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Central Region
*The long term average (LTA) has been calculated statistically, using the long term data record for this hydrograph. The respective drought zones are used as operational triggers and have been derived using the LTA.
Rainfall in our Central region was just below average in August at 59% of the Long Term Average (LTA). Over the last three months (June to August inclusive), our Central region has received below average rainfall (71% of the LTA) and below average effective precipitation (60% of the LTA). Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) (soil dryness) remains above average levels for the time of year, meaning any forthcoming rainfall is unlikely to contribute significantly to groundwater recharge until soils are wetter. Note that summer effective precipitation levels (the amount of rainfall which reaches groundwater) are usually low.
Groundwater levels continue to decline but remain above average, because of high groundwater levels at the start of the seasonal recession in spring 2025. Levels are forecast to remain above average if we get more than 40 % LTA rainfall over the next seven months, due to starting the recession period well above average in March 2026.
Please refer to our Drought Plan for further information about droughts and how we manage them.