Water quality continues to go from bad to worse on the lower regulated and unregulated sections of the Macquarie River, just as a Red Alert for Blue Green Algae has been issued for our local impoundment Burrendong Dam.
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Samples from downstream of the storage in the Macquarie River indicate " Green Alert " levels, however due to the Red Alert in the storage, there needs to be heightened awareness downstream with water users needing to be extra vigilant.
Water NSW has also issued an operations update, stating that the severe and ongoing drought conditions across NSW are continuing to have a significant impact on landholders, communities and the ability of Water NSW to deliver remaining water to customers.
The update went on to say that as we continue to implement measures to reduce transmission losses and extend the availability of dam water for town supply and critical human needs, plans are underway to cease flows past Gunningbar Weir from Monday, December 9, 2019.
Landholders likely to be affected by the change should make precautions regarding stock and equipment, as well as seeking alternative water supply.
The decision to cease flows downstream of Gunningbar weir is one of a number of measures intended to support interim drought projects already underway to reduce transmission losses and extend the availability of dam water for town supply and other critical needs.
Minster for Agriculture and Fisheries, Adam Marshall, has been warning the public that a "Fish Armageddon" is looming this summer, with record low inflows continuing with no end to the drought in site.
Volunteers recently rescued hundreds of native fish including suitable Murray Cod and Golden Perch brood stock that will be utilised to produce fingerlings and repopulate the river should the need arise.
