Wivenhoe Dam ‘still less than half full’ despite last week’s downpour

Queenslanders are being urged to conserve water, as experts warn that recent rainfalls have not lifted the southeast’s water restrictions.

RECENT rainfalls are still not enough to lift the drought response trigger brought into play from November last year, with experts revealing the south east’s main water supply is “still less than half full”.

The 60 per cent drought response trigger is likely to stay in place for a while longer, with the region’s main water supply “still less than half full”.

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“It’s too early to say if the rain is the start of drought recovery or temporary relief from dry conditions,” a SEQWater Spokesman said.

Wivenhoe dam is currently measuring at 47 per cent and despite other smaller south east dams spilling, the Gold Coast’s Tugun Desalination Plant is still operating to take pressure off Wivenhoe’s demand.

SEQWater are stressing the importance of wise water use.

“We are still encouraging all southeast Queenslanders to continue using water wisely to help preserve dam storages until they are sufficiently replenished,”

“One benefit of the rain is that it allows rainwater tanks to be topped up and helps people conserve water by not having to water their lawns and gardens or top up swimming pools,

“Further rain is expected through to Friday however there remains uncertainty in the forecasts”.

Water levels at Wivenhoe Dam dropped significantly over the summer. Picture: NRM/Diane Welbourn.

The overall level of the Water Grid storages increased by 1.8 per cent since 9am yesterday.

“ … mostly due to the catchment flow continuing throughout the region rather than overnight rainfall … The Water Grid capacity is now 61.4 per cent”.

Water Grid storages have gained about 11 to 13 weeks of additional water supply since current rainfall began nine days ago on February 3.

“Based on South East water use in the past six months, the Water Grid storages have received approximately 11 to 13 weeks of additional supply,”

“The Water Grid storage volume has increased by approximately 122,000 megalitres (million litres) since inflows commenced on Monday 3 February 2020”.