Water in the Daly region report

Report on water in the Daly region of the Timor Sea drainage division from the northern Australia Sustainable Yeilds Report.
This region report contains information on water availability and demand, context and water balance results for the Daly region, August 2009.

http://www.csiro.au/resources/Daly-report-NASY.html

A Compendium of Ecological Information on Australia's Northern Tropical Rivers

Lukacs, G.P. and Finlayson, C.M. (eds) 2008. A Compendium of Ecological Information on Australia's Northern Tropical Rivers. Sub project 1 of Australia's Tropical Rivers - an integrated data assessment and analysis (DET18). A report to Land & Water Australia. Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, National Centre for Tropical Wetland Reseacrh, Townsville, Queensland.
9 reports cover the following topics: geomorphology, estuaries, hydrology, riparian vegetation, water quality, aquatic macroinvertebrates, freshwater fish, aquatic reptiles and waterbirds
http://www.environment.gov.au/ssd/tropical-rivers/triap-sp1.html

Printed copy available at NRETAS and DPI Library

Hydrology of the lower Daly River, Northern Territory

Chappell, John and Bardsley, Kristin. 1985. Australian National University, North Australia Research Unit, Darwin.
This survey describes statistical behaviour of the freshwater discharge of the Daly River just upstream of the tidal limit, and inundation of the floodplains below the tidal limit. Objectives of this report include description of the statistical behaviour of discharge throughout the wet season.

Copy available at NRETAS and DPI Library

Sediment sources and channel dynamics, Daly River, Northern Australia

R.J. Wasson, L. Furlonger, D. Parry, T. Pietsch, E. Valentine and D. Williams, 2009.
Geomorphology doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.06.022
The Daly River occupies a mainly undisturbed large catchment in the Australian wet-dry tropics. Concerns about possible increased sediment input to the River from clearing and cropping has motivated this study of fine sediment sources.

Available through Science Direct

Aspects of Modelling the Daly River

Valentine, Eric M.
In: Proceedings of Water Down Under 2008; pages: 875-884. Lambert, Martin (Editor); Daniell, Trevor M (Editor); Leonard, Michael (Editor). Modbury, SA: Engineers Australia ; Causal Productions, 2008.
"Observations suggest that there has been considerable siltation in the estuary since 1880, and there are indications that there are instabilities in the channel plan form. The question as to whether these instabilities are driven by hydrological or anthropogenic influences from previous limited agricultural development is crucial to the decision on future development and how it should be managed. A numerical model of the hydrodynamics and morphology of the Daly River is being constructed to help determine the transport and fate of sediments on the floodplain and in the channel. This paper presents an overview of some model approaches being applied to the Daly River."

Available through Informit Engineering Collection or through the National Library.

A model to predict the response of the benthic macroalga Spirogyra to reduced base flow in the tropical Australia

S. A. Townsend, A. V. Padovan
River Research and Applications, Feb 2009
A model was developed to predict the impact of reduced dry season base flow, due to groundwater and river extraction, on the standing crop of Spirogyra along an 18 km reach of the Daly River. The model demonstrates the utility of applying a benthic algal model to evaluate the ecological impact of modified flow regimes and contribute to environmental flow recommendations.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122208520/abstract

Classifying the flow regime of data-limited streams in the wet-dry tropical region of Australia

Dene R. Moliere, John B.C. Lowry and Chris L. Humphrey
Journal of Hydrology, v. 367, Pages 1-13, 2009
In this study, an analysis was undertaken to link significant hydrological variables to a selection of basic catchment characteristics. Long-term discharge records from streams within three relatively well-gauged catchments – Daly (Northern Territory), Fitzroy (Western Australia) and Flinders (Queensland) rivers – were analysed to classify streams into flow regime groupings. Results indicate that the predicted hydrology variables can be used to broadly classify the flow regime of ungauged or data-limited streams within Australia’s wet-dry tropics.
doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2008.12.015

Katherine Downstream Horticultural Water Supply: weirs and offstream storages

J. Paiva
Power and Water Authority, Water Resource Division,

This report describes the preliminary hydrological and engineering feasibility of offstream and weir storages for horticultural water supply, in the Katherine downstream area between Katherine and the Katherine/ King confluence. Offstream storages, in the form of ring tanks were estimated using the 2DAM storage transfer simulation model. For weir storage the extents of area irrigable for different weir heights were obtained using the DAMYIELD storage simulation model. The environmental impacts caused by weir impoundment on the ecology, hydrology and the socio-economic environment of the Katherine downstream area and the need for assessment of same if weir storage is considered, have been discussed.

