River Murray Weekly ReportFor the week ending Wednesday, 17 July 2019

Trim Ref: D19/33591

Rainfall and inflowsPrecipitation this week was predominantly concentrated in the southern Basin along the Great Dividing Range, falling as snow in alpine regions. Highest totals were recorded in the Victorian Alps and the NSW Snowy Mountains and included 192 mm at Rocky Valley and 165 mm at Mount Buffalo in northeast Victoria and 156 mm at Perisher Valley AWS (just outside the Basin catchment in the Snowy Mountains). Smaller totals were recorded in South Australia in the Mount Lofty ranges and lower Murray River (Map 1).

Map 1 Murray-Darling Basin rainfall totals for week ending 17th July 2019 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

Flow in the upper Murray tributaries increased in response to the rain this week with a number of sites upstream of Hume Dam reaching their highest levels since 2017. The current flow at key locations in the upper Murray catchment including Hinnomunjie Bridge on the upper Mitta Mitta River, Biggara on the upper Murray, Bandiana the Kiewa River and Peechelba on Ovens River can be found at the MDBA’s River Murray data webpage. Up-to-date river data for sites in the upper Murray can also be found at Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) website and in the Murray River Basin daily river report at the WaterNSW website.

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The BoM has updated the climate outlook for the coming three months. Whilst there is no strong signal for wetter or drier than average conditions in August, the outlook suggests drier than average conditions and warmer days are more likely for the three month period August to October. This has been a continuing theme in the outlooks over recent months.

River operations

River operationsMDBA active storage increased by 125 GL to 3,426 GL (41% capacity). This is significantly lower than recent years and approximately 2,400 GL below the long term average (Figure 1).

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Figure 1 MDBA active storage, June 2000 to present.

Whilst water in storage is currently considerably lower than for the same time in 2018 and 2017, Murray system inflows since the start of the 2019-20 MDBA water year are higher. For the period 1 June to 17 July 2019 inflows were approximately 565 GL. This is around 230 GL more than the inflows experienced for the same period in 2017 and 2018 (Figure 2). Despite this improvement, inflows remain well below the long term-average.

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Hume releases reduce to minimum rate Tributary inflows downstream of Hume Dam push release from Yarrawonga to 12,500 ML/day Murray flow downstream of Torrumbarry Weir higher due to environmental pulse from the Goulburn

River Murray Weekly Report

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Murray system daily inflows Long term average

Figure 2 Murray System Daily Inflows since 1 June 2017 (excl. Snowy, Darling, inter-valley trade and environmental inflows) - 5 day rolling average

At Dartmouth Reservoir, the storage was steady at 63% capacity with the volume of inflows to the dam similar to the volume transferred to Hume Dam. These transfers from Dartmouth to Hume Reservoir are continuing in preparation for meeting future system demands downstream of Hume. Based on current conditions and forecasts, MDBA aims to transfer around 180 GL in July. Whilst adjustments to the monthly transfer volume may occur, overall transfers are expected to continue through winter and spring if below average system inflows continue. Further information can be found on the MDBA website.

Photo 1 Dartmouth storage at 63% capacity (Photo courtesy Peter Liepkalns, G-MW)

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The release from Dartmouth, measured at Colemans, is currently 6,450 ML/day and is expected to reduce over the coming days to around 5,000 ML/day. Further increases in the flow rate are anticipated over the coming weeks, with the release planned to reach around 8,000 ML/day by the end of July. Releases will continue to be varied in a manner that will transfer the target volume to Hume, whilst seeking to minimise erosion along the Mitta Mitta River.

Photo 2 Mitta Mitta River downstream of Dartmouth Dam (Photo courtesy Andrew Bishop, MDBA)

At Hume Reservoir, the storage volume increased by 97 GL to 859 GL (29% capacity). Increased inflows from the Kiewa and Ovens Rivers downstream of Hume Dam have allowed releases from Hume to be reduce to the minimum rate of 600 ML/day. Inflows to the Murray from the Kiewa River at Bandiana reached around 4,800 ML/day while inflows from the Ovens at Peechelba peaked at 11,400 ML/day.

