WaterNSW is fast-tracking the installation of two new gauging points on the Talyawalka Creek to help track a large volume of water from Northern basin tributaries expected to make its way into Menindee lakes via the Barwon-Darling river.
The latest modelling, following consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology, indicates that in the vicinity of 800-1200 gigalitres (GL) could be received into the lakes by late May/early June.
The Talyawalka Creek was identified in a WaterNSW review and by the community as a priority site for additional gauging. WaterNSW crews working to install an additional two telemetered gauging sites are expected to complete the task within days.
The work follows the installation of two manual gauges and one telemetered site on the Paroo River earlier this month to assist with river height estimates, and, importantly, track the volume of water likely to enter the Darling from the Paroo.
Menindee lakes currently sit at 33.7% of active capacity, holding ~550 GL. At full capacity the lakes can hold more than 1700 GL, meaning even the upper end of the current forecast inflows can be captured within the lakes.
The inflow estimates remain subject to change and will be monitored and recalculated regularly, with the latest information relayed to the community.
WaterNSW is moving water from the upper lakes into Lake Menindee to receive the anticipated inflows sometime in May. Water releases from Menindee lakes remain at approximately 3,000 megalitres per day at the request of the Murray Darling Basin Authority.
