Burrendong inflows drop as strategy takes effect

5 December 2010 - 11am

Releases from Burrendong Dam will  remain at 120,000ML/day  as falling inflows result in dam levels dropping slightly for the first time in days.

Inflows had fallen to 102,400ML/d by 10am today (Sunday, 5 December), down from a peak of 144,000ML/d at 11pm Saturday.

The dam is currently at approximately 150%, but storage levels have fallen 2cm this morning (Sunday) as inflow levels fell below outflow rates in signs State Water's management strategy is on target to reduce storage levels in time to accomodate predicted heavy rainfall next week.

State Water’s Water Delivery Manager Centre Valleys Sri Sritharan said the  positive results were encouraging and were already increasing space available to absorb inflows expected from similar weather events next week.

"We anticipate that this increased release will not aggravate the flood situation downstream, but will serve to bring storage levels down as is urgently required ahead of further possible inflows next week," Mr Sritharan said.

"We will continue to liaise with the Bureau of Meteorology on the timing of releases, and work closely with the State Emergency Services and local government to manage the situation.

The increased rate of release is expected to continue until mid next week.

Mr Sritharan reiterated the dam was able to withstand the high water levels currently being experienced.

"In 1990 the dam safely withstood 160%. It is currently at 150% and  our plan is to lower the storage level back around 130%."

For more information on flood warnings, please contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

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