How the river monitoring gauges are used
Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme flow monitoring gauges and how they are used.
Each sector has a reference location whereby flow and salinity is monitored by WaterNSW to determine the discharge opportunity and Total Allowable Discharge (TAD) volume.
- Upper sector – Denman
- Middle sector – upstream (U/S) of Glennies Creek
- Lower sector - Singleton
WaterNSW monitors and forecasts the flow and salinity of the river using a water model and telemetry network, using gauges that are stationed at participant discharge points and at major tributaries. Figure 2 below shows a schematic of the gauging stations and participant locations with respect to their sectors.
Based on flow forecast data from both the tributary gauges and any high releases from Glenbawn Dam, the model calculates the total anticipated flow levels (flow routing) at Denman.
There are 4 tributaries that contribute to flow at Denman: Pages River, Rouchel Brook, Kingdon Ponds and Dart Brook.
Once the modelling is completed for Denman, final adjustments are made by the operator to generate the official flow and salinity forecast.
Figure 2: Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme River schematic, gauging stations and participant locations