Inflows to Burrendong since the last Available Water Determination in August last year total about 30 gigalitres which is only 39 per cent of the previous record low inflow of about 76 gigalitres for the 12 months ending in July, according to Water NSW’s latest weekly report issued on August 13.

The lower inflows has seen water levels falling across the state with Wyangala Dam now at 60 per cent of capacity and Burrendong at just 34 per cent.

The latest Weekly Water Availability report issued by Water NSW on August 13 revealed Carcoar Dam is at 55 per cent, Wyangala Dam 60 per cent and Lake Cargelligo 74 per cent.

Lake Cargelligo is expected to remain above 60 per cent until the start of the irrigation season.

In January Carcoar Dam was at 82 per cent capacity at Wyangala 81 per cent.

In January Burrendong was 58 per cent capacity and Windemere 46 per cent.

According to Water NSW a combined dam and tributary inflow volume of more than 50,000 ML was required for the Lachlan Valley system in July before a further allocation of water for irrigators could be made in the Lachlan River.

Inflows fell well below the requirement with Water NSW saying “Inflows received in July were around 3,500ML”.

With inflows at record levels Water NSW said current releases from Burrendong Dam are for environmental orders, and a smaller proportion of the release is for irrigation, town water demand and minimum flow targets.

“This drier than historical minimum inflow confirms that the system has entered into a new drought of record for Burrendong Dam,” Water NSW said.

“Under very dry conditions, deliveries in 2018-19 will require water conservation initiatives to reduce losses. 

“This may involve implementation of water order debiting and, where feasible, block releases of irrigation orders in lower parts of the Macquarie River,” Water NSW said.