Regional

water availability

report

Weekly edition

2 November 2020

1

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 ...... 9

5. Central valley based operational activities ...... 12

5.1 Lachlan valley ...... 12

5.2 Macquarie valley ...... 14

6. Northern valley based operational activities ...... 16

6.1 Namoi valley ...... 16

6.2 Gwydir valley ...... 18

6.3 ...... 19

6.4 Barwon-Darling River system ...... 20

7. Coastal valley based operational activities ...... 22

7.1 Bega river ...... 22

7.2 Hunter valley ...... 23

7.3 Toonumbar ...... 25

8. Rural Dam Levels ...... 26

9. More Information…………………………………………………………………………………………… ... 27

Water availability weekly report 2

1. Overview

WaterNSW manages and operates 42 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 , 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 2 November 2020 was 55.1 percent of the total active storage capacity. This was an increase of 1.6 percent since last week.

The total storage level of urban water supplies on 2 November 2020 was 94.7 percent of the total storage capacity. This was an increase of 0.9 percent since last week

2. System risks

WaterNSW is working with BOM in assessing the likelihood of filling storages, with the positive seasonal rainfall forecasts, particularly for , and preparing for pre-releases and flood operations. All floodplain landholders are recommended to review their flood operations plans and be aware of any notifications from BoM and SES. Any floods and floodplain flows that occur in the coming months may also trigger poor water quality, particularly low dissolved oxygen for fish, as floodwaters may pick up significant amounts of accumulated leaf litter. Cease to flow in parts of the Gwydir and Namoi systems and the Barwon River from Mungindi to Walgett. Rainfall along the southern and central west slopes and ranges over recent months continues to maintain stream flows and inflows to the dams in the Murray, Murrumbidgee, Lachlan and Macquarie valleys. Operational plans are being reviewed as these inflows accumulate.

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3. Climatic Conditions

Figure 1 - Weekly rainfall totals A high-pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea extends a ridge into , promoting generally benign weather in the region. The ridge will weaken later Tuesday and Wednesday as a trough and associated cold front approach from the west. This front is forecast to bring a cool change to southern parts of the state later Friday, extending through remaining areas on Thursday, accompanied by a period of unsettled weather. Another front looks set to skim across the south late Friday, after which a new high should extend another ridge into the state during the weekend. For the first part of the week, the majority of NSW is predicted to receive negligible rainfall with the state’s east predicted to receive between 10 – 15 mm of rainfall. As the week progresses, negligible rainfall is predicted along the coastal regions.

Figure 2a – First 4-day forecast (2 - 5 November 2020) Figure 2b – Following 4-day forecast (6 - 9 November 2020)

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Climate outlook overview

Issued 29 October 2020

Wetter September to November for much of NSW

• The fortnight of 2 – 15 November 2020 is likely to be wetter than average for much of NSW.

• The outlook for November 2020 to January 2021 indicates a wetter than average three-month period for most of NSW (a greater than 60 percent chance).

Figure 3 – 3-month rainfall outlook

The ENSO Outlook remains at LA NIÑA. Central tropical Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) have continued to cool over the past fortnight. The latest NINO3.4 and NINO3 values for the week ending 25 October are −1.0 °C and −0.8 °C. The latest 30-day and 90-day values for the SOI ending 25 October are +5.4 and +7.4. These SOI values have dropped over the last fortnight, most likely largely due to the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) moving over the Maritime Continent region during this period. All climate models surveyed by the Bureau anticipate further cooling of the central equatorial Pacific Ocean, and for La Niña thresholds to be met at least until February 2021. The cooling forecast by the models suggest this La Niña event will be of a moderate to strong nature, though conditions are currently weaker than those observed in the 2010 event. Bureau climatologists will continue to closely monitor model outlooks and conditions in the tropical Pacific for further developments to this La Niña event

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4. 4Southern valley based operational activities

4.1 Murray Valley

Storage and release status

• is currently at 81 percent of active capacity and releasing about 9,000ML/d. The release will vary in line with downstream tributary flows and regulated and environmental demands.

• Release downstream of Yarrawonga Weir is at approximately 15,000 ML/d and is likely to remain steady as part of an order for environmental flows.

• The Edward River offtake flow (1,550 ML/d) will remain within channel capacity of 1,600 ML/d.

• The Gulpa Creek offtake flow (698 ML/d) will remain steady until first week of December 2020 to deliver environmental flow to Gulpa Creek wetlands.

• Stevens Weir level is at approximately 4.680 m and will vary marginally to supply environmental water to - system. Currently, the water level upstream of Wakool District Main Canal Regulator is approximately 1.840 m.

