway. As the new bypass
gates are not automated it requires manual settings of the gates. The manual operation is inefficient
and it is not always possible to maximise the attraction flows through the bypass gates.
As part of a three-year watering strategy for Macquarie Marshes resilience, it is planned to deliver about
135 GL in 2017-18 from combined licenced and EWA allocations. In addition, a native fish connection
flow to the Barwon River and a fish dispersal flow in the Mid-Macquarie River may be delivered if the
right conditions are triggered.
Releases from Windamere are approximately 55 ML/d. Due to dry conditions the orders have slightly
increased and the target at Yamble Bridge was also increased.
It is anticipated that orders for summer watering may not commence until after October. Most irrigators
are likely to use the water in their on-farm storages first. The initial indications are that a total of about
400 GL may be extracted for irrigation this water year.
Operating Conditions
Based on 24th July test results, Windamere Dam is on Amber alert due to detection of Dolichospermum
sp. at the recreational area.
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is a 20% chance of Burrendong Dam
reaching 100% by end of September 2017. However, BoM is forecasting a lower than average
probability of median rainfall in the catchment this winter. Burrendong Dam currently has airspace of
240 GL to 100% and another 490 GL of airspace in the FMZ. It is highly likely that demand for
environmental watering and irrigation will increase the airspace further.
Minimal winter irrigation water usage is expected this year, with water being planned for higher value
summer cropping.
Planned Supply Interruptions
Remedial works have been carried out in the Bulgergar Creek channel between site #2 regulator and
the regulator at Mill’s crossing to fix the breakouts occurred during the 2016 floods. It has been
observed that the total water that is being diverted into Marebone Bk at the offtake is not fully arriving at
the Bulgeragar Ck and Gum Cowal bifurcation.
Deep water diving component of the investigations to reinstate Cold Water Pollution temperature curtain
which started last week has been concluded and no further outages are planned.
The works on the main penstock at Burrendong Dam have been successfully completed on time as
planned. The penstock is now recharged and the hydro power station and two large discharge valves
are in operation. The third large discharge valves will be in operation by end of this week.
DPI Water has approved rule changes relating to accounting of carryover spill in the WSP to minimise
the impact of planned outage of outlet works on the individual’s total available water.
A customer notice has been issued with the modification of the accounting rule.
Page 11 of 19
Namoi Valley Storage Status
Keepit Dam is at 68%, Split Rock Dam is at 30% and Chaffey Dam is at 93% of active capacity.
Predicted Release Patterns Required releases to meet demand are expected to gradually increase throughout spring. Warm dry
conditions, coupled with reasonably high water availability, will likely result in demand increasing earlier
than average at this time of year.
The Lower Namoi River below Gunidgera weir is drying back after end of system flows provided
throughout June to August.
Some limited demand is present upstream of Gunidgera and Mollee Weirs.
Higher volume general security releases are not expected to commence from Keepit Dam until mid to
late September 2017 to meet summer cropping demand.
Operating Conditions Catchment conditions are drying, though more positive in the east. End of system flows which have
maintained low flows over winter months have ceased and receded such that parts of the Namoi River
below Gunidgera Weir are likely cease to flow .
Low inflows from the Peel into the Lower Namoi continue, though receding.
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is less than 5% chance of Keepit Dam
spilling by December. BoM is forecasting a 55 to 60% probability of above median rainfall in the
catchment over the next three months.
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is less than a 5% chance of Split Rock
Dam spilling by December.
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is a 50% chance of Chaffey Dam
spilling sometime before December. BoM is forecasting an average probability of median rainfall over
the next three months (though warmer than average temps are forecast).
Page 12 of 19
A Bulk Water Transfer of approximately 67GL is planned to be undertaken from Split Rock to Keepit
Dam in January 2018 if conditions remain dry. A customer and community meeting was held in the
second week in August in Manilla, and further meetings will be scheduled over the coming months.
Planned Supply Interruptions No supply interruptions envisaged.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Sep
-16
Oct
-16
Dec
-16
Jan-
17Fe
b-17
Mar
-17
Apr
-17
May
-17
Jun-
17Ju
l-17
Aug
-17
Sep
-17
Oct
-17
Nov
-17
Dec
-17
Jan-
18Fe
b-18
Mar
-18
Apr
-18
May
-18
Jun-
18Ju
l-18
Aug
-18
Sep
-18
Oct
-18
Nov
-18
Dec
-18
Jan-
19Fe
b-19
Mar
-19
Apr
-19
May
-19
Jun-
19Ju
l-19
Aug
-19
Gig
alitr
es (G
L)
Split Rock - forecast storage volumeActual Minimum 99% COE DRY 80% COE Median 50% COE WET 20% COE
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Sep
-16
Oct
-16
Dec
-16
Jan-
17Fe
b-17
Mar
-17
Apr
-17
May
-17
Jun-
17Ju
l-17
Aug
-17
Sep
-17
Oct
-17
Nov
-17
Dec
-17
Jan-
18Fe
b-18
Mar
-18
Apr
-18
May
-18
Jun-
18Ju
l-18
Aug
-18
Sep
-18
Oct
-18
Nov
-18
Dec
-18
Jan-
19Fe
b-19
Mar
-19
Apr
-19
May
-19
Jun-
19Ju
l-19
Aug
-19
Gig
alitr
es (G
L)
Keepit forecast storage volume
Actual Minimum 99% COE DRY 80% COE Median 50% COE WET 20% COE
Page 13 of 19
Gwydir Valley Storage Status
Copeton Dam is at 52%
Predicted Release Patterns Environmental delivery of 10GL commenced Friday 25th August and is complete, flows are passing end
of system into the Barwon.
