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River Murray Weekly Report For the week ending Wednesday, 4 December 2019

Trim Ref: D19/53044

Weekly rainfall and inflows Welcome rainfall was recorded in the far north and north-east of the Murray-Darling Basin this week as well as across the south-east ranges (Map 1).

These events were due to a broad surface trough was located across inland north-western and northern Australia, which also extended down through inland Queensland and into north-eastern New South Wales. Further south, a pre-frontal trough and a fast moving cold front crossed southern South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales. These systems produced showers and thunderstorms with moderate totals recorded at Falls Creek (Rocky Valley), where 52 mm was reported and at Eurobin, where 36 mm fell for the week. The Bureau of Meteorology is currently forecasting dry conditions over the upper Murray catchment during the coming 8 days.

Map 1: Rainfall totals for week ending 4 December 2019 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

The upper Murray tributaries mostly receded this week with only small responses to the rainfall late in the week. Specific information about flows at key locations in the upper Murray catchment including Hinnomunjie Bridge on the upper Mitta Mitta River, Biggara on the upper Murray, Bandiana on the Kiewa River as well as Peechelba on the 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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November 2019 summary The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reports that area averaged rainfall across the Murray-Darling Basin was 23.8 mm

in November. Most of the central, southern and western Basin recorded near average rain, with some wetter and

drier patches. In contrast, eastern and north-eastern areas were relatively dry, with parts of Queensland recording

their lowest November rainfall on record (Map 2). The Murray catchments recorded average to below average

rainfall.

Despite average rainfall, the dry catchments meant the River Murray system inflows for November remained

relatively low, with about 200 GL of system inflow (excludes environmental, IVT and Snowy scheme contributions).

This is in the lowest 9 % of recorded November inflows.

Map 2- November rainfall deciles across the Murray-Darling Basin (Source: Bureau of Meteorology).

Three month outlook December 2019 to February 2020 According to the BoM 3 month rainfall outlook the dry conditions experienced over the past couple of months are likely to persist. Across summer as a whole, the dry signal is highest in the eastern States (Map 3) indicating that rainfall over most of the Murray-Darling Basin, is unlikely to exceed median between December and February.

Similarily the BoM 3 month temperature outlook anticipates a high probability that temperatures will exceed the median maximum temperature (Map 4).

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Map 3 – Chance of exceeding the median rainfall for Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology).

Map 4 – Chance of exceeding the median maximum temperature deciles for Dec 2019 – Feb 2020 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology).

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River operations

River operations In the past week MDBA total active storage reduced by 56 GL to 3,384 GL (40% capacity). Murray System inflows (excl. Snowy, Darling, inter-valley trade and environmental tributary inflows) continue to track well below the long term average (see plot on last page of this report).

At Dartmouth Reservoir, the storage decreased by 9 GL to 2,076 GL (54% capacity). Over the last week the release from Dartmouth, measured at Colemans, increased reaching around 4,700 ML/day across four days, and is scheduled to gradually reduce to around 1,500 ML/day towards the end of December. A total transfer volume of around 100 GL is expected to be delivered during December. Releases will continue from Dartmouth at rates that aim to transfer water to Hume to support expected demands further downstream in the months ahead.

At Hume Reservoir, the storage decreased by 45 GL to 989 GL (33% capacity). The release from Hume Dam averaged around 9,800 ML/day.

At Lake Mulwala, the pool level is currently 124.72 m AHD. Diversions to the Yarrawonga Main Channel averaged

450 ML/day this week with a proportion of this diversion being delivered to the lower Broken Creek to bypass water

around the Barmah Choke. On the New South Wales side, the diversion to Mulwala Canal was decreased

temporarily to around 600 ML/day, while NSW is undertaking some temporary works at Tumudgery regulator,

downstream of Stevens Weir. When the works are completed the majority of this diversion will continue to be

Murray operational water being transferred around the Barmah Choke via Edward Escape to the Edward River

(800 ML/day), Finley Escape to the Billabong Creek (250 ML/day) and Perricoota Escape back into the Murray at

Torrumbarry weir pool (100 ML/day). The release from Yarrawonga Weir remained near to 8,800 ML/day and is

likely to remain around this flow rate over the coming weeks to meet expected downstream demands.