• Flow downstream of Stevens Weir is approximately 2,610 ML/d and will gradually reduce to about 2,100 ML/d over the week.

• Flows into Colligen Creek (350 ML/d) environmental water has started so the flow will increase slowly by steps of 50 ML/d to 400 ML/d over the next two weeks.

• Flows into the Wakool River (115 ML/d) the environmental flow started on the 21 October 2020.

• Flows into the Yallakool Creek (515 ML/d) the environmental flow started on the 21 October 2020.

• Flow in Niemur River at Mallan School is currently at approximately 185 ML/d and will remain relatively steady over the week.

• Merran Creek flows upstream of its confluence with Wakool at approximately 230 ML/d and the flow will increase relatively steady to 400 ML/d over the week.

• Flow in Wakool River at Stoney Crossing is currently at approximately 670 ML/d and the flow will increase relatively steady to 700 ML/d over the week.

• Flow at is currently at approximately 3,000 ML/d, which exceeds the November 2020 end of system target flow of 683ML/d. The exceedance is due mainly to rain rejection in the past two weeks.

• Lake Victoria is currently holding approximately 641 GL or 95 percent of active capacity. The flow to South is at approximately 10,060 ML/d.

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Environmental water operations

• The eWater spring flow delivery into Wakool-Yallakool system and into the Colligen-Niemur system has started on the 21 October 2020.

• The eWater delivery to Gulpa Creek wetlands is in progress. The event is targeting water birds, specifically Australasian Bittern.

Water availability

• The Water Allocation Statement (WAS) by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) (dated 2 November 2020) confirmed that in the NSW Murray Valley Local Water Utility (LWU) and Domestic and Stock (D&S) allocation are at 100 percent. High Security (HS) allocation is at 97 percent. There is a ten percent increase to all General Security (GS) entitlements with a commensurate increase in the Conveyance entitlement in the NSW Murray Regulated River water source. As such, the total allocation for 2019-20 is brought to 36 percent, with an average GS carryover of 21 percent, this means the NSW Murray total GS water availability has reached 57 percent of entitlement.

Drought operation measures

• The NSW Murray Regulated River water source remains at Drought Stage 1, meaning all allocated water can now be delivered under normal regulated river operations. Despite the small improvements, drought conditions persist.

Water quality

• Potential Blue Green Algae issues:

o 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 an Amber Alert Level.

o For more information, please visit the Water Quality Algae section of the WaterNSW website.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Maintenance activities are underway in the Stevens Weir gates and super structure under the Coatings Program. However, the maintenance activities are not expected to impact normal river operations or weir levels.

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4.2 Lower Darling valley

Storage and release status

• The system collectively holds approximately 450 GL of total volume of water (or 25 percent of active capacity) and is releasing approximately 420 ML/d.

• The status of individual lakes are as follows: Lake Wetherell – 61 percent, Tandure – 80 percent and Lake Pamamaroo – 116 percent, Copi Hollow – 129 percent, while Lakes Menindee and Cawndilla remain dry.

Environmental water operations

• The Water Sharing Plan minimum flows for the month of November 2020 is 300 ML/d measured at Weir-32. An additional 100 ML/d is being delivered at Weir-32 as ordered by the environmental water holder until mid-November. Then planning for a possible pulse of up to 1200 ML/day for 4 days and then recession to elevated based flow of 400 ML/day until mid-January.

Water availability

• To date the current inflows have not resulted in the total storage volume reaching 640 GL and are currently not forecast to reach this trigger in the next few months. As such, the storage remains in NSW control and the resources shall be managed for Lower Darling operations.

• The WAS by DPIE (dated 2 November 2020) confirmed that all high priority entitlements have received a full allocation including all LWU, D&S and HS licences, in accordance with the Water Sharing Plan. GS allocation remains at 30 percent. Carryover of approximately 48 percent is fully available.

Drought operation measures

• The Lower Darling Regulated River water source is assessed to be in Drought Stage 2.

Water quality

• A Green Alert Level has been assessed for Lake Wetherell (Site 1, 2, 3 and 4), Copi Hollow (Site N1094), Wilcannia (N1042), Darling River at Weir 32 (N1086), Darling River u/s of Weir 32 (Site N1171 and Daring River Pumping Station at Menindee (N1095).

• For more information visit the Water Quality Algae section of the WaterNSW website.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil.

