In the coming days, the release from Dartmouth is expected to increase as bulk parcels of water are transferred from Dartmouth to Hume Dam ahead of increasing downstream system demands. The current AGL Entitlement release from Dartmouth Reservoir is expected to cease as these transfers commence.
MDBA operations planning has indicated the need to draw on water from Dartmouth in August and beyond if conditions remain dry. For August, MDBA releases from Dartmouth will fluctuate up to 4,500 ML/day. These release rates aim to transfer appropriate volumes to Hume, whilst minimising erosion along the Mitta Mitta River.
The first pulsed release is to begin on Saturday 11 August and reach 3,500 ML/day before slowly receding. A second pulse up to 4,500 ML/day is planned for later in August and is subject to change. These pulsed 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 2.6 m (~5,000 ML/day), well below channel capacity.
If transfers are required beyond August, the MDBA will issue another flow advice.
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.
Subscribe to receive flow advice by email.
Upcoming Mitta community information session
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water and SES have scheduled an information session in early August to discuss the operation of Dartmouth Reservoir and potential flows along the Mitta Mitta River over the coming months. Additional topics for discussion include riparian river restoration works and how to be flood prepared.
The Mitta Mitta Valley community and interested stakeholders are invited to attend.
Details are below:
When: Thursday 9 August 2018
Time: 11.30am – 1.00pm
Where: Eskdale Hotel, 3786 Omeo Highway, Eskdale
ENDS