Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) reminds the community and customers of the continued risk that the Broken River could cease to flow and possibly dry up for short periods this season.
The same risk applies to other regulated streams in Northern Victoria such as the Campaspe and Loddon Rivers and Tulloop and Bullarook Creeks. Many of the unregulated streams, those not supplied by releases from a water storage, have stopped flowing and others are expected to stop flowing in the autumn.
G-MW's Mark Bailey, Manager of Regulated Systems said this risk still applies in the Broken River despite the recent announcement of a small water allocation for irrigators.
"The Broken River will operate at lower levels than seen in previous years, when allocations were higher, and could experience low flows or potentially cease to flow, particularly in the area between Orrvale and Shepparton," Dr Bailey said.
"A similar event occurred in that region in January last year. Rivers such as the Broken are being managed to provide as much water as possible to all users, and while minimum environmental flows are being met, there is still potential for flows at the bottom end of the system to drop to very low levels."
"Water availability in the Broken system is better than forecast earlier in the season, but there are risks involved because the river is being operated at low levels and every last drop is being counted."
"G‑MW works very closely with Catchment Management Authorities to reduce those risks for users and the environment. However, it only needs an unplanned event, such as a spell of very hot weather, for flows to drop away," Dr Bailey said.
G-MW has produced Operation Plans in response to the current dry conditions for each of its regulated river systems, gravity irrigation districts and pumped irrigation districts for the 2009/10 irrigation season. These are available online at www.g-mwater.com.au/operatingplans or contact your local G-MW office for more information.
ENDS
Media Contact: Sheree Fitzgerald
Position: Corporate Communications Adviser
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