Early Warning Network

NB: This is a registration process only. A pilot is currently operating downstream of Glennies Creek Dam. It is envisaged that the system will be operational statewide by February 2012. Registered participants will be notified when the system is fully operational. 

State Water has developed an automated downstream notification system, The Early Warning Network (EWN), to improve notification of increased dam releases resulting in rising river levels. The EWN requires you to register to receive notifications to your landline phone, mobile phone and email address.

When you register, you nominate the dam(s) you are interested in and the type of notifications required. Once registered, you will receive  notifications in the event of a significant dam release or an emergency situation depending on which you choose.

To register online CLICK HERE

To register online you will need to register an email address. If you do not have one call 1300 662 077 and our customer service staff  can register you. For more information, see below.

What details can I register?

  • Your address
  • Preferred telephone contact numbers
  • Your email address
  • What alerts you wish to receive

Please register as many of these methods as possible so we have multiple ways to alert you in an emergency.

What alerts do I receive?

Once you have been notified that the system is fully operational you will receive alerts in all registered formats for any dam you have registered for. The system does not restrict  notifications to your registered address, therefore maximising our ability to alert people according to their interest.

  • Mobile Phone (SMS Message) - This message is limited to 158 characters, so the message will be brief and to the point.
  • Landline (Text to Voice) - This message will repeat the key message and should be fairly detailed.
  • Email - This message will be the most detailed and have links to other agencies who can provide more information, such as SES and Bureau of Meteorology.

What alerts are there and what do they mean?

Click here to see the defined alert types by location

The alerts may change or be added to over time, the current alert categories include:

Dam  Safety  Alerts

While State Water dams are safe and maintained to a high standard, alerts would be issued in the following unlikely events: 

  • AMBER ALERT -  An amber alert means that State Water has observed a condition that could develop into a dam failure event  at the particular dam. At this point NSW SES would also begin to advise residents downstream of that dam to prepare for evacuation. Rapid water level rises are possible as a result of emergency releases. 
  • RED ALERT - A red alert means that State Water is concerned that dam failure may be immanent for the particular dam releasing a high speed flood wave. At this point NSW SES and NSW Police will be organising evacuation of downstream residents.  

Flood Notification Alerts

  • Spillway flood releases commence
  • Significant changes in releases from gated  dams

Irrigation/Agricultural Flow Alert

  •  Significant increase in releases commence  resulting in rising river levels

 NOTE: The Bureau of Meteorology remains the agency issuing flood forecasting, meteorological and weather warnings and notifications. For more information, go to: http://www.bom.gov.au

I have Questions, where can I get more answers?

  • Email ewn@statewater.com.au  
  • Call our friendly Customer Service on 1300 662 077, if they cannot answer your question they can make sure you get a reply from someone who can tell you more