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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Date: 6 February 2009 STOCK AND DOMESTIC WATER RELEASES POSTPONED The NSW Department of Water and Energy today advised landholders along the Wakool River system that a planned stock and domestic water release will be postponed until conditions improve.
The decision comes following fish deaths in both the Colligen and Merran Creeks.
“We know that landholders in these systems are desperate for stock and domestic water, however we need to be mindful of these fish populations as we deliver it,” said the Department’s Deputy Director-General, David Harriss.
The fish kills in both creeks are the result of the severely reduced oxygen levels in the water at the head of the flow, caused by high water temperatures coupled with high organic loads. In some localised areas this may be exacerbated by the impact of acid-sulphate sediments.
“While we expect there to be further fish deaths in these and other systems as a result of the heat, we do not want to contribute to more fish kills, particularly in the deeper refuge pools in the Wakool River.
Mr Harriss said that the Department met with landholder representatives from the Wakool River system today and agreement had been reached to postpone the releases until conditions improve to a level that will not have such an adverse environmental impact.
“We still remain committed to delivering this water for stock and domestic users in these areas,” Mr Harriss said.
Landholders who are in immediate need of domestic household supply or water for critical stock needs are advised to contact the Department of Primary Industries drought support workers. Drought Support workers are available in Corowa ( 02 60 334245) and Hay ( 02 69931608).
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