Track water storage, capacity and historical trends for major reservoirs in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and beyond.
Serpentine is experiencing significant storage depletion. With the reservoir sitting at just 31.3%, the total available volume is 138 GL. This lower-than-average capacity may trigger preliminary water-saving advisories in Western Australia if dry conditions persist.
Fed primarily by the Serpentine River, this reservoir plays a critical role in the South West Coast drainage division. Managing the flow from the Serpentine River ensures that downstream agricultural zones receive consistent supply. Catchment dynamics in the South West Coast are deeply influenced by the retention capacity of Serpentine.
Beyond standard municipal supply, Serpentine is a vital asset for the regional agricultural economy in Western Australia. The local economy, heavily rooted in agriculture, fluctuates in tandem with the health of this reservoir. Without the buffer provided by this massive 138 GL storage, regional farming would face extreme volatility.
The surrounding catchment of Serpentine also supports diverse local flora and fauna. During periods of healthy water levels, the area often sees an increase in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. Authorities must constantly balance the need for human water consumption with the ecological necessity of maintaining healthy river systems downstream.
Current local temperatures are sitting at a moderate 19°C. With 0mm of recent rainfall and clear sky skies, the catchment is relatively dry today.
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. Given the unpredictable nature of Australia's climate, from La Niña flooding to El Niño droughts, maintaining a dynamic operational strategy for Serpentine is absolutely essential.