Media statement – Satellite impact on gauging network

The disruption means online access to data from gauges relating to river heights and flows may be intermittently delayed at approximately 100 of the 700 sites in the WaterNSW network.

WaterNSW is working to identify and contact customers most affected under their respective Water Sharing Plans and will engage field staff where possible to manually read river gauges at key sites while the situation is resolved.

Preliminary advice from the satellite service provider and an assessment by WaterNSW specialists indicate that the problem may persist until the satellite is replaced at the end of November.

Even in zones likely to be impacted – coastal areas and the central and southern inland - most customers will not be affected.

While the majority of the 50 worst affected sites are still receiving a daily update, it can be delayed for some hours. At a very small number of sites, the data may not be updated for 48-72 hours.

The current situation means that, under a worst-case scenario, outdated flow data could potentially result in some customers extracting water in breach of local water sharing plan rules.

Users of information sources; WaterInsights and the Real-Time Data website, are being advised to check the date of the flow data displayed, to ensure it is current.

WaterNSW has advised the Natural Resources Access Regulator and the Department of Planning and Environment - Water, and is working collaboratively to understand the likely implications.

WaterNSW has also contacted key data recipients, such as the Bureau of Meteorology and the Murray Darling Basin Authority, to advise them of the situation.

WaterNSW will continue to communicate with customers and partner agencies reliant on the data as the situation unfolds.

If you are experiencing extended delays with your water data, contact our Customer Service Centre on 1300 662 077 or email customer.helpdesk@waternsw.com.au to let us know.