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Southeast 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.
*Drought zone 1 is the LTA in Southeast region.
Rainfall in our Southeast region was just below average in September at 95% of the Long Term Average (LTA)). Over the last three months (July to September inclusive), our Southeast region has received just below average rainfall (97% of the LTA) and below average effective precipitation (81% of the LTA). Soil dryness (Soil Moisture Deficit) remains above average levels for the time of year, meaning that 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. Average effective precipitation levels over the winter are higher.
Groundwater levels continue to decline just below the LTA and remain in Environmental Stress. Under 100% and 120% rainfall scenarios, groundwater levels are forecast to continue to track close to the LTA over the next seven months during the recharge period. Groundwater levels could reach and track drought zone 1 from early 2026 under a very dry (60 % LTA rainfall) scenario, potentially dipping into the drought zone during this time with drier conditions.
Please refer to our Drought Plan for what this means for us and our customers.