Inflows into Burrendong easing

6 December 2010 – 2PM

Releases from Burrendong Dam are currently sitting at 120,000ML/day to gain airspace in anticipation of more rain expected later this week.

Inflows have fallen to about 80,000ML/day as at 8:30 this morning (Monday, 6 December), down from a peak of 170,000ML/d at 7pm Saturday.

The dam is currently at approximately 148% of capacity, which has fallen from 150% since yesterday (Sunday, 5 December).

State Water’s Water Delivery Manager Centre Valleys Sri Sritharan said that at the moment, outflows from Burrendong will remain at the same level.

"Operations have been running smoothly, and as the inflows are easing off, we want to continue to release water at this rate to gain airspace in anticipation of the rain expected later this week” Mr Sritharan said.

The current rate of release is expected to continue until tomorrow, when another review will take place to determine whether this rate will change.

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 148% and our plan is to lower the storage level back around 130%" said Mr Sritharan.

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

-ENDS-
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