Levels in the Lachlan River are expected to remain high due to inflows from tributaries downstream of Wyangala Dam and increases in discharge from the dam.

Water Delivery Manager, Central valleys, Sri Sritharan urged water users in the area to monitor their stock and equipment.

“The river sections which are likely to be affected will be downstream of Wyangala Dam, downstream of Gooloogong and downstream of Jemalong,” Mr Sritharan said.

“We are advising water users in these areas to remain vigilant and monitor their pump installations and any other equipment as is normally the case.”

The releases are environmental flows under the water sharing plan for the Lachlan valley. 

The rules provide for a more natural flow regime within the river system by allowing some natural dam inflows to pass down the river for environmental benefit.

This current event commenced on August 26 is expected to last for eight days, depending on followup rainfall in the catchment.

Estimated total Wyangala dam inflow - 180,000 ML

Total dam release - 16,100 ML

Estimated total tributary inflow - 41,000 ML

Estimated peak flow at Forbes - 14,800 ML/day

Estimated peak flow at Brewster Weir - 5,300 ML/day