Flows through the Edward and Gulpa offtakes are respectively 1,550 ML/day and 250 ML/day. Toonalook flows will continue around 2,500 ML/day and gradually recede before Christmas period. Next week flows downstream of Stevens Weir will be temporarily reduced to allow for WaterNSW to undertake maintenance works at Tumudgery regulator before returning to around 2,500 ML/day in mid-December.

Inflows from the Goulburn River, measured at McCoys Bridge, will increase from around 1,200 ML/day to near 3,100 ML/day mid-month before falling. This flow is above the minimum passing flows specified for December of 350 ML/day. The additional flows is attributed to the delivery of inter-valley trade (IVT) water and its delivery has been shaped in consultation with Goulburn-Murray Water and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. IVT is also being delivered in the Broken Creek and Campaspe River. For December, around 50 GL has been called from the Goulburn Valley as specified on the GMW website. The current Goulburn Valley IVT balance is near 247 GL. More information regarding opportunities for allocation trade between the Goulburn and Murray Valleys is available at the Victorian water register website.

The Torrumbarry Weir pool is currently at the Full Supply Level (FSL) of 86.05 m AHD. The diversion to National Channel from the Torrumbarry weir pool averaged around 1,470 ML/day. Downstream of Torrumbarry Weir, the release averaged 6,100 ML/day.

Inflow from the Murrumbidgee River, measured at Balranald, averaged 1,400 ML/day this week made up of end of system flows and IVT deliveries. Deliveries of IVT from the Murrumbidgee to the Murray commenced in mid-October and the MDBA has requested WaterNSW to deliver up to 60 GL from mid-October to the end of December 2019.

IVT deliveries continue from the Goulburn and Murrumbidgee valleys.

Lock 8 & Lock 7 weir pool levels to be lowered below full supply in December.

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Photo 1: Peron’s Tree Frog enjoying the Barmah-Millewa Forest (photo courtesy of Ted Ripon, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service). Each week river operations talks about what is happening on the river in their weekly report. It’s a great way to stay informed of what’s happening. Please share the link with your friends and family.

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Trade from the Murrumbidgee to the Murray remains closed, with the Murrumbidgee IVT balance being around 95 GL. The trade will remain closed until the account reduces again to below 85 GL. This can occur if enough water is traded from the Murray back to the Murrumbidgee, or if sufficient IVT is delivered from the Murrumbidgee to the Murray. Further information on expected IVT deliveries from the Murrumbidgee will be provided through WaterNSW and will also be provided as part of the update to the Annual Operating Outlook, scheduled to be published on the MDBA website in early December.

Photo 2: The Darling River near Bourke.

At Euston, the weir pool level has being gradually lowered to FSL. Varying pool levels is part of the weir pool variability program which aims to help restore a more natural wetting and drying cycle to riverbanks and adjacent wetlands within the influence of the weir pool. Any additional loss associated with the weir pool variability program is debited from entitlements held by environmental water holders. The downstream release averaged 9,600 ML/day and is expected to remain around this rate over the coming week.

The Menindee Lakes storage is approximately 9.5 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, extensive water restrictions remain in place. More information on drought management activities in NSW can be found on the NSW Government website - Drought Hub. Links to other drought services and assistance can be also accessed via the MDBA drought webpage.

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 averaged 7,100 ML/day and is expected to be around 6,400 ML/day over the coming week.

At Locks 8 and 7, the pool levels are being varied as part of the weir pool variability program. During December the pool levels will be further lowered to target a level of around 100 cm below FSL at Lock 8 and 60 cm below FSL at Lock 7. Lowering the weir pools below FSL is also expected to result in small water savings due to reduced seepage and evaporation as the area inundated by the weir pools reduces.

