River Murray Weekly Report - Murray-Darling Basin Authority · 2019-07-12 · Subscribe to the River Murray Weekly Report River Data website Water in Storages River Murray Weekly

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River Murray Weekly Report For the week ending Wednesday, 10th July 2019

Trim Ref: D19/32731 Rainfall through last week was widespread across the southern Murray-Darling Basin (Figure 1) as a cold front and pre-frontal trough tracked across southeast Australia.

Rainfall totals were greatest in the upper Murray, Ovens and Goulburn catchments. In Victoria, 28 mm fell at Lake Buffalo, and 27 mm fell at Cobram in the Goulburn Valley. In New South Wales (NSW), highest rainfall totals were observed in the upper north coast, outside the Basin with Meldrum and Yarra (Mount Seaview) just over 100 mm, While this brings some small relief, rainfall deficiencies continue to effect a large part of the Basin. More information on the weekly rainfall and rainfall deficiencies can be found at the BOM website.

Looking ahead, rainfall and snow is forecasted for the upper Murray catchment over the coming week. The estimated totals of up to 100 mm would be a welcomed addition to the ski fields along the Great Divide and the dams (Photo 1).

Figure 1 Murray-Darling Basin rainfall totals for week ending 10th July 2019 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

Flow in the upper Murray tributaries increased a small amount following the mid-week rainfall. Flow at Jingellic increased from 2,000 ML/day to almost 5,000 ML/day. The current flow at other key locations in the upper Murray catchment including Biggara on the upper Murray, Bandiana on the Kiewa River and Peechelba on Ovens River

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(Photo 2) can be found at the MDBA’s River Murray data webpage. Up-to-date river data for sites in the upper Murray can also be found at Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) website and in the Murray River Basin daily river report at the WaterNSW website.

Photo 2: Snow coverage last weekend at Smiggin Holes will be aided by this weekend’s predicted snow fall (photo courtesy of MDBA)

Photo 1: Morses Creek a tributary of the Ovens River near the township of Bright (Photo courtesy of Hugo Bowman, MDBA)

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River operations

River operations The MDBA active storage volume increased by 14 GL this week to 3,301 GL (39% capacity).

At Dartmouth Reservoir, the storage volume decreased by 25 GL to 2,430 GL (63% capacity) as water was transferred from Dartmouth to Hume Reservoir. These transfers are made in preparation for meeting future system demands downstream of Hume. Based on current conditions and forecasts, MDBA aims to transfer around 180 GL in July. Whilst adjustments to the monthly transfer volume may occur, overall transfers are expected to continue through winter and spring if below average inflows continue. Further information can be found on the MDBA website.

The release from Dartmouth, measured at Colemans, is currently near 4,700 ML/day and is expected to rise in the coming week towards 5,700 ML/day. Further increases in the flow rate are anticipated in July. Releases will continue to be varied in a manner that will transfer the target volume to Hume, whilst seeking to minimise erosion along the Mitta Mitta River.

At Hume Reservoir, the storage volume increased by 21 GL to 762 GL (25% capacity). Hume dam’s is currently releasing around 4,000 ML/day, and may decrease over the next few days in response to the anticipated rainfall in the Ovens and Kiewa.

MDBA system planning indicates that bulk water transfers from Hume Reservoir to Lake Victoria are required to improve the volume stored in Lake Victoria in readiness for higher system demands later in the season. Transfers have been increased to around channel capacity flow rates to reduce the potential of higher flow rates later in the season. In this season early transfers are possible as the risk of water spilling from Lake Victoria is lower. This is due to the relatively low water level in Lake Victoria and BoM’s outlook for drier conditions over winter and early spring. Where possible, inflows from the Ovens and Kiewa will be utilised to boost the Lake Victoria storage volume and reduce transfer volumes. Transfers to Lake Victoria will be regularly assessed over the coming months in light of BoM’s rainfall outlooks, Lake Victoria water levels and updated system planning.

