SA Drought E-news, 29th November 2007

From: Drought Response
Sent: Thursday, 29 November 2007
Subject: SA Drought E-News, 29th November 2007
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www.service.sa.gov.au/drought.asp
SA Drought E-News, 29th November 2007
River Murray update River Murray Drought Response
Domestic water restrictions to stay Weather outlook
Levy supports Murray projects  
River Murray update

The latest information about the River Murray drought will be outlined in the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation’s next fortnightly Water Resources Report, due out on Friday, 30 November. Key points from this week’s report include:

  • Rainfall was received last week, helping to reduce losses and resulting in some small increases in tributary inflows into the River Murray.
  • Inflows into the River Murray system during November 2007 are expected to be about 160 GL, the previous minimum inflow for November was about 55 GL, recorded in 2006.
  • Storage volumes continue to decline and are currently at 1,910 GL (20% capacity).
  • Unless rainfall and inflows are received at a level that exceeds current demand, storage volumes will decline further.
  • Flows to South Australia continue to average at 3,400 ML/day during November.
  • Water levels are still declining below Lock 1 and salinity levels are increasing due to the small volumes available for dilution flows.
  • Further increases in salinity levels are expected in 2008 if low inflow conditions persist.

The report will be available in full from www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/drought/index.html
Domestic water restrictions to stay Top

Current domestic outdoor watering restrictions will remain during December. Drought is continuing across the Murray-Darling Basin and inflows to Adelaide Hills reservoirs have been low at just 18% of the five-year average for November.

The Minister for Water Security, Karlene Maywald, says Adelaide residents are to be congratulated on their water saving efforts since consumption is currently tracking below the estimated target for enhanced level 3 restrictions.

Restrictions will continue to be monitored monthly, and it is anticipated enhanced level 3 will be maintained through summer, provided there are not spikes in consumption.

Householders can continue to use drippers and hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle for up to three hours a week – even houses on Saturdays, odds on Sundays, from 6–9 am or from 5–8 pm.
The SA Water website has information to See how Adelaide is tracking under water restrictions
Levy supports Murray projects Top

Nearly $16 million from the Save the River Murray Fund has been spent on a comprehensive range of projects to restore the health of the river during 2006–07.

The Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald says the fund is vital to support projects in three priority areas – improving environmental health of the river system, maintaining acceptable water quality for irrigation in SA and improving water quality for urban water supplies.

The Save the River Murray Fund annual report is available at www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au
River Murray Drought Response Top

The River Murray Drought Response Co-ordinator Jim Caddy has urged irrigators and small businesses affected by the drought to make the most of the Exceptional Circumstances (EC) grants, which are available for income support and interest rate subsidies.

“If people can make the most of the available support through this tough time, it will make their recovery much easier,” Mr Caddy said.

“Seeking help due to the drought is the same as seeking help to find out how to produce the best crop.

“There is some confusion in the community over the Exceptional Circumstances support and I urge people to make sure they understand the different avenues of support and contact the Rural Financial Counsellors to ensure they do.

“Do not rely on rumours and don’t self assess.”

About 170 people along the River Murray and Lower Lakes corridor had received interest rate subsidies and 266 households are in receipt of income support through Centrelink. 

Information about the EC grants is available from the Drought Response hotline 180 2020 or Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 836 211.
Weather outlook Top
The Bureau of Meterology’s website contains useful information within its Water and the Land pages for people involved in primary production, natural resource management, industry, trade and commerce. It is on the left hand side of the bureau’s home page www.bom.gov.au

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