Releases from Copeton are expected to be ongoing will small volumes of demand until early to mid
October when demand is expected to increase.
Operating Conditions Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is less than a 5% chance of Copeton
Dam spilling by December. BoM is forecasting a 50 to 60% probability of above median rainfall in the
catchment over the next three months.
Planned Supply Interruptions
Annual weir maintenance has been completed for all sites except Tareelaroi over the winter months.
The iSMART upgrade work will restrict weir operations during the cutover, though there is not expected
to be any supply issues to customers.
0
20
40
60
80
100
Sep
-16
Oct
-16
Dec
-16
Jan-
17Fe
b-17
Mar
-17
Apr
-17
May
-17
Jun-
17Ju
l-17
Aug
-17
Sep
-17
Oct
-17
Nov
-17
Dec
-17
Jan-
18Fe
b-18
Mar
-18
Apr
-18
May
-18
Jun-
18Ju
l-18
Aug
-18
Sep
-18
Oct
-18
Nov
-18
Dec
-18
Jan-
19Fe
b-19
Mar
-19
Apr
-19
May
-19
Jun-
19Ju
l-19
Aug
-19
Chaffey Dam - forecast storage volumeactual Minimum 99% COE DRY 80% COE Median 50% COE WET 20% COE
Page 14 of 19
Border Rivers Storage Status
Pindari Dam is at 98% and Glenlyon at 74%.
Predicted Release Patterns No significant irrigation releases are anticipated to be required until November 2017 due to the amount
of water on-farm.
The stimulus flow begun 21 August 2017, a total of 8.4GL is now at steady base flows of 50ML/day.
Operating Conditions Hydro station utilisation continues to be maximised at Pindari Dam.
On-farm storages are quite full with high levels of supplementary access and overland flow throughout
April 2017.
Catchment conditions are drying rapidly.
Releases from Glenlyon to meet small users demand in the Dumaresq to the junction have begun.
Some small volumes of general security water are being taken as customers seek to manage quite full
accounts.
Planned Supply Interruptions No works that may impact supply are currently planned.
Page 15 of 19
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350S
ep-1
6O
ct-1
6D
ec-1
6Ja
n-17
Feb-
17M
ar-1
7A
pr-1
7M
ay-1
7Ju
n-17
Jul-1
7A
ug-1
7S
ep-1
7O
ct-1
7N
ov-1
7D
ec-1
7Ja
n-18
Feb-
18M
ar-1
8A
pr-1
8M
ay-1
8Ju
n-18
Jul-1
8A
ug-1
8S
ep-1
8O
ct-1
8N
ov-1
8D
ec-1
8Ja
n-19
Feb-
19M
ar-1
9A
pr-1
9M
ay-1
9Ju
n-19
Jul-1
9A
ug-1
9
Gig
alitr
es (G
L)Pindari forecast storage volume
Actual Minimum 99% COE DRY 80% COE
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Sep
-16
Oct
-16
Dec
-16
Jan-
17Fe
b-17
Mar
-17
Apr
-17
May
-17
Jun-
17Ju
l-17
Aug
-17
Sep
-17
Oct
-17
Nov
-17
Dec
-17
Jan-
18Fe
b-18
Mar
-18
Apr
-18
May
-18
Jun-
18Ju
l-18
Aug
-18
Sep
-18
Oct
-18
Nov
-18
Dec
-18
Jan-
19Fe
b-19
Mar
-19
Apr
-19
May
-19
Jun-
19Ju
l-19
Aug
-19
Gig
alitr
es (G
L)
Glenlyon forecast storage volumeActual Minimum 99% COE DRY 80% COE Median 50% COE WET 20% COE
Page 16 of 19
Bega River Storage Status
Brogo Dam is at 95.4%.
Predicted Release Patterns
Small releases in order of 40ML/d.
Operating Conditions
Demand is expected to gradually increase in line with warming temperatures and dry conditions.
Hunter Valley Storage Status
Glenbawn Dam is at 86.6 %, while Glennies Creek Dam is at 81%, and Lostock Dam is 96.7% of active capacity.