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4.3 Murrumbidgee valley

Storage and release status

• Burrinjuck Dam is currently at 89 percent of active capacity, releasing approximately 4,000 ML/d as planned environmental water and irrigation demands. The releases are expected to vary to meet the system demands and in response to rainfall forecast this week.

• is currently at 85 percent of active capacity and is on the minimum release of 560 ML/d.

• The Beavers Creek offtake flow is 1,200ML/d and rising due to the high flows in the river from tributaries downstream of the dams. The flows will be reduced at Beavers to meet the target of 100 ML/d at Kywong during the month of November 2020.

• Berembed Weir is at full supply level (4.96 m) and will remain relatively steady. However, the weir may be drawn down to 3.7 m, only if required to meet downstream system demands.

• Bundidgerry storage is currently at approximately 3.59 m and will vary over the week depending on the diversions by Murrumbidgee Irrigation.

• Golgeldrie Weir is at approximately 6.0 m and will vary over the next week while one day supplementary event is on and meeting downstream demands.

• The Tombullen storage (3.6 m) The storage is being drawn down to meet downstream irrigation and environmental demands as required.

• Hay Weir is at approximately 8.6 m. The water level is likely to vary within 300 mm/d over the next few weeks as the weir is used for active re-regulation. The water stored in the Weir will be used to meet downstream demands until the Weir level reaches 6.5 m, which is the operational target until the start of summer season.

• The water level at Maude Weir is at near full supply level of 5.9 m to deliver environmental water into the Nimmie Creek (350 ML/d) and North Caira (950 ML/d). The weir level is likely to vary between 5.7 m and 5.9 m over the next few weeks.

• Currently, the Redbank Weir water level is at approximately 5.65 m. The Weir will remain relatively steady over the next few weeks to deliver environmental water to assets in the Lowbidgee area and a one-day supplementary event.

• Flow at Balranald is currently at approximately 3,000 ML/d, which exceeds the November 2020 end of system target flow of 683 ML/d. The exceedance is due mainly to rain rejection over the past two weeks.

• The current diversion into Creek is about 500 ML/d and will be increase to about 700 ML/d for a few days while the supplementary event is on. The flow into the Yanco arm below Tarabah Weir will increase to approximately 200 ML/d for the supplementary event then come back down to 50ML/d after the event, while the split into the Colombo arm will be approximately 350 ML/d to supply water to increasing irrigation orders and to Forest

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Creek for environmental flows and supplementary. The Yanco Offtake diversions are supplemented by a delivery of 40 ML/d from CCD and 20 ML/d from DC800 escapes of CICL.

Environmental water operations

• Planned Environmental Water Flow Rules are fully complied with at both Balranald and Darlot.

• Total combined environmental water orders for the current events stand at approximately 248,800 ML including planned eWater, held eWater and supplementary (Lowbidgee category).

• A significant eWater delivery of approximately 95,200 ML (34,000 ML of Planned Environmental Water, 55,000 ML of Held eWater and 6,200 ML of supplementary) over a period of approximately 20 weeks commenced on 6 July 2020, via Yanga 1AS into Lowbidgee.

• A second event to deliver approximately 10,800 ML (9,800 ML of Held eWater and 1,000 ML of supplementary) through Waugorah 1ES, commenced on 23 July 2020 and will continue at a rate of approximately 50 to 100 ML/d. The event is expected to run for more than 18- weeks.

• A third event to deliver approximately 26,500 ML (10,000 ML of Planned Environmental Water, 12,500 ML of Held eWater and 4,000 ML of supplementary flows) commenced on 28 July 2020 at the Nimmie Creek offtake. The event will continue for ten weeks.

• A fourth event to deliver approximately 43,500 ML (9,500 ML of Planned Environmental Water, 30,000 ML of Held eWater and 4,000 ML of supplementary flows) commenced on 17 August 2020 to Lowbidgee assets via North Redbank Channel.

• A fifth event to deliver approximately 8,800 ML (800 ML of supplementary flows and 8,000 ML of Planned Environmental Water) commenced on 31 August 2020 at the Warriston Weir in the Forest Creek.

• A sixth event to deliver 59,500 ML (45,000 ML of Planned Environmental Water, 6,500 ML of Held eWater and 8,000 ML of supplementary flows) is being delivered to North Caira channel since the end of August 2020.

Water availability

• For the Inter Valley Transfer (IVT) account from Murray to Murrumbidgee, please refer to the Murrumbidgee IV Account Status section of WaterNSW website.

