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River Murray Weekly Report For the week ending Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Trim Ref: D19/34242

Rainfall and inflows Precipitation in the southern Basin was confined mainly to the Great Dividing Range (Map 1). In the Victorian Alpine area, the highest rainfall totals included 33 mm at Mount Buffalo and 45 mm at Falls Creek, though this mostly fell as snow. Smaller rainfall totals were recorded in South Australia in the Mount Lofty ranges and lower Murray River.

Map 1 Murray-Darling Basin rainfall totals for week ending 24th July 2019 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

The upper Murray tributaries generally receded as rainfall eased throughout the week. 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.

The BoM recently updated their climate outlook for the next three months. The outlook for August indicates that conditions are likely to be drier and warmer than average. Likewise, the outlook for the next three months (from August to October) suggest that drier and warmer than average conditions are anticipated. If these conditions eventuate, lower than average runoff into MDBA storages may continue over the coming three months.

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River operations

River operations The MDBA active storage continued to increase by 115 GL to 3,541 GL (42% capacity).

At Dartmouth Reservoir, the storage was steady at 63% capacity as inflows matched transfer volumes. Transfers from Dartmouth to Hume Reservoir are continuing in preparation of future system demands downstream of Hume. Approximately 165 GL is expected to be transferred by the end of July. The MDBA is expecting to continue transfers in August and possibly into spring if below average system inflows continue. Further information can be found on the MDBA website.

The release from Dartmouth, measured at Colemans, is currently increasing to 6,550 ML/day and is expected to remain at this rate over the coming days. 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.

At Hume Reservoir, the storage volume increased by 106 GL to 965 GL (32% capacity). Increased inflows from the Kiewa and Ovens Rivers downstream of Hume Dam have allowed releases from Hume to remain at the minimum rate of 600 ML/day this week. As these tributary flows recede in the coming week, Hume releases will increase to meet downstream demands.

Downstream at Lake Mulwala the level is currently 124.77 m AHD. The water level is expected to remain steady over the coming week. Diversions to the Mulwala Canal recommenced this week as Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL) began refilling their irrigation system following completion of an extensive winter works program. On the Victorian side, small diversions in the Yarrawonga Main Channel (YMC) are expected to commence in the coming week.

Photo 1: Spoonbills resting at by the River Murray in the Barmah Choke (Photo courtesy of Cecilia Burke, MDBA).

• Hume releases currently at minimums but expected to increase as irrigation areas begin to re-fill channels in preparation for the 2019-2020 irrigation season.

• Release from Yarrawonga reducing as inflows from the Ovens and Kiewa rivers recede.

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Last week, in response to the higher inflows from the Kiewa and Ovens rivers, the release from Yarrawonga Weir was increased to 13,000 ML/day. The release has now been reduced back to 9,300 ML/day.

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 1). At this flow rate, extensive areas of the Barmah-Millewa forest would have been inundated, forming a regular and important part of the natural flow regime of the River Murray. These signals are an important input into environmental water planning.

Figure 1: Show the difference between: the current flows downstream from Yarrawonga (in blue), and the natural flows that would have occurred downstream of Yarrawonga (in orange).

Environmental water holders will be using environmental entitlements in the River Murray throughout winter and spring to benefit the ecology and build resilience in the ecosystem. The timing of releases from Hume are being planned to occur at times when the Barmah-Millewa Forest would have been watered pre-dams and coordinated with environmental flows in the Goulburn River to maximise the environmental benefits further downstream.

As part of these planned environmental actions, environmental entitlements will be used to increase the release downstream of Yarrawonga up to 15,000 ML/day for a week in mid-August, before reducing back to operational flows by the end of August. The action aims to increase the inundation of the Barmah-Millewa Forest and meet environmental objectives though the River Murray system to South Australia. Check the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office website for updates on these environmental watering actions during winter and spring 2019.

Diversions at the Edward and Gulpa offtakes are currently near 1,550 and 240 ML/day respectively. Further downstream on the Edward River at Toonalook, the flow is currently being boosted by an average of 650 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 native fish. At Stevens Weir the release has averaged near 2,100 ML/day for the week.

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On the Goulburn River the environmental pulse, which peaked at around 8,500 ML/day at McCoys Bridge (Photo 2), has slowly receded this week to the current flow rate near 6,000 ML/day. River users in the Echuca district should be aware that water levels will fall noticeably as the pulse from the Goulburn River travels downstream.

