Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Harris is currently facing severe depletion. Sitting at a mere 14.3% of its 72 GL total capacity, extreme conservation measures may be required. Extended drought conditions or lack of significant inflows into the catchment are likely the primary drivers of this severe depletion.
The Harris River acts as the primary lifeblood for Harris, making it a cornerstone of the South West Coast network. Managing the flow from the Harris River ensures that downstream agricultural zones receive consistent supply. Catchment dynamics in the South West Coast are deeply influenced by the retention capacity of Harris.
Agriculture in the surrounding areas of Western Australia depends heavily on the water security provided by Harris. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Without the buffer provided by this massive 72 GL storage, regional farming would face extreme volatility.
Ecologically, the reservoir and its immediate wetlands serve as a crucial habitat for native Australian wildlife. During periods of healthy water levels, the area often sees an increase in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. However, environmental flow releases must be carefully balanced to protect downstream river health.
With a mild reading of 7°C today, surface evaporation is significantly reduced, helping to preserve current volume. With 0mm of recent rainfall and clear sky skies, the catchment is relatively dry today.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of Harris's water levels will depend heavily on upcoming seasonal rainfall patterns. Continuous telemetry and advanced hydrological modeling are employed to forecast storage changes. Given the unpredictable nature of Australia's climate, from La Niña flooding to El Niño droughts, maintaining a dynamic operational strategy for Harris is absolutely essential.