Bulk transfer of water from Dartmouth to Hume is scheduled to commence in June and based on current system conditions and forecasts, aim to target a transfer volume of around 85 GL for the month. If conditions remain dry, transfers are expected to continue through winter and spring. Conversely, transfers may be decreased if significant rainfall improves system inflows. System conditions will be monitored and transfers from Dartmouth adjusted as required.
To commence the transfers, releases from Dartmouth will increase from Monday 3 June. Releases are being made in a series of pulsed releases reaching a peak of near 5,000 ML/day towards the end of the month. These variable releases aim to transfer appropriate volumes to Hume, whilst minimising erosion along the Mitta Mitta River. Varied releases are environmentally preferable to maintaining steady flows and better align with the natural variability of the lower Mitta Mitta River. Without rainfall, river heights at Tallandoon are expected to vary below 2.7 m (~5,300 ML/day), well below channel capacity.
MDBA is planning a community meeting in the Mitta valley in early July) to help keep community members abreast of the possible range of future releases. Flow advices will be issued each month or when system conditions necessitate changed Dartmouth releases.
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.
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ENDS