Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Water capacity at Lake Rowallan is holding at moderate levels. Sitting at 42.1%, the total stored volume is 131 GL. While adequate, continuous monitoring is standard procedure for this catchment.
Fed primarily by the Mersey Forth, this reservoir plays a critical role in the Tasmania drainage division. Hydrological health in this specific drainage basin is vital for downstream ecosystems. The Tasmania region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Beyond standard municipal supply, Lake Rowallan is a vital asset for the regional agricultural economy in Tasmania. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Without the buffer provided by this massive 131 GL storage, regional farming would face extreme volatility.
The surrounding catchment of Lake Rowallan also supports diverse local flora and fauna. 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.
Cooler current temperatures of 15°C help minimize evaporation losses across the reservoir. Under current partly cloudy weather, there is no direct rainfall contributing to the immediate storage levels.
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 Lake Rowallan is absolutely essential.