Temporary water restrictions

Following recent floods in QLD and NSW, significant flows have entered the Barwon Darling river system. We’re keeping a close watch on the flows as they proceed down the system.

We are pleased that the resumption of flow rule we put in place earlier this year has wet the system enough to maximise the benefits of the current event.

Given the amount of water on the floodplain, providing an accurate forecast into Menindee is difficult at this stage. For example, much of the flooding we’ve seen in the Gwydir valley will enter the Gwydir wetlands and not necessarily flow into Barwon Darling.

However, based on current forecast inflow volumes, there will potentially be between 100 and 300 GL of additional water available for use in Menindee or the Lower Darling.

We are watching the weather and flow forecasts closely and given the time that it takes for the water to move down the system we are taking this time to make well informed decisions.

Based on current flows seen upstream, it is possible that Lakes Pamamaroo and Wetherell will fill. However, the decision on how any water above that which is required to fill these upper lakes will depend on a range of factors including the total volume likely to reach the Lakes.

WaterNSW insights portal provides real time data that is readily accessible.

1. The normal water sharing plan rules, including access to supplementary water, are operating.
2. Temporary water restrictions can be imposed if it is in the public interest to do so.  Examples of this are to cope with water shortages, where there are threats to public health and safety or to protect flows for environmental purposes.
3. There are currently no town water shortages nor critical environmental needs that require the protection of water for environmental purposes. Menindee Lakes is holding at least 12 months supply.
4. Our rivers systems received good flows in the first few months of 2020 across the northern basin. These flows were protected to re-start the rivers and replenish aquatic habitats.  Some 670 gigalitres (GL) entered Menindee Lakes by June 2020.
5. Rain in March 2021 is again providing good flows across the north-west and Barwon-Darling. Further inflows are expected into Menindee Lakes which will extend the current supply.
6. Information on the temporary water restrictions and the reasons they were imposed in early 2020 is provided in the fact sheets below.  See North-west flows in early 2020 for the outcomes from these restrictions.

• By 1 July 2021 – publish draft new triggers for critical environmental needs to be considered when imposing temporary restrictions.
• By 1 July 2022 – publish draft new triggers for critical human needs to be considered when imposing temporary restrictions.
• By 1 September 2021 – review the existing targets and develop a draft implementation program for the targets under the North-west Unregulated Flow Management Plan.
• By 1 January 2022 – consult on the North-west Unregulated Flow Management Plan targets and their implementation.

The draft Western Regional Water Strategy, which is due to be released towards the end of 2021, will include:

• A proposed definition of connectivity.
• Hydrological modelling to assess the extent to which the actions already undertaken to improve connectivity have been effective.
• Additional connectivity options for discussion, such as proposed flow targets for the Menindee Lakes and/or at the confluence with the Murray River.
• Initial results of modelling incorporating new climate data.

Protecting environmental flows: Upper Murrumbidgee River

This fact sheet aims to increase understanding of the benefits of environmental flows and make water users aware of pumping conditions under a temporary water restriction.

• River and overland flows in the northern Basin fact sheet–5 March 2020
  The department intends to progressively lift restrictions along the Barwon-Darling once the required flows to meet the Lake Wetherell target are assured.
• List of exemptions provided under Temporary Water Restrictions–25 February 2020
  Provided under Temporary Water Restrictions covering northern NSW Basin and floodplain harvesting during February 2020.
• River and overland flows in the northern Basin fact sheet–24 February 2020
  Why we are beginning to lift temporary restrictions on access and the benefits they have achieved.
• River and overland flows in the northern Basin update fact sheet–17 February 2020
  Providing an update regarding Temporary Water Restrictions on river and overland flows in the northern NSW Basin during February 2020.
• Statement regarding the storms in the Namoi–17 February 2020
  Includes information on maintaining the embargo on pumping.
• River and overland flows in the northern Basin fact sheet–13 February 2020
  Summarising details of rainfall and flows in the northern NSW basin in early February 2020 and the rationale for temporary restrictions on access.