Photo 3 Mitta Mitta arm of Hume storage at 29% capacity (Photo courtesy Andrew Bishop, MDBA)

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Photo 4 Kiewa River near Bandiana (Photo courtesy Andrew Bishop, MDBA)

Downstream at Lake Mulwala the level is currently 124.76 m AHD. The water level is expected to rise over the coming week to around 124.9 m AHD. Diversions to Mulwala Canal are expected to commence on 24 July 2019 as Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL) start to refill their irrigation system following completion of an extensive winter works program.

The release from Yarrawonga Weir increased to 12,500 ML/day on Wednesday 17 July in response to the higher inflows from the Kiewa and Ovens rivers. With the release from Hume Dam on minimums, the inflows from these tributaries are greater than can be managed in the Yarrawonga Weir pool and within channel capacity rates downstream. The release from Yarrawonga is expected to remain around the 12,500 ML/day rate for several more days. At this flow rate, regulators downstream in the Barmah-Millewa forest must be open to ensure flow through the Barmah Choke remains below its capacity (measured as 2.6 m on the local gauge at Picnic Point).

Without Dartmouth and Hume Dams in place to capture inflows, it is estimated that the flow in the upper Murray tributaries from rainfall this week, would have combined to produce a peak flow rate downstream of Yarrawonga of around 30,000 ML/day (Figure 3). At this flow rate, extensive areas of the Barmah-Millewa forest would be inundated.

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Operational transfers to Lake Victoria at rates up to around 9,000 ML/day

Increased release above 9,000 ML/day dueto inflows from Kiewaand Ovens Rivers

Figure 3 Estimated natural flow (without dams) and operational releases downstream of Yarrawonga since 1 June 2019

Diversions at the Edward and Gulpa offtakes are currently near 1,550 and 200 ML/day respectively. Further downstream on the Edward River at Toonalook, the flow is currently being boosted by around 500 ML/day of flow returning through the Millewa forest. These return flows have travelled from the River Murray via flood runners in the Millewa forest whilst forest regulators on the Murray are open. Yallakool and Colligen Creeks are currently receiving 170 ML/day, delivered on behalf of environmental water holders, to provide winter base flows for the benefit of native fish. Diversions to Wakool Canal are expected to commence on 24 July 2019 as Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL) start to refill their irrigation system. At Stevens Weir the release is close to 2,000 ML/day.

On the Goulburn River the environmental pulse peaked at around 8,500 ML/day at McCoys Bridge (upstream of the junction with the Murray) and is now slowly receding. River users in the Echuca district should be aware that water levels will fall noticeably as this pulse from the Goulburn River travels downstream.

The current Goulburn IVT balance is around 180 GL. More information regarding current opportunities for allocation trade between the Goulburn and Murray valleys is available at the Victorian water register website.

The diversion at National Channel averaged near 700 ML/day as water from Victorian held environmental entitlements continues to be used to maintain flow in Gunbower Creek for the benefit of native fish and critical wetland refuges in Gunbower Forest.

The Torrumbarry Weir pool continues to target a level of 30 cm below Full Supply Level (FSL). The weir pool will be returned to around FSL by early August in time for the commencement of the irrigation season. This action is part of the weir pool variability program and aims to help improve the stability of the river banks and other environmental outcomes within the influence of the weir pool. River users and landholders in the weir pool should remain aware of the changing water level in case adjustments need to be made to pumps, moorings and recreational activities. Further information is available in the Torrumbarry Media Release.

Downstream of Torrumbarry Weir the release peaked at 14,100 ML/day and will fall away over the coming week as inflow from the Goulburn River recedes.

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Inflows from the Murrumbidgee River, measured at Balranald, averaged around 1,200 ML/day this week. This flow is higher than the normal July end of system target due to the temporary drawdown of a number of weir pools upstream on the Murrumbidgee River, to facilitate essential maintenance works by WaterNSW over winter. The additional inflow will be accounted as NSW resource and re-regulated in Lake Victoria. The current Murrumbidgee IVT balance is 25.8 GL. More information regarding current opportunities for allocation trade between the Murrumbidgee and Murray valleys is available at the WaterNSW website.

