EstuaryWatch Data Portal

On Monday February 5, Barwon Water increased releases from the Painkalac Reservoir into Painkalac Creek from 0.6-0.7 Mega Litres of water per day to  2 Mega Litres of water per day.  Releases will return to 0.6-0.7 Mega Litres of water per day on Thursday February 8.

This release of water is called a “Low Flow Fresh”.  A “Low Flow Fresh” is a small amount of water released over a short period of time (1-3 days).  This release of water mimics a localised rainfall event during a time when there is low freshwater flow (Dec-March).  The aim of the release is to maintain summer/autumn water quality, flush sediments from potential egg laying sites in the lead up to autumn fish breeding season and provide some depth variability on surfaces of large wood in the river channel.

If you would like to learn more about the water releases from the Painkalac Reservoir I suggest you  have a read of this report written in 2008

http://www.ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au/resources/Painkalac_Creek_Recommendations_Paper_Final.pdf

The Victorian Environmental Water Holder also has some fantastic videos on the topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n2_UtsRh6w&index=11&list=UUaG0oi6DPFnk2PjkOQYXV1g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6QLLNsc3nk&index=6&list=UUaG0oi6DPFnk2PjkOQYXV1g

Permitted artificial estuary opening.

Opening was conducted due to avoid localised flooding. Significant rain on the way for the next three days – 90-95% chance of up to 30 mm each of Friday through Sunday.

Artificial opening of the estuary happened sometime in the afternoon of Saturday 19th August.  Water level 0.9m AHD Sunday 20th at 10.30am

Some flooding around the Painkalac Estuary. High tide around 10.45am and the sea water almost breaking the berm. Water level 2.1m AHD

Coastal Court monitoring platform found to be underwater. Monitoring not conducted. Water noted to be flowing, gently downstream (outward flow).

Estuary opened. Water level 1.5m AHD.

The estuary today was quite tidal in that it filled up at high tide and was emptied at low tide. It was going up and down at least half a metre. For example, very low at 9:30 and quite full at 12:30.

The Painkalac Creek estuary has opened to the sea. Water level 0.85m AHD.

Painkalac Creek estuary closed.  Water level 1.55m AHD.  Sea water overtopping the berm.

These photos show changes at the estuary 24 hours after an artificial opening on 15.07.17. Water depth 0.83m AHD.