The contents of, and how to use the Barwon-Darling River observed and modelled cease flows 2021 dataset.

Cease-to-flow periods

The Barwon-Darling river has often stopped flowing for periods of time. The cease to flow periods in the dry periods of our climate are more frequent than in the wet period.

The cease to flow conditions we saw in the most recent drought were severe and had significant impacts on communities, ecosystems and industries, but they are not unique when compared to the historical record. Our lived experience is mostly drawn from the wet period when there were very few cease to flow periods.

• The Barwon-Darling region naturally goes through wetting and drying cycles that can last decades.

• (As at 2021), we are currently going through a dry period. The last dry period was 1900 – 1950.

• The cease to flow periods experienced in the most recent drought have been long and severe, but are not unusual when compared to conditions in historical dry periods.

• There are clear differences between the cease to flow periods in the dry, compared to the wet periods.

Note: If you would like to ask a question, make any suggestions, or tell us how you are using this dataset, please visit the NSW Water Hub which has an online forum you can join.