Blowering releases reduced as storage capacity grows

WaterNSW has decreased releases from Blowering Dam storage as the volume drops to less than 96% of capacity and inflows decrease.

Releases have fallen from a weekend rate of 10.5 gigalitres per day (GL/day) to 7.7 GL/day which will reduce downstream flows to within channel capacity at Tumut by today (Tuesday, 17 August).

The decision has been taken in consultation with the local airspace advisory panel, comprised of landholders, local councils, NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and other key stakeholders.

While an airspace target of 100 GL by the end of the week remains for the Blowering storage, a short-term weather forecast absent of rain has allowed WaterNSW to reduce releases into the Tumut River.

With the Bureau of Meteorology continuing to forecast a climate outlook that “indicates rainfall over the coming three months is likely to be above average” WaterNSW will continue to make airspace releases as required.

Throughout June and July a total of 387 gigalitres was received into Blowering Dam, of which 245 gigalitres has been released over that time.

WaterNSW executive manager of system operations, Adrian Langdon said based on weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology and in consultation with the local airspace advisory panel, WaterNSW has already released large volumes from dams in the Murrumbidgee.

“Our intention remains to pursue greater storage capacity at Blowering Dam to capture future inflows, based on weather advice from the Bureau. Thankfully a break in the wet weather has allowed us to continue making airspace releases but at the rate that will allow us to achieve that objective while reducing inundation of low-lying areas downstream,” he said.

“We thank landholders downstream of the dam for their patience and encourage affected property owners to monitor advice on river heights that could impact livestock or farm infrastructure.”

For more information on WaterNSW storages visit: www.waternsw.com.au

To access WaterNSW information on river heights and flow data visit: WaterInsights

Media contact – Tony Webber 0428 613 478.