Menindee fishkill a result of flood impact on water quality
22 MARCH 2023The major fishkill occurring at Menindee lakes is a distressing but naturally-occurring event that often occurs after largescale flooding, as has also been the case in flood zones elsewhere in the state.
Since October last year WaterNSW – a state-owned corporation - has been part of a government working group monitoring the floodwaters and alerting Barwon-Darling communities to the risk of fishkill.
The absence of dams or other major assets along the length of the upper Barwon-Darling means there are few measures that can be taken to prevent fishkills caused by uncontrollable floodwaters making their way into the lakes.
As part of the multi-agency response, the priority of WaterNSW is making the best water available, for the Menindee community and the environment of the lakes and Lower Darling.
For information on dam release rates and river impacts:
- Sign up to our Early Warning Network (EWN)
- Visit WaterInsights for dam levels, rainfall totals, dam releases etc
- Check the BoM website to receive the latest weather and flood information
- For emergency information, contact the NSW SES – or phone on132 500
Find more information on WaterNSW storages.
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