At Lake Victoria, the storage remained steady at 513 GL (76% capacity). Lake Victoria’s current storage volume is relatively low for this time of year. Current forecasts indicate the storage will remain around this volume during the first half of December. However, without significant rain, the storage is expected to fall away over summer as stored water is released to supplement flows required to meet demands. Current planning forecasts indicate that, similar to last year, Lake Victoria is likely to reach relatively low levels by autumn 2020.

Due to low water resource availability in the River Murray System, South Australia has reduced their monthly base Entitlement flow during December to 187 GL compared with the normal 217 GL. For more information on South Australia’s Entitlement flow, see the South Australian Department for Environment and Water’s latest River Murray flow report.

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This week, the flow to South Australia targeted around 6,400 ML/day, which is the delivery of a reduced monthly Entitlement (6,050 ML/day) with the addition of small volumes of environmental water and trade to South Australia. During the coming week flow rates are expected to increase to around 7,000 ML/day.

The Lower Lakes 5-day average water level reduced to 0.76 m AHD. Combined barrage releases totalled around 4,000 ML/day this week, predominantly via Goolwa and Tauwitchere barrages. These releases have been supported by the delivery of return flows of environmental water to the lower Murray from upstream watering actions.

The Australian Government – Department of Agriculture is seeking applications under the Water for Fodder program, which is expected to open in the second week of December 2019. This program allows eligible farmers to apply to purchase an allocation of 50 megalitres from the South Australian Government for $5,000. See site for further details and conditions.

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 04 Dec 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 3 856 453.67 2 076 54% 71 2 005 -9

Hume Reservoir 192.00 3 005 178.72 989 33% 23 966 -45

Lake Victoria 27.00 677 26.60 513 76% 100 413 0

Menindee Lakes 1 731* 9 1% (- -) # 0 -0

Total 9 269 3 587 - - 3 384 -56

Total Active MDBA Storage 40% ^

Major State Storages

Burrinjuck Reservoir 1 026 340 33% 3 337 -2

Blowering Reservoir 1 631 761 47% 24 737 -42

Eildon Reservoir 3 334 1 524 46% 100 1 424 -13

* 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 03 Dec 2019

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

Lake Eucumbene - Total 1 020 n/a Snowy-Murray +1 232

Snowy-Murray Component 591 n/a Tooma-Tumut +2 175

Target Storage 1 510 Net Diversion -1 57

Murray 1 Release +3 379

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) 1.5 93 Yarrawonga Main Channel (net) 2.7 56

Wakool Sys Allowance 2.0 20 Torrumbarry System + Nyah (net) 6 130

Western Murray Irrigation 0.7 8 Sunraysia Pumped Districts 3 36

Licensed Pumps n/a 44 Licensed pumps - GMW (Nyah+u/s) 1 9

Lower Darling n/a 0 Licensed pumps - LMW 4.6 135

TOTAL 4.2 165 TOTAL 17.3 366

* 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) * South Australia is receiving a reduced base Entitlement this month due to low water availability. However, total flow to SA is slightly more than Entitlement due to environmental water delivery.

Entitlement this month 217.0 *

Flow this week 44.8 (6 400 ML/day)

Flow so far this month 26.7 Flow last month 189.7

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

Current Average over the last week Average since 1 August 2019

Swan Hill 90 100 70

Euston - - -

Red Cliffs 40 40 60

Merbein 90 90 90

Burtundy (Darling) - - 1 220

Lock 9 100 100 90

Lake Victoria 110 120 110

Berri 160 150 140

Waikerie 210 210 220

Morgan 220 210 220

Mannum 210 210 270

Murray Bridge 240 230 310

Milang (Lake Alex.) 810 800 860

Poltalloch (Lake Alex.) 790 800 770

Meningie (Lake Alb.) 1 610 1 620 1 660

Goolwa Barrages 1 500 1 340 1 950

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River Levels and Flows Week ending Wednesday 04 Dec 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 - - - 390 F 950 940

