100 billion litres in two dams needed before farmers get river access

A report by Water NSW says there is currently a "shortfall of more than 101.2 gigalitres before there is likely to be an available water determination increment in the lower Namoi Valley".

A Water NSW spokesperson said 101.2 gigalitres was the estimated amount needed for two years of essential requirements, which includes town supply, stock and domestic, basic landholder rights and environmental needs.

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Once those needs have been met, the state government will consider lifting the allocation of general-security licences, which is currently at zero per cent.

Keepit Dam sits at just 0.6 per cent, or about 2.5 gigalitres, while Split Rock Dam is at 0.8 per cent, or 3.1 gigalitres.

The combined capacity of the two dams is just under 823 gigalitres, which means 101.2 gigalitres would represent 12.3 per cent of their total capacity.

The Gwydir Valley is in a similar situation. Farmers in the region also have zero per cent of their general-security water allocations.

"Inflows of about 76.3 gigalitres are required to refill the essential requirements and delivery loss accounts, before any increase in general security available water determination is possible," the Water NSW report states.

The report also revealed Water NSW is currently not releasing water from Split Rock Dam. Releases at Keepit Dam ceased in December last year.

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