This week, the Department of Water and Energy announced dramatic reductions in water allocations for water users drawing from the Brogo Dam, for the new 2009-2010 water year which began on Wednesday.

General security access licence holders – basically the irrigating farmers - will receive a zero allocation for the start of this water year due to the extremely low storage level in Brogo dam.

Town water supply, licensed stock and domestic and high security licence holders will receive 100 per cent allocation, ensuring that critical human needs are catered for.

The south-east of New South Wales has experienced some of the lowest rainfall on record over the past 12 months.

While the Brogo River catchment received some rainfall over the past year, inflows from the Brogo River have steadily declined, leaving the dam currently at a meagre 16 per cent of capacity.

The substantial decrease in the dam’s storage necessitates a commencing allocation of zero for general security water users.

The Department realises the difficulty this places on water users trying to plan for the coming year and will continue to review water use and availability so that any further changes to allocations can be made when conditions permit.

Additional information on water allocations is available on the Department’s website at www.dwe.nsw.gov.au

Alternativel y, licence holders can phone Brian Graham in the Department’s Parramatta Office on 9895 7617 for more information.