Water security a priority ahead of storm season

Published Tuesday, 17 September, 2013 at 05:30 AM

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Planning for the 2013-14 storm season is set to ramp up, with Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle to meet with the Bureau of Meteorology on October 15.

Mr McArdle said south east Queensland’s water security remains high with the named dams at 85 per cent capacity or greater.

“I will be meeting with the Bureau of Meteorology in a few weeks to obtain an initial briefing on the forthcoming wet season,” Mr McArdle said.

“Although Seqwater constantly monitors dam levels, the weather forecasts and receives advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, it is important my Department and I receive an overview of what we can expect over the summer and develop a plan to deal with any challenges mother nature throws at us.

“We know that weather is unpredictable; just consider the January 2013 floods so it is important we commence the process of assessment early.”

Dam	Current drinking water volume (ML)	Current drinking water capacity (%)	Change in capacity on last week (%)
Wivenhoe	1,152,442 ML	98.9%	0.6%↓
Somerset	379,849 ML	100%	No change
North Pine	187,436 ML	87.5%	0.1%↓
Hinze	307,193 ML	98.9%	0.4%↓
Baroon Pocket	57,260 ML	93.9%	1.2%↓
Leslie Harrison	23,668 ML	95.2%	0.8%↓
Ewen Maddock	16,230 ML	97.9%	0.4%↓
Cooloolabin	12,900 ML	93.5%	0.9%↓
Lake Kurwongbah	12,793 ML	89.0%	1.6%↓
Lake Macdonald	7,898 ML	98.5%	0.6%↓
Little Nerang	5,722 ML	85.3%	0.6%↑
Wappa	4,694 ML	100%	0.2%↑

“As of this morning three un-gated storages are currently spilling over Borumba Dam, Lake Manchester Dam and Wappa Dam,” he said.

“The flood compartments for Wivenhoe and Somerset dams remain empty and available if required.”

Information on dam levels across south east Queensland is available at www.previous.seqwater.com.au/public/dam-levels. Information regarding river levels and weather warnings are available on the Bureau of Meteorology website, www.bom.gov.au.

[ENDS] 17 September 2013

Media Contact: Natalie Wynne 0437 334 183