Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Kununurra Diversion is currently facing severe depletion. Currently at only 0% of its 101 GL capacity, the situation requires urgent monitoring. Extended drought conditions or lack of significant inflows into the catchment are likely the primary drivers of this severe depletion.
The Ord River acts as the primary lifeblood for Kununurra Diversion, making it a cornerstone of the Tanami-Timor Sea Coast network. Hydrological health in this specific drainage basin is vital for downstream ecosystems. The Tanami-Timor Sea Coast region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Beyond standard municipal supply, Kununurra Diversion is a vital asset for the regional agricultural economy in Western Australia. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Without the buffer provided by this massive 101 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.
The weather around the catchment is currently recording 25°C. 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. Resilience against extreme weather events remains the ultimate goal for the managers of this critical infrastructure.