Further increases as Burrendong inflows double

4 December 2010 - 4PM

Releases from Burrendong Dam will rise to 120,000ML/day after a 3pm meeting of the local Flood Mitigation Panel, as inflows reached almost 138,000ML/day mid-afternoon, up from 103,000ML/day at 8am.

The Flood Mitigation Panel, comprised of landholders, agencies and councils downstream of Burrendong, agreed to increase releases from 70,000ML/day to 120,000ML/day as inflows to the dam rose almost threefold on Friday's readings.

State Water’s Water Delivery Manager Centre Valleys Sri Sritharan said the  increased rate of release from the dam  is to maximise 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 149% 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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