Menindee Lakes to release water to dry southern basin

By Daneka Hill

May 17, 2021

Weeks after irrigators were met with pictures of water finally returning to the Menindee Lakes, up to 30 Gl is already on its way out.

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Over the next three weeks a "small amount of water" from the lakes will be released in response to recent dry conditions in the southern basin, according to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).

MDBA river management director Andrew Reynolds said feedback from the community told the MDBA the release had to be gentle in order to protect private roads and river crossings.

“As the most significant volume of water to enter the lakes in five years, it's critical that we draw on this water carefully,” Mr Reynolds said.

The final decision is to release a maximum of 3.5 Gl per day over the next three weeks.

The entire water release is expected to be 20-30 Gl in size.

The lakes are currently 45 per cent full, holding more than 770 Gl.

Taking into account the volume of water expected to be entering the lake soon, WaterNSW estimated the 20-30 Gl release accounted for just four per cent of Menindee water.

Mr Reynolds said the MDBA would continue to consult with the community and basin state governments to determine how the released water was used.

By Daneka Hill

Journalist