Jingellic 4.0 1.21 207.73 1 500 R 1 590 1 890

Tallandoon ( Mitta Mitta River ) 4.2 2.58 219.47 5 100 R 2 910 3 090

Heywoods 5.5 2.74 156.37 10 100 S 9 710 11 130

Doctors Point 5.5 2.67 151.14 11 110 R 10 670 12 050

Albury 4.3 1.67 149.11 - - - -

Corowa 4.6 2.46 128.48 10 890 R 10 060 11 480

Yarrawonga Weir (d/s) 6.4 1.50 116.54 8 810 S 8 800 8 980

Tocumwal 6.4 2.08 105.92 8 940 F 8 970 9 160

Torrumbarry Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.37 80.92 6 880 R 6 350 5 790

Swan Hill 4.5 1.33 64.25 6 870 R 6 660 6 550

Wakool Junction 8.8 - - 9 330 R 9 180 -

Euston Weir (d/s) 9.1 1.75 43.59 9 840 F 9 900 9 730

Mildura Weir (d/s) - - 9 290 F 8 870 8 770

Wentworth Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.99 27.75 7 580 F 7 130 7 010

Rufus Junction - 3.56 20.49 7 110 R 6 050 5 190

Blanchetown (Lock 1 d/s) - 0.85 - 2 580 R 2 480 2 540

Tributaries

Kiewa at Bandiana 2.8 1.23 154.46 780 R 610 710

Ovens at Wangaratta 11.9 8.10 145.78 830 F 600 540

Goulburn at McCoys Bridge 9.0 1.66 93.08 1 270 S 1 270 1 030

Edward at Stevens Weir (d/s) 5.5 1.89 81.67 1 830 F 2 220 2 560

Edward at Liewah - 2.91 58.29 2 400 S 2 400 2 430

Wakool at Stoney Crossing - 1.50 54.99 650 R 630 650

Murrumbidgee at Balranald 5.0 1.74 57.70 1 320 R 1 400 1 460

Barwon at Mungindi 6.1 2.12 - 0 F 0 0

Darling at Bourke 9.0 3.76 - 0 F 0 0

Darling at Burtundy Rocks - 0.50 - 0 F 0 0

Natural Inflow to Hume 3 240 2 420

(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 -0.18 - No. 7 Rufus River 22.10 -0.10 +1.25

No. 26 Torrumbarry 86.05 +0.00 - No. 6 Murtho 19.25 -28.25 +0.11

No. 15 Euston 47.60 +0.06 - No. 5 Renmark 16.30 -25.30 +0.18

No. 11 Mildura 34.40 +0.00 +0.25 No. 4 Bookpurnong 13.20 +0.06 +0.56

No. 10 Wentworth 30.80 +0.08 +0.35 No. 3 Overland Corner 9.80 +0.02 +0.15

No. 9 Kulnine 27.40 +0.01 -33.60 No. 2 Waikerie 6.10 -15.10 +0.11

No. 8 Wangumma 24.60 -33.60 +0.09 No. 1 Blanchetown 3.20 -12.20 +0.10

Lower Lakes FSL = 0.75 m AHD

Lake Alexandrina average level for the past 5 days (m AHD) 0.76

Barrages Fishways at Barrages

Openings Level (m AHD) No. Open Rock Ramp Vertical Slot 1 Vertical Slot 2 Dual Vertical Slots

Goolwa 128 openings - All closed - Open Open -

Mundoo 26 openings 0.60 All closed - - - Open

Hunters Creek - - - - Open - -

Boundary Creek 6 openings - All closed - Open - -

Ewe Island 111 gates - All closed - - - Open

Tauwitchere 322 gates - 1 Open Open Open -

AHD = Level relative to Australian Height Datum, i.e. height above sea level

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Week ending Wednesday 04 Dec 2019

State Allocations (as at 04 Dec 2019)

NSW - Murray Valley Victorian - Murray Valley

High security 97%

General security 0%

High reliability 52%

Low reliability 0%

NSW – Murrumbidgee Valley

Victorian - Goulburn Valley

High security 95%

General security 6%

High reliability 63%

Low reliability 0%

NSW - Lower Darling

South Australia – Murray Valley

High security 30%

General security 0%

High security 100%

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