Downstream at Lake Mulwala the level is currently 124.67 m AHD. The water level is expected to vary over the coming weeks within the normal winter operating range of 124.6 and 124.9 m AHD. The release from Yarrawonga Weir is currently around 9,200 ML/day and may increase over the week if the forecast streamflow in the Ovens and Kiewa Rivers, from the anticipated rainfall, eventuates.

Forest managers have co-ordinated the opening of the regulators in the Barmah-Millewa forest, on behalf of environmental water holders, to provide connectivity between the river and the floodplain in winter and into spring while river flows are within channel capacity. This action will increase habitat for native fish and improve the transfer of valuable nutrients from the floodplain to the river. These nutrients are the base of a food web that supports the entire river ecosystem including algae, aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, turtles, fish, platypus and birds. The water used in the forest will be debited from environmental water accounts. More information about this environmental watering action can be found in the Goulburn-Broken CMA media release.

In August, the flow downstream of Yarrawonga will increase as part of The Southern Spring Flow for the Murray. The Southern Spring Flow 2019 is a collaboration between environmental water holders to deliver water for the environment along the Murray over winter and spring. Flows will be managed to inundate areas of the Barmah-Millewa Forest in early August and again in September. This flow will provide much needed food for animals and native fish along the full length of the Murray channel. Public information drop-in sessions will be held in river communities as the flows progress. Information on these sessions will be posted on the CEWO website.

The Edward and Gulpa offtakes are currently passing near 1,560 and 230 ML/day respectively. Gates at Gulpa Creek Offtake regulator and Edward River Offtake regulator have been re-installed to assist in regulating the flows into

• Transfers from Dartmouth to Hume Reservoir continue for July at increased rates • Environmental water holders spring flow downstream of Yarrawonga begins in August

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these systems as levels in the Murray increase. Downstream on the Edward River, at Stevens Weir, flows averaged 1,400 ML/day over the past week. For both the Yallakool and Colligen Creeks, 170 ML/day continues to be delivered on behalf of environmental water holders to provide winter base flows for the benefit of native fish.

In the Goulburn River the first of the environmental pulses has reached the Murray late last week, with McCoys Bridge (upstream of the Murray) anticipated to peak next week at approximately 7,800 ML/day. River users in the Echuca district and downstream should be aware that water levels will rise and then fall noticeably as this pulse from the Goulburn River travels downstream.

The current Goulburn IVT balance is around 166 GL. More information regarding current opportunities for allocation trade between the Goulburn and Murray valleys is available at the Victorian water register website.

The diversion at National Channel averaged 600 ML/day as water from Victorian held environmental entitlements is used to maintain flow in Gunbower Creek for the benefit of native fish.

The Torrumbarry Weir pool remains at the current level of 30 cm below Full Supply Level (FSL). Further lowering of the weir pool by up to 20 cm may be undertaken subject to the ability to maintain suitable river levels at Echuca. The weir pool will be returned to around FSL by early August in time for the commencement of the irrigation season. This action is part of the weir pool variability program and aims to help improve the stability of the river banks and other environmental outcomes within the influence of the weir pool. River users and landholders in the weir pool should remain aware of the changing water level in case adjustments need to be made to pumps, moorings and recreational activities. Further information is available in the Torrumbarry Media Release.

Downstream of Torrumbarry Weir the release is steadily rising at 7,400 ML/day and is likely to increase to over 10,000 ML/day as the Goulburn River pulse arrives.

Inflows from the Murrumbidgee River, measured at Balranald, averaged around 1,310 ML/day this week. This flow is higher than the normal July end of system target due to the temporary drawdown of a number of weir pools upstream on the Murrumbidgee River, to facilitate essential maintenance works by WaterNSW over winter. The additional inflow will be accounted as NSW resource and re-regulated in Lake Victoria. The current Murrumbidgee IVT balance is 22.3 GL. More information regarding current opportunities for allocation trade between the Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys is available at the WaterNSW website.

