Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Water levels at Cotter remain exceptionally high. With current readings at 99.4%, the reservoir holds a robust 79 GL. Such elevated levels ensure uninterrupted supply for the surrounding catchments.
Fed primarily by the Cotter River, this reservoir plays a critical role in the Murray-Darling Basin drainage division. Hydrological health in this specific drainage basin is vital for downstream ecosystems. The Murray-Darling Basin region relies heavily on the seasonal inflows captured here.
Agriculture in the surrounding areas of Australian Capital Territory depends heavily on the water security provided by Cotter. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Sustainable water management here ensures that both crops and livestock can survive prolonged dry spells.
The surrounding catchment of Cotter also supports diverse local flora and fauna. When capacity allows, Cotter becomes a hub for regional tourism and water sports. However, environmental flow releases must be carefully balanced to protect downstream river health.
With a mild reading of 14°C today, surface evaporation is significantly reduced, helping to preserve current volume. Under current clear sky weather, there is no direct rainfall contributing to the immediate storage levels.
The Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlooks will play a pivotal role in predicting the future inflows for this catchment. State water authorities utilize highly sophisticated monitoring tools to ensure every drop is accounted for. Resilience against extreme weather events remains the ultimate goal for the managers of this critical infrastructure.