Groundwater levels

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.

Groundwater levels in our Central region have continued to rise and are now very close to reaching drought zone 1. We have now experienced four consecutive months of above average rainfall, with December at 152% of LTA. Groundwater recovery is expected to continue into drought zone 1, although the level of increase will depend on the rainfall over the next few months. Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) is very low, which promotes a high proportion of rainfall contributing towards recharge of the aquifers.

A consistent very low rainfall (60% LTA) scenario will potentially result in a return to drought zone 2 by the spring. Average rainfall conditions will likely see groundwater levels remaining in drought zone 1 until autumn 2020, with above average conditions potentially resulting in recovery above drought zone 1 by the end of the recharge season.