At Euston, the weir pool level is currently targeting between 20 cm and 30 cm below FSL. The downstream release steadily increased this week to around 8,900 ML/day and is expected to rise across the next two weeks.

In the northern Basin, flows resulting from rainfall in autumn have mostly receded to 45 ML/day at Wilcannia. If any volume reaches the Menindee Lakes it is likely to be small and while positive, will have little impact on the conditions of the lakes and the lower Darling.

Upstream on the Border Rivers and Gwydir River, releases on behalf of environmental water holders are continuing to move downstream and along the Barwon River. These flows continue to provide environmental benefit, recharging parched waterholes, wetlands and landscapes. More information on the fish flow event in the Border River and Gwydir River can be found on the MDBA website and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holders website.

A red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae remains at Pooncarie on the lower Darling and Boggabilla on the McIntyre River. At Wilcannia on the Darling River, some rain, flow, and cooler temperatures over recent weeks has helped maintain the amber alert level. A summary of alert levels in New South Wales is available on the WaterNSW website.

The Menindee Lakes storage volume is 15.3 GL (less than 1% capacity). WaterNSW continues to manage the Menindee Lakes in accordance with the Lower Darling Annual Operations Plan. WaterNSW has advised that releases at Weir 32 are only planned to recommence when significant inflows are received into the Menindee Lakes. Inflows are currently zero and no significant inflows are expected in the near future.

As a result of the widespread drought conditions in NSW many water restrictions are likely to remain in place. More information on drought management activities in NSW can be found on the NSW Government website - Drought Hub.

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On the Murray at Wentworth Weir, the pool level is currently targeting 10 cm above FSL to assist pumpers in the upper reaches of the Darling River arm of the weir pool whilst there is no inflow from the Darling River. The downstream release increased slightly nearing 8,000 ML/day, and is expected to rise over the next coming weeks.

The Lock 9 pool level is currently varying between FSL and 10 cm below FSL. At Lock 8, the pool level is targeting 40 cm below FSL. The Lock 7 pool level continues to target around 10 cm below FSL.

At Lake Victoria the water storage level increased by 18 GL to around 303 GL (45% capacity). The level is expected to continue to gradually increase over coming weeks. This water level is lower than for this time last year. Operating the lake in this way was deliberate, aimed at reducing transfers at high flow rates from the Murray and Goulburn Rivers in autumn 2019 and increasing the potential of capturing tributary inflows in winter and spring. This drought management action was approved by Ministerial Council in late 2018. Bulk transfers from Hume Reservoir are currently underway to boost the volume stored in Lake Victoria, noting that should dry conditions persist, operations may target a level substantially lower than full supply for 2019.

The flow to South Australia is targeting around 4,250 ML/day. This flow is being boosted by small volumes of environmental water, originally released from Broken Creek and the Goulburn and Campaspe Rivers.

The Lower Lakes 5-day average water level decreased slightly to 0.67 m AHD this week. Around 16 GL was released through the barrages to help improve salinity in the northern Coorong. All fish ways remain open. For more information see the South Australian Department for Environment and Water’s latest River Murray flow report

For media inquiries contact the Media Officer on 02 6279 0141

ANDREW REYNOLDS Executive Director, River Management

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Water in Storage Week ending Wednesday 10 Jul 2019

MDBA Storages Full

Supply Level

Full Supply Volume

Current Storage

Level Current Storage Dead

Storage Active

Storage

Change in Total Storage for the

Week (m AHD) (GL) (m AHD) (GL) % (GL) (GL) (GL)

Dartmouth Reservoir 486.00 3 856 461.15 2 430 63% 71 2 359 -25 Hume Reservoir 192.00 3 005 176.48 762 25% 23 739 +21 Lake Victoria 27.00 677 23.59 303 45% 100 203 +18 Menindee Lakes 1 731* 15 1% (- -) # 0 -0 Total 9 269 3 510 38% - - 3 301 +14 Total Active MDBA Storage 39% ^ Major State Storages