The current Goulburn IVT balance is around 186 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 600 ML/day as water from Victorian held environmental entitlements continues to be used to maintain flow in Gunbower Creek for 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 in 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 near 14,200 ML/day and will fall away over the coming week as inflow from the Goulburn River recedes.

Photo 2: Water level at McCoys Bridge on the Goulburn River near the peak of the environmental pulse in mid-July (Photo courtesy of Sean Kelly, CEWO).

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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 33.8 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 is currently 14,500 ML/day and increasing as the Goulburn pulse passes. The release is expected to continue rising to peak around 16,000 ML/day in the coming week.

In the northern Basin, flows resulting from rainfall in autumn have all but ceased at Wilcannia. 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. On the Barwon River at Beemery, flows have reached approximately 78 ML/day. 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) at Lake Wetherell and amber level alerts for blue-green algae remains for much of the Lower Darling and now into the Lower River Murray. 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 has increased from 8,500 ML/day to 12,700 ML/day, and will continue to rise 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 27 GL to around 355 GL (52% capacity). The level is expected to continue to gradually increase over coming weeks. This water level is lower than for this time last year. 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.

The flow to South Australia increased this week from 4,400 ML/day to target 7,500 ML/day this week. The flow is expected to reach 10,900 ML/day in the coming week as environmental water pulse from the Goulburn River is delivered across the South Australians border. The flow is also being boosted by small volumes from released from Broken Creek and Campaspe Rivers.

The Lower Lakes 5-day average water level increased slightly to 0.70 m AHD this week. This week approximately 5.5 GL was released from the Barrages, primarily through the Goolwa Barrage. All fish ways remain open. For more information see the South Australian Department for Environment and Water’s latest River Murray flow report.

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For media inquiries contact the Media Officer on 02 6279 0141

ANDREW REYNOLDS Executive Director, River Management

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Water in Storage Week ending Wednesday 24 Jul 2019

MDBA Storages Full

Supply Level

Full Supply Volume

Current Storage

Level Current Storage Dead

Storage Active

Storage

Change in Total Storage for the

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

Dartmouth Reservoir 486.00 3 856 460.84 2 415 63% 71 2 344 -17 Hume Reservoir 192.00 3 005 178.50 965 32% 23 942 +106 Lake Victoria 27.00 677 24.11 355 52% 100 255 +27 Menindee Lakes 1 731* 15 1% (- -) # 0 -0 Total 9 269 3 750 40% - - 3 541 +115 Total Active MDBA Storage 42% ^ Major State Storages

Burrinjuck Reservoir 1 026 322 31% 3 319 +2 Blowering Reservoir 1 631 765 47% 24 741 +4 Eildon Reservoir 3 334 1 303 39% 100 1 203 +46

* 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 23 Jul 2019 Storage Active Storage (GL) Weekly Change (GL) Diversion (GL) This Week From 1 May 2019 Lake Eucumbene - Total 730 +17 Snowy-Murray +8 170 Snowy-Murray Component 335 -1 Tooma-Tumut +8 68 Target Storage 1 170 Net Diversion 0 102 Murray 1 Release +9 231

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) 0.6 1 Yarrawonga Main Channel (net) 0 0 Wakool Sys Allowance 0.9 3 Torrumbarry System + Nyah (net) 0.6 3 Western Murray Irrigation 0.1 0 Sunraysia Pumped Districts 0.4 1 Licensed Pumps 0.3 1 Licensed pumps - GMW (Nyah+u/s) 1 0 Lower Darling 0.0 0 Licensed pumps - LMW 4.6 2 TOTAL 1.9 5 TOTAL 6.6 6

* 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 42.4 (6 100 ML/day) Flow so far this month 119.6 Flow last month 118.0

Salinity (EC) (microSiemens/cm at 25o C) Current Average over the last week Average since 1 August 2018 Swan Hill 80 80 90 Euston - - - Red Cliffs 100 110 110 Merbein 100 110 100 Burtundy (Darling) 1 230 1 210 900 Lock 9 120 110 110 Lake Victoria 120 130 160 Berri 210 210 190 Waikerie 340 320 250 Morgan 330 320 260 Mannum 310 300 290 Murray Bridge 290 290 320 Milang (Lake Alex.) 810 850 940 Poltalloch (Lake Alex.) 800 730 740 Meningie (Lake Alb.) 1 700 1 710 1 650 Goolwa Barrages 7 050 6 480 3 910

