Large transfers from Dartmouth to Hume Dam have been maintained over the last few months in order to meet downstream system demands. Recent inflows to Hume have been higher than those assumed under extreme dry case planning. As such, latest MDBA operations planning indicates that required transfer volumes in the coming months can now be achieved using lower release rates from Dartmouth Dam.
Releases from Dartmouth during December are expected to vary between 5,500 ML/day and 8,200 ML/day (below recent peak releases near 9,500 ML/day).
Providing variable releases better aligns with the natural variability of the lower Mitta Mitta River and is therefore environmentally preferable to maintaining steady flows.
Releases will be adjusted if significant rainfall occurs in the catchment downstream of Dartmouth and if further inflow improvements to Hume enable a further reduction in overall transfer volumes.
System conditions may change over the coming weeks and months. Another flow advice will be issued once MDBA operations planning indicates a decreased (or increased) need to transfer water from Dartmouth to Hume.
Landholders and river users on the Mitta Mitta are advised to regularly check the current flows and forecasts on the MDBA website for more information on releases from Dartmouth Dam. Summary information about the River Murray system is available in the River Murray weekly report.
If you are observing bank erosion around key assets on your property, as a result of the higher river flows, please call the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA). NECMA implements a riparian program in conjunction with the MDBA that aims to help manage erosional impacts related to high flow rates along the Mitta Mitta River downstream of Dartmouth Dam.
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Meeting with the Mitta Mitta Valley Community
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water and North East Catchment Management Authority are holding an information session and invite the Mitta Mitta Valley community and interested stakeholders to attend.
The information session will discuss the operation of Dartmouth Reservoir and potential flows along the Mitta Mitta River during the months ahead. The riparian river restoration program will also be covered.
When: Monday 10 December 2018
Time: 11.00am – 12:30pm
Where: Eskdale Hotel, 3786 Omeo Highway, Eskdale
A light lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting.
For more details or to RSVP email OperationsReplies@mdba.gov.au
ENDS