At Euston, the weir pool level is currently targeting around 30 cm below FSL. The downstream release increased this week to around 11,000 ML/day and is expected to continue to rise over the coming week.

In the northern Basin, flows resulting from rainfall in autumn have all but ceased at Wilcannia with only 14 ML/day currently recorded at the local gauge. Flow from this event reached as far as the Tintinallogy station boundary, over half way between Wilcannia and Lake Wetherell.

Upstream on the Border Rivers and Gwydir River, releases on behalf of environmental water holders are continuing to move downstream and along the Barwon River and are currently between Brewarrina and Beemery. In the coming weeks, the flow is expected to end somewhere near the junction of the Barwon and Culgoa Rivers. These flows continue to provide environmental benefit, recharging parched waterholes, wetlands and landscapes. More information on the fish flow event in the Border River and Gwydir River can be found on the MDBA website and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holders website.

The Menindee Lakes storage volume is 15 GL (less than 1% capacity). WaterNSW continues to manage the Menindee Lakes in accordance with the Lower Darling Annual Operations Plan. WaterNSW has advised that releases at Weir 32 are only planned to recommence when significant inflows are received into the Menindee Lakes. Inflows are currently zero and no significant inflows are expected in the near future.

As a result of the widespread drought conditions in NSW many water restrictions are likely to remain in place. More information on drought management activities in NSW can be found on the NSW Government website - Drought Hub.

On the lower Darling River, a red level warning (high alert) for blue-green algae remains in place at Pooncarie. A summary of alert levels in New South Wales is available on the WaterNSW website.

On the Murray at Wentworth Weir, the pool level is currently targeting 10 cm above FSL to assist pumpers in the upper reaches of the Darling River arm of the weir pool whilst there is no inflow from the Darling River. The downstream release increased slightly to 8,500 ML/day, and is expected to rise further over the coming weeks.

The Lock 9 pool level is currently varying between FSL and 10 cm below FSL. Downstream at Lock 8, the pool level is targeting 40 cm below FSL, while at Lock 7, the pool level continues to target around 10 cm below FSL.

At Lake Victoria the water storage level increased by 26 GL to around 329 GL (49% capacity). The level is expected to continue to gradually increase over coming weeks. This water level is lower than for this time last year (Figure 4). Operating the lake in this way was deliberate, aimed at reducing transfers at high flow rates from the Murray and Goulburn Rivers in autumn 2019 and increasing the potential of capturing tributary inflows during winter and spring. This drought management action was approved by Ministerial Council in late 2018. Bulk transfers from Hume Reservoir, whilst temporarily ceased, are likely to recommence later in the coming week at within channel capacity rates to boost the volume stored in Lake Victoria, noting that under dry conditions, operations may target a level substantially lower than full supply for 2019.

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Figure 4 Lake Victoria storage volume for period 2012 to current

The flow to South Australia is currently targeting around 4,300 ML/day. This flow is being boosted by small volumes of environmental water, originally released from Broken Creek and the Goulburn and Campaspe Rivers. Later in July the flow will increase above 10,000 ML/day as an environmental flow pulse, originally released from the Goulburn River, is delivered to South Australia.

The Lower Lakes 5-day average water level increased slightly to 0.68 m AHD this week. Barrages were mostly closed this week due to strong winds and the large swell. All fish ways remain open. For more information see the South Australian Department for Environment and Water’s latest River Murr ay flow report .