• The WAS by DPIE (dated 2 November 2020) confirmed that all high priority entitlements have received full opening allocations as per the Valley’s Water Sharing Plan. This includes all LWU, D & S and HS licences. GS licence holders have received an increase in allocation of four percent taking the total allocation to-date to 58 percent. Carryover is fully available and estimated to be approximately 348 GL or 18 percent of GS entitlement on average.

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Conveyance entitlements have received commensurate increase in allocations as per the Water Sharing Plan.

• Drought operation measures

• 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 persist.

Water quality

• Potential Blue Green Algae issues:

o Burrinjuck Dam at Station One (Dam Wall), Downstream, Burrinjuck Water State Park, Woogarlo and Goodhope are at no Alert Level. Blowering Dam is at no Alert Level.

o D/S (Roaches Road) Green Alert level.

o For more information please visit the Water Quality Algae section of the WaterNSW website.

Unplanned supply interruptions:

• Nil

Planned supply interruptions:

• Painting of the Maude Weir Super Structure has started and will be completed by end of November 2020. The Painting program for Gogeldrie started on 30 June 2020 and will continue until mid-January 2021. However, the maintenance activity under the coating program is not expected to impact normal River Operations and Weir levels.

• High Level Offtake at the Burrinjuck Dam is unavailable due to potential trash rack failure with flow-induced vibrations. The repair works will be undertaken only when the Burrinjuck Water levels are low enough. The maximum release capacity through fixed outlet from the dam is partially reduced until the remedial works are completed. However, with the availability of other low-level valves and Stoney sluice, the system supply is expected to be fully met under normal river operations.

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5. Central valley based operational activities

5.1 Lachlan valley

Storage and release status

• is currently at 32 percent of capacity and is releasing approximately 2 ML/d.

• Dam is currently at 64.5 percent of capacity and is releasing approximately 5,000 ML/d of translucent flow.

• The recent rainfall and inflows into has again triggered translucent flow conditions. The translucent flow release from Wyangala dam recommenced on 28th October 2020. Releases will reduce gradually by end of the week if conditions remain dry.

• Lake Cargelligo is currently at approximately 66.2 percent of capacity and will remain steady at approximately 66 percent for the rest of the week.

• Releases downstream of the Brewster Weir are around 165 ML/d. Releases are forecast to be steady between 150 -200 ML/d during the week.

• Good tributary inflows have resulted from recent rain events. The S&D replenishment flows have been delivered into Willandra Ck (stopped on 24 September 2020), Merrowie Ck (stopped on 26 September 2020), Merrimajeel and Muggabah ceased on 6 October 2020.

• The current Lake Brewster storage volume is 39.5 percent of capacity with a volume of approximately 57,400 ML.

Environmental water operations

• Tributary flows in Belubula are continuing. End of system flow condition is met by flow provided by tributaries.

• The Lachlan water sharing plan rules for translucent delivery requirements have been met and the government environmental agencies have requested that the water be delivered from Wyangala as per the rules starting from 28 October 2020. When the rules were last triggered in early August 2020 there was an agreement with the environmental agencies and approval from DPIE Water that the translucent flows could be delivered from Lake Brewster storage as Wyangala dam was only around 24 percent, to retain water within Wyangala and utilise the stored volume in Lake Brewster. For more information see below link https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/161417/Operations-Update- Translucent-Release_Lachlan-27-October-20.pdf

Water Availability

• The WAS published by DPIE on 21 October 2020 confirmed that there is no change to allocations in the Belubula regulated river water source.

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• The DPIE WAS published on 7 October 2020 for Lachlan, confirmed that an additional allocation of 4 percent has been made to GS licence holders, bringing the total allocation this year to 32 percent.

• There has also been commensurate increase in Conveyance allocation, in accordance with the Water Sharing Plan.

• In Belubula, GS water access licence holders have zero percent allocation but will have access to account water that has been carried over from the previous Water Year (2019- 20).

• Water operations update for Belubula can be found at the Belubula operations section of the WaterNSW website.

• Supplementary and Uncontrolled flows in Belubula are continued to be available for access.

• Water Quality

• The Wyangala Storage results (7 October) show continuing low productivity at all sites. Few cyanobacteria were observed across the entirety of the lake. Assemblage is dominated by flood and green alga. A minor detection of Dolichospermum circinale was noted at Station 1. Downstream showed no cyanobacteria were detected. The storage remains on green alert.

• The Latest samples (12 October 2020) from Carcoar dam continue to show low productivity with no cyanobacteria detected in the upstream sample. Downstream also showed no cyanobacteria detected. Storage remains at green alert.