Burrinjuck Reservoir 1 026 315 31% 3 312 +0 Blowering Reservoir 1 631 734 45% 24 710 +9 Eildon Reservoir 3 334 1 231 37% 100 1 131 -33

* Menindee surcharge capacity – 2050 GL ** All Data is rounded to nearest GL ** # NSW has sole access to water when the storage falls below 480 GL. MDBA regains access to water when the storage next reaches 640 GL. ^ % of total active MDBA storage

Snowy Mountains Scheme Snowy diversions for week ending 09 Jul 2019 Storage Active Storage (GL) Weekly Change (GL) Diversion (GL) This Week From 1 May 2019 Lake Eucumbene - Total 695 +0 Snowy-Murray +1 156 Snowy-Murray Component 328 +3 Tooma-Tumut -0 50 Target Storage 1 170 Net Diversion 1 106 Murray 1 Release +12 210

Major Diversions from Murray and Lower Darling (GL) * New South Wales This Week From 1 July 2019 Victoria This Week From 1 July 2019 Murray Irrig. Ltd (Net) 0.0 0 Yarrawonga Main Channel (net) 0 0 Wakool Sys Allowance 1.0 1 Torrumbarry System + Nyah (net) 0 0 Western Murray Irrigation 0.0 0 Sunraysia Pumped Districts 0.1 0 Licensed Pumps 0.4 1 Licensed pumps - GMW (Nyah+u/s) 1 0 Lower Darling 0.0 0 Licensed pumps - LMW 4.6 0 TOTAL 1.4 2 TOTAL 5.7 0

* Figures are derived from actual and estimates where data is unavailable. Please note that not all data may have been available at the time of creating this report. ** All data above is rounded to nearest 100 ML for weekly data and nearest GL for cumulative data

Flow to South Australia (GL) * Flow to SA will be greater than normal entitlement for this month due to environmental flows.

Entitlement this month 108.5 * Flow this week 30.0 (4 300 ML/day) Flow so far this month 43.0 Flow last month 118.0

Salinity (EC) (microSiemens/cm at 25o C) Current Average over the last week Average since 1 August 2018 Swan Hill 90 90 90 Euston - - - Red Cliffs 100 100 110 Merbein 110 110 100 Burtundy (Darling) - 930 900 Lock 9 110 120 110 Lake Victoria 140 130 160 Berri 200 210 190 Waikerie 310 320 250 Morgan 330 330 260 Mannum 280 270 290 Murray Bridge 270 270 320 Milang (Lake Alex.) 990 990 940 Poltalloch (Lake Alex.) 560 590 740 Meningie (Lake Alb.) 1 630 1 640 1 650 Goolwa Barrages 3 480 3 690 3 760

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River Levels and Flows Week ending Wednesday 10 Jul 2019

Minor Flood

Stage Gauge Height Flow Trend Average Flow this Week

Average Flow last Week

River Murray (m) local (m)

(m AHD) (ML/day) (ML/day) (ML/day)