Predicted Release Patterns
Releases at Glenbawn Dam are approximately 200 ML/d.
Glennies Creek Dam is releasing 140 ML/d.
Lostock Dam is releasing approximately 50ML/d.
Operating Conditions
Low river levels are currently being experienced in the Patterson, release changes made late last week should be moving through the system and improve current river levels.
Demand has stabilised until AGL commence extractions.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
140%
Stor
age
% c
apac
ity
Brogo Dam - Forecast Storage Levels Minimum annual percentile inflows from 1 September
2017
Actual 80th% 50th% 20th% Drought 90%
Page 17 of 19
Dam Spill Likelihood: Based on historical inflow conditions there is a 20% chance of Hunter Dams spilling by May. However, BoM is forecasting an average probability of median rainfall in the catchment.
Planned Supply Interruptions
Nil
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Stor
age
% c
apac
ity
Hunter Dams - Forecast Storage Levels Minimum annual percentile inflows from 1 September 2017
Actual 80th% 50th% 20th% Drought 90%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Stor
age
% c
apac
ity
Lostock Dam - Forecast Storage Level Minimum annual percentile inflows from 1 September 2017
Actual 80th% 50th% 20th% Drought 90%
Page 18 of 19
Toonumbar Dam Storage Status
Toonumbar Dam 98.7%.
Predicted Release Patterns
Passing 22 ML/day. Regulated flow conditions
Operating Conditions
Regulated flow conditions, maintain releases at current levels.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
Stor
age
% ca
paci
ty
Toonumbar Dam- Forecast Storage Level Minimum annual percentile inflows from 1 September 2017
Actual 80th% 50th% 20th% Drought 90%
Page 19 of 19
Water NSW – Dam Levels The following table shows the current status of water supplies at 11 September 2017
1 Gigalitre (GL) = 1,000 Megalitres (ML) 1 ML = 1,000,000 litres
Rural Water Supply Weekly updates: Urban Water Supply Updates: http://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/dam-levels/greater-sydneys-dam-levels
River Valley
Capacity
Current Status
Weekly change
(GL)
Comments
Likelihood
Allocations for 2017/18
Storage Dam, Nearest Town
(GL)
% of
active capacity
Active (GL)
Supply Issues
of fill and spill
High
Security
General Security
Carry-over @ 1/7/17
Border Rivers 100% 11% 90%
Glenlyon Dam, Stanthorpe Qld 254 73% 186 -1 Low regulated release commenced
Pindari Dam, Inverell 312 98% 304 -0 Regulated releases for stimulus flows 100%
Gwydir Valley
Copeton Dam, Inverell 1 343 52% 701 -2 Low regulated releases <5% 100% 11.5% 60%
Increase in AWD of .0057
Namoi Valley
Keepit Dam, Gunnedah 419 68% 285 -1 20% 100% 7% 80%
Split Rock Dam, Manilla 394 30% 119 -1 <5% 100% 100% N/A
Chaffey Dam, Tamworth 100 94% 94 -0 Regulated releases 50% 100% 100% N/A
Macquarie Valley
Burrendong Dam, Wellington 1 154 79% 916 -14 Environmental and irrigation deliveries 20% 100% 38% 73%
Windamere Dam, Mudgee 367 49% 178 -1 <5% 100% 38% 137%
Oberon Dam, Oberon 45 84% 38 -0 100%
Lachlan Valley
Wyangala Dam, Cowra 1 219 87% 1 057 -9 Delivering irrigation demand 25% 100% 2% 108%
Carcoar Dam, Carcoar 36 91% 33 -0 100% 0% 95%
Murrumbidgee Valley 95% 29% 27%
Burrinjuck Dam, Yass 1 023 60% 612 10 Transparency / Translucency releases 35%
Blowering Dam, Tumut 1 607 83% 1 330 2 Regulated releases 35%
Murray Valley Irrigation / environmental releases 97% 20% 41%
Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta (Vic) 3 817 81% 3 093 21
Hume Dam, Albury 3 036 89% 2 712 15 50%
Lower Darling 100% 100% 77%
Menindee Lakes, Broken Hill 1 582 36% 705 -7 Irrigation / Environmental deliveries N/A
Hunter Valley 100% 100% 28%
Glenbawn Dam, Scone 750 88% 657 0 Regulated releases 20% 100% 100%
Glennies Ck Dam, Singleton 282 83% 235 0 Regulated releases 20% 100% 100%
Lostock Dam, Gresford 20 97% 19 -0 Regulated releases 100% 100% 100% N/A
Coastal Area
Toonumbar Dam, Kyogle 11 99% 11 -0 Regulated Releases 100% 100% 100% N/A
Brogo Dam, Bega 9 95% 8 -0 Regulated Releases 100% 100% 45% N/A
TOTALS 17 780 75.0% 13 329 11
: NSW has water resources in Dartmouth, Hume and Glenlyon Dams. TWS = Town Water Supplies
Top Related