For media inquiries contact the Media Officer on 02 6279 0141

ANDREW REYNOLDSExecutive Director, River Management

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Water in Storage Week ending Wednesday 17 Jul 2019

MDBA StoragesFull

Supply Level

Full Supply Volume

Current Storage Level

Current Storage Dead

StorageActive

Storage

Change in Total Storage for the

Week  (m AHD) (GL) (m AHD) (GL) % (GL) (GL) (GL)

Dartmouth Reservoir 486.00 3 856 461.19 2 432 63% 71 2 361 +2Hume Reservoir 192.00 3 005 177.48 859 29% 23 836 +97Lake Victoria 27.00 677 23.85 329 49% 100 229 +26Menindee Lakes   1 731*   15 1% (- -) # 0 -0Total   9 269   3 635 39% - - 3 426 +125Total Active MDBA Storage             41% ^  

                 

Major State StoragesBurrinjuck Reservoir   1 026   320 31% 3 317 +5Blowering Reservoir   1 631   761 47% 24 737 +27Eildon Reservoir   3 334   1 257 38% 100 1 157 +26

* Menindee surcharge capacity – 2050 GL ** All Data is rounded to nearest GL ** # NSW has sole access to water when the storage falls below 480 GL. MDBA regains access to water when the storage next reaches 640 GL.^ % of total active MDBA storage

Snowy Mountains Scheme Snowy diversions for week ending 16 Jul 2019

Storage Active Storage (GL) Weekly Change (GL) Diversion (GL) This Week From 1 May 2019

Lake Eucumbene - Total 711 +16 Snowy-Murray +6 162Snowy-Murray Component 336 -8 Tooma-Tumut +10 60Target Storage 1 170   Net Diversion -5 102

     Murray 1 Release +13 223

Major Diversions from Murray and Lower Darling (GL) *New South Wales This

Week From 1 July 2019 Victoria This Week From 1 July 2019

Murray Irrig. Ltd (Net) 0.0 0 Yarrawonga Main Channel (net) 0 0Wakool Sys Allowance 1.0 2 Torrumbarry System + Nyah (net) 1.1 2Western Murray Irrigation 0.1 0 Sunraysia Pumped Districts 0.2 0

Licensed Pumps 0.3 1Licensed pumps - GMW (Nyah+u/s) 1 0

Lower Darling 0.0 0 Licensed pumps - LMW 4.6 1TOTAL 1.4 3 TOTAL 6.9 3

* Figures are derived from actual and estimates where data is unavailable. Please note that not all data may have been available at the time of creating this report. ** All data above is rounded to nearest 100 ML for weekly data and nearest GL for cumulative data

Flow to South Australia (GL)* Flow to SA will be greater than normal entitlement for this month due to environmental flows.

Entitlement this month 108.5 *  Flow this week 30.0 (4 300 ML/day)Flow so far this month 73.0Flow last month 118.0

Salinity (EC) (microSiemens/cm at 25o C)

  Current Average over the last week Average since 1 August 2018

Swan Hill 70 80 90Euston 100 100 -Red Cliffs 110 110 110Merbein 110 110 100Burtundy (Darling) - - -Lock 9 110 110 110Lake Victoria 150 140 160Berri 220 210 190Waikerie 310 320 250Morgan 330 320 260Mannum 280 280 290

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Murray Bridge 300 290 320Milang (Lake Alex.) 850 950 940Poltalloch (Lake Alex.) 690 700 740Meningie (Lake Alb.) 1 740 1 760 1 650Goolwa Barrages 9 780 8 930 3 860

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River Levels and Flows Week ending Wednesday 17 Jul 2019

 Minor Flood

Stage Gauge Height Flow Trend Average Flow this Week

Average Flow last Week

River Murray (m)local (m)

(m AHD) (ML/day)   (ML/day) (ML/day)