Khancoban - - - 2 380 F 1 960 2 370 Jingellic 4.0 1.78 208.30 5 060 R 3 080 4 770 Tallandoon ( Mitta Mitta River ) 4.2 2.66 219.55 5 220 F 5 490 4 610 Heywoods 5.5 2.11 155.74 4 260 F 5 690 4 940 Doctors Point 5.5 2.21 150.68 6 200 F 7 350 6 590 Albury 4.3 1.24 148.68 - - - - Corowa 4.6 1.78 127.80 6 820 F 6 720 5 990 Yarrawonga Weir (d/s) 6.4 1.56 116.60 9 230 S 9 250 7 880 Tocumwal 6.4 2.12 105.96 9 270 F 9 120 7 130 Torrumbarry Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.53 81.07 7 460 R 6 080 5 450 Swan Hill 4.5 1.20 64.12 5 950 R 5 740 5 590 Wakool Junction 8.8 - - - F - 6 440 Euston Weir (d/s) 9.1 1.61 43.45 8 920 S 8 680 7 660 Mildura Weir (d/s) - - 8 540 F 7 990 6 970 Wentworth Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.91 27.67 7 730 S 7 170 6 300 Rufus Junction - 2.94 19.87 3 600 S 3 630 3 460 Blanchetown (Lock 1 d/s) - 0.61 - 4 720 R 3 820 3 670 Tributaries Kiewa at Bandiana 2.8 2.02 155.25 2 040 R 1 500 1 500 Ovens at Wangaratta 11.9 8.90 146.58 2 960 F 2 790 2 150 Goulburn at McCoys Bridge 9.0 3.70 95.12 5 330 R 2 610 960 Edward at Stevens Weir (d/s) 5.5 1.56 81.34 1 360 F 1 210 1 230 Edward at Liewah - 1.99 57.37 1 280 R 1 210 910 Wakool at Stoney Crossing - 1.40 54.89 430 R 400 390 Murrumbidgee at Balranald 5.0 1.73 57.69 1 310 R 1 330 1 260 Barwon at Mungindi 6.1 3.04 - 30 R 0 0 Darling at Bourke 9.0 3.14 - 0 F 0 0 Darling at Burtundy Rocks - 0.50 - 0 F 0 0 Natural Inflow to Hume 5 610 6 380

(i.e. Pre Dartmouth & Snowy Mountains scheme)

Weirs and Locks Pool levels above or below Full Supply Level (FSL) Murray FSL (m AHD) u/s d/s FSL (m AHD) u/s d/s Yarrawonga 124.90 -0.20 - No. 7 Rufus River 22.10 -0.08 +0.62 No. 26 Torrumbarry 86.05 -0.30 - No. 6 Murtho 19.25 -0.02 +0.02 No. 15 Euston 47.60 -0.17 - No. 5 Renmark 16.30 +0.03 +0.12 No. 11 Mildura 34.40 +0.01 +0.27 No. 4 Bookpurnong 13.20 +0.05 +0.48 No. 10 Wentworth 30.80 +0.09 +0.27 No. 3 Overland Corner 9.80 +0.06 +0.20 No. 9 Kulnine 27.40 -0.08 -0.37 No. 2 Waikerie 6.10 +0.03 +0.15 No. 8 Wangumma 24.60 -0.38 -0.02 No. 1 Blanchetown 3.20 +0.03 -0.14

Lower Lakes FSL = 0.75 m AHD Lake Alexandrina average level for the past 5 days (m AHD) 0.67

Barrages Fishways at Barrages Openings Level (m AHD) No. Open Rock Ramp Vertical Slot 1 Vertical Slot 2 Dual Vertical Slots Goolwa 128 openings 0.67 3 - Open Open - Mundoo 26 openings 0.66 All closed - - - Open Hunters Creek - - - - Open - - Boundary Creek 6 openings - 1 - Open - - Ewe Island 111 gates - All closed - - - Open Tauwitchere 322 gates 0.69 21 Open Open Open - AHD = Level relative to Australian Height Datum, i.e. height above sea level

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Week ending Wednesday 10 Jul 2019

State Allocations (as at 10 Jul 2019)

NSW - Murray Valley Victorian - Murray Valley High security 97% General security 0%

High reliability 2% Low reliability 0%

NSW – Murrumbidgee Valley

Victorian - Goulburn Valley High security 95% General security 0%

High reliability 2% Low reliability 0%

NSW - Lower Darling

South Australia – Murray Valley High security 30% General security 0%

High security 31%

NSW : https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/allocations/summary VIC : http://nvrm.net.au/seasonal-determinations/current SA : http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/river-murray