Further increases to Burrendong outflows

3 December 2010

State Water will increase outflows from Burrendong Dam later today to gain space in the storage ahead of further possible inflows.

The Flood Mitigation Zone Reference Panel, comprised of landholders, agencies and councils downstream of Burrendong, met this afternoon and agreed with the increased level of release.

State Water’s Water Delivery Manager Centre Valleys Sri Sritharan said the rate of release from the dam would be increased early this evening and possibly again tomorrow.

"We are increasing the rate of water being released from Burrendong to 50,000ML/day to gain space in the storage ahead of further possible inflows next week," Mr Sritharan said.

"We will assess the situation in the morning and may increase the rate to 60,000ML/day."

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 147% and these releases should lower the storage level back around 130%."

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

-ENDS-

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