Khancoban - - - 2 960 F 3 340 1 960Jingellic 4.0 2.18 208.70 8 710 F 8 570 3 080Tallandoon ( Mitta Mitta River ) 4.2 3.10 219.99 7 800 R 6 400 5 490Heywoods 5.5 1.44 155.07 600 S 1 340 5 690Doctors Point 5.5 2.05 150.52 4 840 F 4 650 7 350Albury 4.3 1.12 148.56 - - - -Corowa 4.6 1.36 127.38 4 690 R 5 140 6 720Yarrawonga Weir (d/s) 6.4 1.91 116.95 11 930 R 9 700 9 250Tocumwal 6.4 2.17 106.01 9 600 R 9 310 9 120Torrumbarry Weir (d/s) 7.3 4.15 82.70 14 090 R 11 970 6 080Swan Hill 4.5 2.04 64.96 11 630 R 8 530 5 740Wakool Junction 8.8 3.53 52.65 10 540 R 8 760 - Euston Weir (d/s) 9.1 1.93 43.77 11 020 R 9 800 8 680Mildura Weir (d/s)   - - 9 460 F 9 150 7 990Wentworth Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.96 27.72 8 510 R 8 250 7 170Rufus Junction - 2.94 19.87 3 600 S 3 610 3 630Blanchetown (Lock 1 d/s) - 0.66 - 4 020 R 3 950 3 820               Tributaries              Kiewa at Bandiana 2.8 2.82 156.05 4 000 F 3 370 1 500Ovens at Wangaratta 11.9 10.68 148.36 9 810 F 7 900 2 790Goulburn at McCoys Bridge 9.0 4.76 96.18 8 150 F 8 080 2 610Edward at Stevens Weir (d/s) 5.5 1.98 81.76 1 970 F 1 730 1 210Edward at Liewah - 2.02 57.40 1 300 R 1 290 1 210Wakool at Stoney Crossing - 1.41 54.90 450 R 440 400Murrumbidgee at Balranald 5.0 1.55 57.51 1 130 F 1 230 1 330Barwon at Mungindi 6.1 2.99 - 0 S 10 0Darling at Bourke 9.0 3.11 - 0 S 0 0Darling at Burtundy Rocks - 0.50 - 0 S 0 0               Natural Inflow to Hume           16 970 5 610

(i.e. Pre Dartmouth & Snowy Mountains scheme)

Weirs and Locks Pool levels above or below Full Supply Level (FSL)

Murray FSL (m AHD) u/s d/s  FSL (m AHD) u/s d/s

Yarrawonga 124.90 -0.14 - No. 7 Rufus River 22.10 -0.07 +0.63No. 26 Torrumbarry 86.05 -0.30 - No. 6 Murtho 19.25 -0.01 +0.02

No. 15 Euston 47.60 -0.32 - No. 5 Renmark 16.30+0.0

4 +0.12

No. 11 Mildura 34.40+0.0

0 +0.28 No. 4 Bookpurnong 13.20+0.0

5 +0.45

No. 10 Wentworth 30.80+0.0

6 +0.32 No. 3 Overland Corner 9.80+0.0

3 +0.20

No. 9 Kulnine 27.40 -0.08 -0.37 No. 2 Waikerie 6.10+0.0

6 +0.14

No. 8 Wangumma 24.60 -0.38 -0.02 No. 1 Blanchetown 3.20+0.0

4 -0.09

Lower Lakes FSL = 0.75 m AHDLake Alexandrina average level for the past 5 days (m AHD) 0.68

Barrages Fishways at Barrages  Openings Level (m AHD)No. Open Rock RampVertical Slot 1Vertical Slot 2Dual Vertical SlotsGoolwa 128 openings 0.63 2 - Open Open -Mundoo 26 openings 0.60 All closed - - - Open

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Hunters Creek - - - - Open - -Boundary Creek 6 openings - 1 - Open - -Ewe Island 111 gates - All closed - - - OpenTauwitchere 322 gates 0.65 2 Open Open Open -AHD = Level relative to Australian Height Datum, i.e. height above sea level

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Week ending Wednesday 17 Jul 2019

State Allocations (as at 17 Jul 2019)NSW - Murray Valley Victorian - Murray Valley

High security 97%General security 0%

High reliability 6%Low reliability 0%

NSW – Murrumbidgee Valley Victorian - Goulburn ValleyHigh security 95%General security 0%

High reliability 8%Low reliability 0%

NSW - Lower Darling South Australia – Murray ValleyHigh security 30%General security 0%

High security 38%

NSW : https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/allocations/summaryVIC : http://nvrm.net.au/seasonal-determinations/currentSA : http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/river-murray

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