Burrendong receiving large inflows

1 December 2010

Over the past 24 hours, Burrendong Dam has experienced 80,000ML inflows, as rain across the central west continues to drench the catchment.

Landholders immediately downstream of the dam are being warned to be alert and to move stock and equipment away from the floodplain.

Yesterday, the storage sat at 108% of capacity, however due to the significant rainfall, the storage has already reached 115%. It is expected that the dam will climb as high as 120% over the next few days.

Tony Webber, spokesman for State Water explained that more water is expected to reach Burrendong from the catchments.

“60,000ML is headed for Burrendong from the Cudgegong River, and another 15,000ML is on the way from Bathurst, expected to arrive this afternoon,” Mr Webber said.

“It is crucial that landholders in the immediate vicinity of the dam are vigilant and prepare themselves for the increased outflows.”

The Macquarie River at both Narromine and Dubbo is experiencing a flow of 25,000ML per day. These are tributary flows, and do not include the 1,500ML of water currently being released from Burrendong.

The State Water flood operations team are monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to adjust the flows to adequately allow the increased water to pass.

The flooding will not have a significant impact on the dam safety upgrade works.

"The team are currently moving their equipment from the area below the spillway in preparation for water releases, as discussed with the project manager."

For more information on flood warnings, please contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/.

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