NSW govt to cut off the Peel River's flow in November

A temporary soil weir at Dungowan village will dam up the river, with Tamworth Regional Council pumping out of the weir to save on transmission losses.

Another weir will be built at the Jewry St bridge. They're expected to leave much of the Peel dry, however will extend Tamworth, Moonbi and Kootingal's water supply by up to nine months, to March 2021.

A series of information sessions will be held about the project in the next month.

A Water NSW spokesperson said the temporary weirs "allow time" for Tamworth's $39-million emergency pipeline to be built, which is expected to extend the city's water supply until the end of 2021.

"Peel River flows downstream of the Dungowan temporary weir will cease no earlier than 30 November if drought conditions persist," the spokesperson said.

"The decision is part of the response to intense drought in the Peel valley, and is intended to extend surface water town supply for Tamworth and other critical human needs."

Once releases from Chaffey Dam are stopped at the Dungowan temporary weir, downstream river flows rely solely on naturally occurring tributary flows.

"WaterNSW has been in contact with local landholders to ensure they are aware of the drought response projects and to identify any potentially impacted properties that may be without alternative water supply options," the spokesperson said.

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Two information sessions will be held in Dungowan on Monday, October 14. The first is a project update and site walk of the temporary weir location from 4pm to 5.30pm, at the Recreation Ground.

Later that evening, at 7pm to 8.30pm, there will be a project update at the Dungowan Hotel.

The following day, on Tuesday, October 15, there will be an information session at Tamworth Community Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm.

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