No changes to Namoi catchment water allocations for March 2021, with wetter than average autumn forecast

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) released its latest water allocation statement, with general and high security entitlement holders in the Upper Namoi given full allocations.

High security entitlement holders in the Lower Namoi also have 100 per cent allocations, but general security remains unchanged at 39.3 per cent. This follows on from a 7.6 per cent increase during the month of February.

The DPIE's January 13 water allocation statement saw significant increases for the first time in months following record breaking December rainfall which resulted in healthy flows into the Namoi catchment.

During February 2021, the catchment continued to experience above average rainfall, receiving approximately 50 to 200 mm.

The system returned to normal operations in January and water ordering on-demand is available for both the Upper and Lower Namoi.

Critical requirements for Manilla and Barraba townships are secure for the next 24 months and beyond based on assumed minimum future inflows to Split Rock Dam.

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The BoM's seasonal outlook for March to May indicates that the catchment is likely to be wetter than average.

"Maximum temperatures over this period show a higher chance of being below median maximum temperatures," the statement read.

"Minimum temperatures for this period are very likely to be above the long-term average across the catchment."

"La Nina remains active in the tropical Pacific, however; it appears to have reached its peak strength.

"All forecast quartiles of total streamflow volume into Keepit Dam from February to April are higher than the historical quartiles, indicating potentially higher runoff than historical streamflow conditions for the next few months."

The Upper and Lower Namoi catchments remain at Drought Stage 1; the least critical stage.

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