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River Levels and Flows Week ending Wednesday 24 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 - - - 2 600 R 3 190 3 350 Jingellic 4.0 1.73 208.25 4 720 F 6 940 8 570 Tallandoon ( Mitta Mitta River ) 4.2 2.81 219.70 6 050 R 6 770 6 400 Heywoods 5.5 1.45 155.08 600 S 600 1 340 Doctors Point 5.5 1.73 150.20 2 410 F 2 920 4 650 Albury 4.3 0.88 148.32 - - - - Corowa 4.6 0.97 126.99 2 840 F 3 610 5 140 Yarrawonga Weir (d/s) 6.4 1.57 116.61 9 310 F 11 820 9 700 Tocumwal 6.4 2.40 106.24 11 530 F 12 190 9 310 Torrumbarry Weir (d/s) 7.3 4.13 82.67 13 990 F 14 120 11 970 Swan Hill 4.5 2.41 65.33 13 940 S 13 440 8 530 Wakool Junction 8.8 4.42 53.54 15 160 R 13 710 8 760 Euston Weir (d/s) 9.1 2.51 44.35 14 530 R 12 910 9 800 Mildura Weir (d/s) - - 13 440 F 11 690 9 150 Wentworth Weir (d/s) 7.3 3.22 27.98 12 700 R 10 260 8 250 Rufus Junction - 3.53 20.46 6 920 R 5 100 3 610 Blanchetown (Lock 1 d/s) - 0.76 - 5 810 R 4 560 3 950 Tributaries Kiewa at Bandiana 2.8 1.89 155.12 1 810 F 2 390 3 370 Ovens at Wangaratta 11.9 9.53 147.21 4 950 F 6 720 7 900 Goulburn at McCoys Bridge 9.0 4.01 95.43 6 050 F 7 380 8 080 Edward at Stevens Weir (d/s) 5.5 2.23 82.01 2 350 S 2 110 1 730 Edward at Liewah - 2.37 57.75 1 710 R 1 480 1 290 Wakool at Stoney Crossing - 1.41 54.90 460 S 470 440 Murrumbidgee at Balranald 5.0 1.66 57.62 1 240 F 1 180 1 230 Barwon at Mungindi 6.1 2.94 - 0 F 0 10 Darling at Bourke 9.0 3.08 - 0 F 0 0 Darling at Burtundy Rocks - 0.50 - 0 F 0 0 Natural Inflow to Hume 11 990 17 740

(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 -0.13 - No. 7 Rufus River 22.10 -0.03 +1.22 No. 26 Torrumbarry 86.05 -0.30 - No. 6 Murtho 19.25 +0.01 +0.14 No. 15 Euston 47.60 -0.29 - No. 5 Renmark 16.30 +0.04 +0.20 No. 11 Mildura 34.40 +0.04 +0.47 No. 4 Bookpurnong 13.20 +0.05 +0.72 No. 10 Wentworth 30.80 +0.05 +0.58 No. 3 Overland Corner 9.80 +0.03 +0.27 No. 9 Kulnine 27.40 -0.05 -0.20 No. 2 Waikerie 6.10 +0.02 +0.24 No. 8 Wangumma 24.60 -0.33 +0.20 No. 1 Blanchetown 3.20 +0.01 +0.01

Lower Lakes FSL = 0.75 m AHD Lake Alexandrina average level for the past 5 days (m AHD) 0.70

Barrages Fishways at Barrages Openings Level (m AHD) No. Open Rock Ramp Vertical Slot 1 Vertical Slot 2 Dual Vertical Slots Goolwa 128 openings 0.69 All closed - Open Open - Mundoo 26 openings 0.69 All closed - - - Open Hunters Creek - - - - Open - - Boundary Creek 6 openings - 1 - Open - - Ewe Island 111 gates - All closed - - - Open Tauwitchere 322 gates 0.70 All closed Open Open Open - AHD = Level relative to Australian Height Datum, i.e. height above sea level

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Week ending Wednesday 24 Jul 2019

State Allocations (as at 24 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 Valley High security 95% General security 0%

High reliability 8% Low reliability 0%

NSW - Lower Darling

South Australia – Murray Valley High security 30% General security 0%

High security 38%

NSW : https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/allocations-availability/allocations/summary

VIC : http://nvrm.net.au/seasonal-determinations/current

SA : http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/river-murray