WaterNSW drops storages for third inflow in a fortnight
19 OCTOBER 2022WaterNSW has carefully reduced storage levels at key dams across regional NSW in preparation for further inflows generated by rainfall predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology (Bureau) for the coming days.
The water expected to be received into the storages across the state’s inland is at least the third major inflow event into WaterNSW dams in the last fortnight.
The main attention now is on Copeton and Keepit in the North, Wyangala and Burrendong in the Central West, Glenbawn in the Hunter, and Burrinjuck and Blowering in the Murrumbidgee.
Careful releases have resulted in all dams regaining some degree of storage capacity between rain events. But the Bureau’s forecast for severe storms raises the likelihood of large inflows which may see dams exceed capacity.
(NB: The design of Burrendong and Glenbawn dams includes a large flood mitigation zone, which allows the storage to temporarily exceed 100%, a feature not shared by other major dams in NSW.)
Consistent with recent months, water captured from the dam catchment will be held back to allow downstream flows - where the flooding is generated - to peak and recede.
Dams’ storage capacity as at 9am 19 October:
- Copeton – 98.7%
- Keepit - 94%
- Burrendong – 127.6%
- Wyangala - 95.2%
- Glenbawn - 105%
- Blowering - 98.3%
- Burrinjuck - 95.9%
WaterNSW teams on-site are prepared, and planners are working with the Bureau to monitor rainfall and inflows. WaterNSW is a state-owned corporation that protects the water in the catchment of Greater Sydney and manages the major supply dams across NSW to provide water to communities, the environment and agriculture.
For more information on dam releases and river impacts:
- Register for the Early Warning Network (EWN)
- Visit WaterInsights for dam levels and releases
- View The Bureau website for weather and flood updates
- For emergency information, contact the NSW SES or phone 132 500