Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Wingecarribee is currently operating near maximum storage limits. With current readings at 98.8%, the reservoir holds a robust 26 GL. This provides immense water security for the New South Wales region.
Fed primarily by the Wingecarribee River, this reservoir plays a critical role in the South East Coast (NSW) drainage division. Managing the flow from the Wingecarribee River ensures that downstream agricultural zones receive consistent supply. The South East Coast (NSW) region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Beyond standard municipal supply, Wingecarribee is a vital asset for the regional agricultural economy in New South Wales. Irrigation allocations are directly tied to these storage metrics. Without the buffer provided by this massive 26 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. Authorities must constantly balance the need for human water consumption with the ecological necessity of maintaining healthy river systems downstream.
With a mild reading of 10°C today, surface evaporation is significantly reduced, helping to preserve current volume. With 0mm of recent rainfall and partly cloudy 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. 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 Wingecarribee is absolutely essential.