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East 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 East region was below average in August at 52% of the Long Term Average (LTA). Over the last three months (June to August inclusive), our East region has received below average rainfall (73% of the LTA) and well below average effective precipitation (56% of the LTA). Soils dryness (SMD) remains above average, 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 remain below the LTA and have continued to decline, staying within the Environmental Stress trigger. Under all rainfall scenarios (40, 60%, 80%, 100% and 120%) of the LTA, groundwater levels are likely to remain in this zone for the next three months, before recovering out of the zone with 120 % LTA rainfall. With 80 % LTA rainfall or less, groundwater levels are forecast to remain in Environmental Stress for the next seven months. Under a 40 % rainfall scenario, groundwater levels could approach drought zone 1 in January.
Please refer to our Drought Plan for what this means for us and our customers.