• The Lake Brewster Sample results from the 21st October showed high productivity across the system. A diverse assemblage is noted with Dolichospermum circinalis present at amber alerts levels in the inflow and green alga present in high numbers at all other locations. A species shift across the system may be occurring. Results for the inflow wetland are still pending. Lake Brewster is now on amber alert.

• Results from Lake Cargelligo on 22nd October show slightly increasing productivity across the storage. Green and flood algal dominate the assemblage at all sites however the downstream Lachlan site showed the presence of a high biovolume unidentified cyanobacteria. Few other cyanobacteria were detected. System is now on green alert.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil

Water availability weekly report 13

5.2 Macquarie valley

Storage and release status

• is at 46.9 percent of active capacity and currently releasing approximately 2,500 ML/d. The majority of the release is for environmental water orders and some to satisfy irrigation demand. Releases are forecast to remain between 2,000 – 2,600 ML/d depending on forecast rain and downstream demand.

• is currently at 29.6 percent of active capacity (109 GL) and releasing 10 ML/d. Releases are forecast to stay at approximately between 10 - 15 ML/d during this week.

• Rainfall and inflows in the last few months have delayed indefinitely the second phase of the transfer from Windamere to Burrendong. The transfer will leave a minimum of 70 GL in Windamere Dam, which provides a very secure supply for local demand for the next five to seven years.

Environmental Water operations

• Environmental water in both active and translucent accounts is available.

• Translucent environmental water delivery from Burrendong Dam restarted from 31 August 2020 and finished on 14 October 2020.

• Releases have commenced for additional environmental water of over 100 GL in October to mid December 2020 for native fish breeding and continued inundation of the Macquarie Marshes. Current environmental releases are targeted to providing a stable flow for fish breeding and will continue into the November.

• 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 110 GL.

Water availability

• The WAS published by DPIE on 13 October 2020 confirmed that an additional allocation of 6 percent AWD has been made to GS licence holders, bringing the total allocation this year to 18 percent.

• LWU, S&D licences and HS allocations have 100 percent entitlement.

• All HS licence categories received 100 percent allocation on 1July 2020.

• Trade from the Cudgegong Valley down to the Macquarie water source can resume in accordance with the Water Sharing Plan.

• Given that GS 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.

• Burrendong Dam gained approximately 45,000 ML in the month of October 2020.

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• Carryover evaporation reduction in Macquarie and Cudgegong has been applied on carryover balances of General Security, High Security and EWA accounts at the end of 1st quarter of 2020-21 water year.

• A 0.7 percent carryover evaporation reduction is applied to Macquarie River and 0.6 percent to Cudgegong River.

Drought operation measures

• Due to recent rainfall and inflows into the Dam and downstream of the Dam, the Macquarie Regulated River Water Source has improved to Drought Stage 1.

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

Water quality

• Burrendong Dam: Results for the 19th October show low productivity across the storage. Few cyanobacteria were noted however a Synura sp. detection was observed in the Cudgegong arm. This species is high biovolume per cell and is known taste and odour producer. Few cyanobacteria were detected downstream. Storage remains at Amber alert.

• Windamere dam: Results for the 14 October 2020 show that productivity has remained high however it is now dominated by green alga. The storage continues to show moderate productivity but is now dominated by Microcystis sp. at the Dam Wall and green alga mid- lake. Downstream results showed no cyanobacteria present. Windamere Dam remains on Green alert.

• The cold-water pollution curtain at Burrendong is damaged and the curtain is not in operation. WaterNSW is assessing the damage.

Planned supply interruptions:

Water availability weekly report 15

6. Northern valley based operational activities

6.1 Namoi valley

Storage, release and inflow status

• is at 4.9 percent of active capacity and is currently releasing 12 ML/d.

• is at 26.5 percent of active capacity (up from 26.0 percent a week ago) and releases have ceased.

• is at 33.1 percent of active capacity (up from 30.5 percent a week ago) and is currently releasing 3 ML/d.

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

• For regular updates, refer to the Operations Update section of WaterNSW website.

Environmental water operations

• There are no current orders for the release of environmental water in the Namoi Valley.

• Planned environmental releases of 3 ML/d from Chaffey Dam have recommenced as the dam has risen above the 20 percent trigger in the Chaffey pipeline authorisation.

Water availability

• The WAS, published by DPIE (dated 6 August 2020) confirmed that in the Peel Valley LWU and D&S allocation are 70 percent; HS and its sub-categories are 50 percent, and GS is zero percent.

