The following can be attributed to Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Executive Director of River Management Andrew Reynolds:
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority is increasing the release of water from Hume Dam to create airspace, following widespread rainfall earlier this week.
Both Hume Dam, and the upstream storage Dartmouth Dam have increased by about 1% following this latest weather event with inflows into both storages continuing.
We expect to increase releases from Hume Dam to create airspace over the weekend and into next week.
The Hume releases, combined with Kiewa River inflows entering downstream of the Dam, means we expect to see flows exceed channel capacity at Doctor’s Point in coming days.
We anticipate flows will remain at levels that do not have significant impact on downstream landholders and will remain well below minor flood level.
If you haven’t already, please sign up to WaterNSW’s Early Warning Network to be notified by SMS, email or landline about dam activities during periods of flooding or high releases.
Every day we evaluate conditions based on Bureau of Meteorology data, inflow data, predicted inflows and historical records to determine how to best manage the dam.
There are three things you can do to be prepared for potential floods:
Develop your personalised flood emergency plan for your home and property by going to the State Emergency Service website for your state.
www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe
Sign up, or check your details are up to date, for WaterNSW’s Early Warning Network to be notified by SMS, email or landline about dam activities during periods of flooding or high releases.
www.waternsw.com.au/supply/ewn
Check the Bureau of Meteorology to receive the latest weather information including warnings, river conditions and rainfall in your area
www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings
www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
The Bureau of Meteorology’s outlook for August to October 2022 indicates wetter than average conditions are likely to continue across much of Australia.
Background
Hume Dam’s primary purpose is water security – it plays a crucial role in managing flows and securing water along the Murray River, including to Adelaide.
The MDBA needs to fill Hume Dam before irrigation demands start to exceed inflows, and the level starts to drop. This ensures water allocations are maximised.
The MDBA operates the Hume Dam in accordance with the rules set by state governments.
When the dam fills, all flood waters will pass through the dam and head downstream along with the water entering from the tributaries such as the Kiewa River.
The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for issuing flood warnings to the public. Check www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings for up-to-date flood warnings in your area.
