Source model offers more precise science in flows study
Water for the environment gives our rivers, lakes and creeks the water they need to survive. Environmental flows studies help environmental water managers understand how much water to release and when.
Models are used to inform these studies.
A natural conditions model shows what the river would have been like before dams, channels and pipelines were constructed. This helps us understand how we can use environmental water under current conditions to improve the health of our rivers.
Environmental Flows Study
In 2003, an Environmental Flows Study of the Thomson River was completed using the monthly REALM model. The monthly time-step meant that fine details were not captured, like a pulse of water lasting only a few days.
In 2020, this flows study was updated based on daily information from the new Source model, giving decision-makers a better understanding of daily flow patterns.
Information from the flows study will help us use environmental water to sustain the health of the Thomson River into the future.
Map of Thomson catchment
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Page last updated: 08/09/23