• Current resource deficit for current commitments in the Peel Valley is 10.6 GL

• The latest Water Allocation Statement, published by DPIE (dated 7 October 2020) confirmed resource improvements high enough to warrant increase in allocations in the Lower Namoi Valley: the GS allocation to increase by 0.014 megalitres (ML) per unit share, for a cumulative allocation of 5.6 per cent for the current water year. All other categories of licence in the Upper and Lower Namoi Regulated River Water Source remain unchanged.

• Upper Namoi local water utility and D&S have 100 percent as well as HS (100 percent). The GS is at 50 percent.

Drought operation measures

• The Peel Valley is in Drought Stage 3, downgraded from 4. Commissioning of the Chaffey to Dungowan pipeline is complete and operation of the pipeline commenced on 17 June 2020 and have now ceased as the dam is above 20 percent. Operational flow targets below Chaffey will be for very low environmental flows of 3 ML/d.

• The Upper Namoi Valley is at Drought Stage 2. Releases recommenced on 30 March 2020 and will be used to supply water orders in the Manilla River from Split Rock Dam to the

Water availability weekly report 16

junction with the . For customers located on the Namoi River (below Manilla), water orders will be supplied (where possible) using the inflows from the Namoi Unregulated River. Customers wishing to take water from their HS, GS or S&D licences are reminded to place an order for their water.

• The Lower Namoi is at Drought Stage 3 under the Incident Response Guide.

• After consultation with Namoi water users and other stakeholders the release that was planned to commence 12 November has been postponed and will now commence on 21 Decemebre 2020. Releases will be made from Keepit dam for approximately 18 days, details on block releases. link

Water quality

• Split Rock Dam is on a Green Alert Level in the storage.

• Keepit Dam is on a Red Alert Level in the storage; and

• Chaffey Dam is on a Green Alert Level in the storage.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Mollee Fishway is currently unavailable due to infrastructure failure.

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6.2 Gwydir valley

Storage, release and inflow status

• is at 16.52 percent of active capacity (up from 16.33 percent a week ago) and is currently releasing 22.6 ML/d (down from 31 ML/d).

Environmental water operations

• No environmental flow orders are currently in place.

Water availability

• The latest Water Allocation Statement published by DPIE -Water (dated 8 October 2020) confirmed an increase of 0.3 per cent for general security water users in the Gwydir (in total it is at 5.07 percent of the entitlement).

• Approximately 5 percent of the GS has been carried over the 2020-21 Water Year.

• LWU licence holders and D&S access licence holders have 100 percent entitlement and HS licence holders have 100 percent.

Water quality

• Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Copeton shows Copeton on a Red Alert Level in the storage.

Drought operation measures

• The Gwydir Valley 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. Please see the 1 July 2020 Operations Update for Gwydir Operations Update section of the WaterNSW website.

• A block release survey and expressions of interest for potential supplementary access is complete, further details on block releases are soon to follow.

• Planned supply interruptions

• No supply interruptions are expected.

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6.3 Border rivers

Storage, release and inflow status

• is at 15.5 percent of capacity. Currently releasing about 50ML/d.

• is at 14.4 percent of capacity and releases have ceased.

• Boggabilla Weir is full from recent inflows and stimulus release and currently passing all inflows.

• For regular updates, please refer to the Operations Update section of WaterNSW website.

Environmental Water operations

• Stimulus flow release from Pindari Dam has started from 1 October 2020 and around 4,500 ML was released throughout October 2020. See link to Operational Update.

• Translucent flow release of about 50ML/d from Pindari Dam has commenced after the completion of stimulus.

Water availability

• The latest WAS, published by DPIE -Water (dated 16 October 2020) confirmed 9.1 percent allocation for General Security A in the NSW Border Rivers regulated water source that totals 23.3 percent. No allocation to General Security B is possible until A receives a full (100 percent) allocation, in accordance with the Water Sharing Plan.

• There are no temporary water restrictions, but low storage levels mean deliverability of account water is challenging and depends on drought operational measures and tributary inflows.

• All licence categories, except GS, have received full allocations.

Drought operation measures

• The Border River is in Drought Stage 2.

Water quality

• Recent Blue Green Algae (BGA) sampling at Pindari shows a Red Alert Level.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Pindari dam low level valve maintenance work has been completed.

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6.4 Barwon-Darling River system

River flow status

• The 2020 Northern Basin inflow event provided significant inflow to the Barwon Darling system. Inflows arrived from the Border, Moonie, Gwydir, Namoi, Culgoa, Bokhara, Castlereagh, Bogan and Warrego systems.

• Approximately 716 GL of flow has been recorded at Wilcannia since the first flow arrived on 5 March 2020.

