324 pump restrictions to save Darling flows for towns

WaterNSW will implement a NSW Government temporary pump restriction to preserve flows currently occurring in the Barwon-Darling river system, for towns and stock and domestic supply only.

The section 324 order comes into effect today and applies to the Darling River between the Culgoa confluence upstream of Bourke, and Lake Wetherell in the Menindee lakes system in the Far West.

The temporary pump restriction means irrigators with A, B and C class licences who might otherwise extract the water are not permitted to do so. The order is in effect until 31 December 2019.

The temporary restriction does not apply to the take of water for testing metering equipment and does not apply to the take of water from farm dams.

Up until the most recent rainfall town water supplies for towns on the Darling had not received inflow for many weeks: Louth (172 days), Tilpa (167 days), and Wilcannia (117 days). Bourke had not received flows for in excess of 400 days.

Further information regarding the temporary water restrictions can be found on the department’s website.

Today’s announcement follows heavy weekend rains in the Bourke region that have filled the town’s weir and caused flow events at various points along the Darling River, most notably downstream from the Bourke weir.

At this point the size of the flow is yet to be determined but authorities are hopeful the water will reach Louth and Tilpa town weir pools.

Read WaterNSW drought management information

For information on water licences and trading, contact the WaterNSW helpdesk on 1300 662 077

Media Contact – Tony Webber 0428 613 478.