Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Water capacity at Harvey is holding at moderate levels. Sitting at 40%, the total stored volume is 56 GL. This represents a typical midpoint for the region's hydrological cycle.
Fed primarily by the Harvey River, this reservoir plays a critical role in the South West Coast drainage division. Managing the flow from the Harvey River ensures that downstream agricultural zones receive consistent supply. The South West Coast region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Agriculture in the surrounding areas of Western Australia depends heavily on the water security provided by Harvey. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Sustainable water management here ensures that both crops and livestock can survive prolonged dry spells.
The surrounding catchment of Harvey also supports diverse local flora and fauna. When capacity allows, Harvey becomes a hub for regional tourism and water sports. However, environmental flow releases must be carefully balanced to protect downstream river health.
With a mild reading of 9°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.
The Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlooks will play a pivotal role in predicting the future inflows for this catchment. State water authorities utilize highly sophisticated monitoring tools to ensure every drop is accounted for. Given the unpredictable nature of Australia's climate, from La Niña flooding to El Niño droughts, maintaining a dynamic operational strategy for Harvey is absolutely essential.