Strategy gains airspace at Burrendong

10 December 2010 – 5PM

Burrendong Dam will continue to be managed to ease pressure on downstream communities whilst gaining further airspace.

The corporation temporarily lowered releases this morning to around 10,000ML per day while the peak from tributaries passed and will now increase the rate of release to gain airspace following discussions with the Flood Mitigation Zone Reference Panel.

State Water’s Manager Water Delivery, Dan Berry said that the releases would be made to keep the river at a target flow rate of about 60,000ML per day at Dubbo.

“This strategy aims to gain further airspace in the dam without adversely affecting downstream communities,” Mr Berry said.

"It should also mean the water is below the Serisier Bridge in Dubbo and will allow business owners to continue with their clean up efforts.

“We held off on increasing outflows from Burrendong until water from the tributaries had passed through Dubbo.

“We are now increasing our outflows to hold the rate of 60,000ML per day at Dubbo to gain airspace in the dam. Our current target is to draw the dam down to a level of 120% of capacity over the next 2 weeks,” he said.

For information on flood warnings, please contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit the website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

 

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