WATER flowing into Lake Wetherell in the Menindee Lakes has improved in condition, with the risk of a mass fish death event lessened from initial anticipations by experts.
Concerns over low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water travelling down from the northern end of the basin had led to warnings of potential fish kill events in Lake Wetherell, but as the water has moved down the Darling River, oxygen levels have been replenished.
Initially the water also contained high volumes of carbon from decaying leaves and soil from banks and floodplains that had been pulled into the river during rain and minor flooding upstream, but the carbon has gradually been consumed by bacteria as the water travels.
Fixed depth dissolved oxygen sensors in the Menindee Weir Pool indicate no decline in dissolved oxygen levels since the arrival of floodwaters.
A community update released by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water warns the risk of fish deaths is still possible in the coming weeks with high temperatures forecast, however the immediate outlook is more positive than initially expected.
Residents and visitors who notice dead fish or fish struggling or gasping at the water surface, or crayfish leaving the water, are encouraged to contact New South Wales DPI Fisheries on 1800 043 536.