• Flow has now ceased from Mungindi to Walgett weir pool section. Flow is receding downstream of Walgett to Wilcannia section.

• No significant rainfall was observed during last week over Barwon Darling. Some rainfall observed over tributary catchments, but no significant inflow is expected to arrive in the Barwon Darling.

Environmental water operations

• Planned Environmental Water (PEW) is water in the system that is below the Commence to Pump conditions for access licences.

Water Availability

• The latest WAS, published by DPIE -Water (dated 1 July 2020) confirmed 100 percent allocation for all licence classes in the Barwon Darling Unregulated River water source.

• Flow has resumed between Mungindi and Wilcannia and access is allowed, as per licence conditions, for customers for all management zones.

• According to the amended WAS, published 1 July 2020, flow class announcements will be made every day when the flow class availability is A class or above. Please refer to the WaterInsights Portal for recent flow class announcements.

Drought operation measures

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

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WaterNSW HYPLOT V134 Output 04/11/2020 Period 11 Month 01/01/2020 to 01/12/2020 2020 416001 BARWON R @ MUNGINDI 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 416050 BARWON U/S PRESBURY 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422004 BARWON @ MOGIL MOGIL 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422003 BARWON @COLLARENEBRI 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422025 BARWON @ TARA 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422001 BARWON @ DANGAR BDGE 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422026 BARWON @ BOOROOMA 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422027 BARWON @ GEERA 141.0012 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

WaterNSW HYPLOT V134 Output 04/11/2020 Period 11 Month 01/01/2020 to 01/12/2020 2020 422002 BARWON @ BREWARRINA 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 422028 BARWON @ BEEMERY 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 425039 DARLING@WARRAWEENA 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 425003 DARLING@BOURKE TOWN 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 425004 DARLING@LOUTH 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 425900 DARLING@TILPA 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 425008 DARLING@WILC. MAIN C 141.00 12 Hour Mean Discharge (ML/d) CP 18000 14400 10800 7200 3600 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

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7. Coastal valley based operational activities

7.1 Bega river

Storage and release status

• is at 110 percent of capacity and spilling.

Environmental water operations

• There are no current additional operations.

Water availability

• An AWD of 40 percent for GS, and 100 percent for all other licence categories was announced on 1 July 2020.

• Access to Supplementary and Uncontrolled flows in in all river sections has been made available until further notice.

Drought operation measures

• The Bega/Brogo Regulated River water source is assessed to be in normal conditions now, improved from Drought Stage 4 to Drought Stage 1.

• WaterNSW held an online River Operations Stakeholder Consultation Committee (ROSCCo) meeting on 9 September 2020 and provided the operational updates to the group.

Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Brogo (8 September 2020) ) showed very low productivity across the storage. No cyanobacteria were observed either upstream or downstream. The assemblage is dominated by small counts of flood alga. Storage remains at Green Alert Level.

Planned supply interruptions

• Nil.

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7.2 Hunter valley

Storage and release status

• is currently at 46.7 percent of capacity and minimum releases are made due to good tributary flows caused by recent rain. Releases are forecast to remain at minimum. The demand in the lower sections is largely met by downstream tributary flows.

• is at 40 percent of capacity and releases are currently at minimum. Releases are forecast to be back to up to 20 ML/d.

• is at 102 percent of capacity and spilling.

Environmental Water operations

• Currently, all environmental flow targets are being met by the tributary flows.

Water availability

• Supplementary access is currently available in the Hunter and Paterson systems. Supplementary Announcements

• The recent WAS published by DPIE confirms that no allocation increase has been made to GS licences.

• Total GS AWD remains at 53 percent in this year. Carryover is equivalent to approximately 23 percent of the total share component. HS and all other categories received 100 percent allocation.

• The EWA has been credited with 20 GL in accordance with the Water Sharing Plan.

• Paterson Valley allocations are at 100 percent for all licence categories.

Drought operation measures

• The Hunter Regulated River water source is assessed to be at Drought Stage 1 normal operations.

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Water quality

• Recent BGA sampling at Glenbawn Dam shows that the Microcystis (cf) flos-aquae presence at all upstream sites is continuing with Dolichospermum circinale also present in moderate numbers. Downstream results showed a Phormidium sp. detection however being a benthic variety is unlikely to represent a longer-term concern. Storage remains at Amber Alert Level.

• Recent BGA sampling at Glennies Ck Dam show that productivity remains low at the Dam wall but higher near the recreation area. Results from the Dam Wall show no cyanobacteria present. Near the recreation area, Dolichospermum circinale continues to be observed at Amber Alert Levels. No cyanobacteria were detected downstream. Storage remains at Amber Alert Level.

