WATER supplies at Keepit Dam and Split Rock Dam have surged after rainfall in the Namoi catchment, meaning people relying on the Namoi water sources can breathe a little easier.
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The monthly statement from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) said the townships of Manilla and Barraba should now have water security for the next two years.
This is based off budgeted minimum inflows by DPIE into Split Rock Dam, which is the main water supply for the two towns. Barraba and Manilla are on permanent water conservation measures, which is the minimum level.
Split Rock Dam has reached a capacity of more than five percent, and Lake Keepit has crept up to 13.7 per cent.
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According to the report, if water inflows fall short of the budgeted minimum, "drought contingency measures" will be enacted.
Even at only five percent, the massive Split Rock Dam holds about 21 gigalitres, or 8400 swimming pools of water.
This milestone has triggered a welcome change in the allocation of water to license holders, according to the Namoi's water sharing plan.
High security allocations in both the Lower Namoi and the Upper Namoi have been increased to 100 per cent - the full allocation.
In the Upper Namoi, the regulated sections of river between Split Rock Dam and Keepit Dam, general security license holders have been increased to 50 per cent allocation, up from zero.
The DPIE report said in the past two weeks, the Upper Namoi catchment collected between 50mm and 100mm of rainfall, boosting water supplies.
The statement noted this does not mean the drought is broken.
"Storages remain perilously low and river operations will continue to reflect the need for water savings," it said.
"Water users are reminded to keep practising water conservation measures."
Both the Upper Namoi and the Lower Namoi, which is the regulated sections of river below Keepit Dam to the Barwon River, remain on the Stage 3 'critical' drought level - the second highest stage.
In positive news, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting wetter than average conditions in the Namoi catchment for the three months between April and June.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
