Peel River Water Use 2020-21
A small volume of NSW and Commonwealth water for the environment is being released in the Peel River in autumn to improve water quality, and support recovery of native fish and other aquatic animals downstream of Chaffey Dam. The flows will also support Murray cod that were rescued during the drought and recently returned to the river near Tamworth as part of the NSW Native Fish Drought Response effort.
2020-21 Peel River Flow event updates
Peel River Flow Event – Update #1 – 21 May 2021
While wetter conditions have improved flows in much of the Peel River system, the section upstream of Woolomin to Chaffey has not benefitted. This section of the river is in poor condition, following persistent low or no flows over the last two years. A small volume of NSW and Commonwealth water for the environment is being released from Chaffey Dam in autumn, to connect pools and improve poor water quality. The flow will benefit platypus and native fish such as Murray cod, silver perch and freshwater catfish, by increasing access to food and habitat.