• Recent BGA results for Lostock dam shows the upstream assemblage is dominated by flood alga. No cyanobacteria were observed. Downstream results showed a minor Microcystis sp. detection. Storage remains at Green Alert Level.

• Planned supply interruptions:

• Nil

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7.3

Storage and release status

• Toonumbar Dam is at 62 percent of capacity and releasing approximately 10 ML/d. The release is expected to stay steady during the week.

Environmental water operations

• No current additional operations.

Water availability

• All licence categories have 100 percent availability.

• WaterNSW held an online ROSCCo meeting on 14 October 2020 and advised the stakeholders present of the current situation and future operations plan.

• Full allocations already announced for all entitlement holders in the 2020-21 Water Year.

Drought operation measures

• The Drought Stage level has eased from Drought Stage 2 to Drought Stage 1 with normal operations resuming.

Water quality

• Recent results for Toonumbar shows that productivity is moderate across the storage. Minor counts of Microcystis sp. were noted however the assemblage is dominated by flood alga. A similar assemblage of cyanobacteria was observed downstream. The storage remains at Green Alert Level.

Planned supply interruptions:

• Scheduled works for replacement of the 610” valve have been cancelled, until further notice.

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8. Rural Dam Levels

The following table shows the status of water supplies at 2 November 2020.

Likely- Weekly Active hood of River Valley Current Status change Comments Allocations for 2020/21 Capacity fill and (GL) spill

percent of Weekly C’over Active High Gen. Storage Dam, Nearest Town (GL) active Change Supply Issues avail @ (GL) Security Security capacity (GL) 1/7/20

Border Rivers

Glenlyon Dam, Stanthorpe Release ceased <20% 100% 1.9% 2% (Qld) 253 14% 36 -0

Translucent releases <20% 100% 1.9% 2% Pindari Dam, Inverell 312 16% 49 -0

Gwydir Valley

Copeton Dam, 1346 16% 221 3 Min release & some d/s tribs <5% 100% 5.07% 5%

Namoi Valley Min release & good d/s tribs Keepit Dam, Gunnedah 419 26% 111 2 <20% 100% 5.6% 6%

Split Rock Dam, Manilla 394 5% 19 1 Regulated releases <5% 100% 50% 39%

Chaffey Dam, Tamworth 101 33% 33 3 Min release & good d/s tribs <50% 50% 0% N/A

Macquarie Valley d/s trib flows reduced translucent flow ceased. <40% 100% 18% 16% Burrendong Dam, Wellington 1154 47% 542 21 Env water release.

Windamere Dam, Mudgee 367 30% 109 1 Low releases <5% 100% 18% 58%

Lachlan Valley Trans release to continue for <50% 100% 32% 6% Wyangala Dam, Cowra 1217 65% 785 24 couple of days. D/s trib flows, access to UCF <10% 100% 0% 28% Carcoar Dam, Carcoar 36 32% 12 0 and Supp flows continues

Murrumbidgee Valley

Regulated releases <25% 95% 54% 18% Burrinjuck Dam, Yass 1025 89% 910 84

Min release & some d/s tribs <10% 95% 54% 18% Blowering Dam, Tumut 1604 85% 1370 34

Murray

Dartmouth, Mitta Mitta (Vic) 3837 59% 2255 28 Minimum releases N/A N/A N/A N/A Regulated releases <25% 97% 26% 21% Hume Dam, Albury 2982 81% 2408 79 including eWater

Lower Darling Regulated releases <30% 100% 30% 48% Menindee Lakes, Broken Hill 1633 25% 413 -2 including eWater

Hunter Valley Glenbawn Dam, Scone 750 47% 350 4 Supp & UCF in all sections <20% 100% 53% 24% Minimum release Glennies Ck Dam, Singleton 282 40% 113 3 <20% 100% 53% 24% Spilling Lostock Dam, Gresford 20 101% 20 0 100% 100% 100% N/A

Coastal Area

Toonumbar Dam, Kyogle 11 61% 7 -0 Regulated releases 100% 100% 100% N/A

Spilling, access to Supp and 100% 100% 40% N/A UCF continues in all sections Brogo Dam, Bega 9 109% 10 1

Total 17749 55.1% 9774 286 WaterNSW has water resources in Dartmouth, Hume and Glenlyon Dams. TWS = Town Water Supplies

Water availability weekly report 26

9. More Information

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 .com.au/subscribe.

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