The seasonal accrual and loss of benthic algae (Spirogyra) in the Daly River, an oligotrophic river in tropical Australia

S. Townsend and A. Padovan
Marine and Freshwater Research, 56, 3, 317-327,

The hierarchy of factors that control the growth and biomass of Spirogyra sp. was examined for an 18-km reach of the Daly River in the wet/dry tropics of northern Australia. On an annual temporal scale, hydrological disturbances control Spirogyra. Over the wet season (typically December–April), frequent runoff events prevent the colonisation and growth of Spirogyra in the Daly River. This is followed, however, by a lengthy period (typically May–November) without hydrological disturbances and river velocities that favour benthic algal growth.

Environmental Water Requirements of Vallisneria nana in the Daly River, Northern Territory

N. Rea, P. Dostine, P. Cook, I. Webster and D. Williams
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Repo2t 35/2002

This project focuses on the major riverine plant, Vallisneria nana R.Br., beds of which are a keystone habitat. Macrophytes play a role in providing food, breeding sites and refuge for animals, and in the cycling of nutrients, metals and carbon. They slow currents, trap organic matter, sediments and nutrients, reduce turbidity, stabilise banks, increase shade and reduce water temperatures. Vallisneria species were once considerably abundant in the regulated inland rivers of south-eastern Australia. Their loss is attributed to adverse changes in water quality and flow. The loss of V. nana would cause a cascade of adverse changes across the food web. The overall project objective was to make recommendations about the environmental conditions needed to sustain V. nana and its functional role in the Daly River.

Katherine River Development

I. Smith
Department of Transport and Works, Water Division

This report examines hydrological parameters likely to affect the development of the Katherine River at and above the town of Katherine. Broad scale environmental and economic considerations led to a recommendation for development of the next phase of water supply to the town, such development being seen as the major influence in the medium term future of the river. A comparative summary of all water supply options considered suited to the growth of the town of Katherine is presented. In addition to town water supply the irrigation and hydroelectric generating capability of the river is examined at a major damsite (Keckwick) at the N.E. boundary of Katherine Gorge National Park.

Groundwater Modelling of the Tindal Limestone Aquifer

A. Puhalovich
EWL Sciences for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment

This report looks at the interaction between the aquifer and Katherine River, and possible changes to river flow as a result of various groundwater use scenarios. The key issues relate to: understanding groundwater recharge rates and pre-development discharge rates to the Katherine River; assumptions concerning the conceptual hydrological model and refinements needed for previously developed groundwater models; the development scenarios and seasonal groundwater use patterns; and the timing and nature of surface water / groundwater interactions.

Towards an understanding of the hydrological factors, constraints and opportunities for irrigation in northern Australia: A review.

C. Petheram and K. Bristow
February 2008
In this report we seek to lay foundations for understanding the hydrology of northern Australia, by providing a broad overview of the surface and groundwater resources with respect to irrigation development. In doing so we aim to: 1) provide a review of key literature on climate and hydrology in northern Australia, relevant to irrigation; and 2) highlight key bio-physical issues, opportunities and constraints for irrigation in northern Australia.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/2008/sr13-08.pdf

Spatial Analysis of Stream Runoff Response in the Tropical River Region

D. Moliere, G. Boggs and J. Lowry
Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist and Charles Darwin University, As part of a large-scale project for the integrated data assessment and analysis of Australia’s tropical rivers, an attempt has been made to estimate the hydrological characteristics of some of the river catchments throughout the tropical rivers region of the Northern Territory. Stream runoff response, in particular, has important implications for water quality monitoring within a catchment. General diurnal patterns at stations within the Daly and the East and South Alligator river catchments were derived using long-term rainfall and streamflow data collected at each station. The general runoff response of a stream was determined from the diurnal rainfall and runoff patterns.

Speleological Assessment of Karst Aquifers Developed within the Tindall Limestone Katherine, N.T.

S. Lauritzen and D. Karp
Power and Water Authority,
This report is an interim report describing assessment results of the Karst hydrogeology in the Katherine area, NT. Two main areas were investigated; the Cutta Cutta Cave Reserve south-west of Katherine, and the Kintore Cave Reserve, north-west of Katherine. The scope of the project was to become acquainted with the Karst landform style in the area, to analyse a few selected caves for their paleohydrology and structure; and to date the development sequences in the caves and provide a uranium concentration history of the percolation water at the sites.

Groundwater use by vegetation in a tropical savannah riparian zone (Daly River, Australia)

S. Lamontagne, P. G. Cook, A. O'Grady and D. Eamus
Journal of Hydrology, 310, 1-4, 280-293, 2005
Soil water matric potentials and the deuterium composition at natural abundance levels of xylem water, soil water, river water and groundwater were used to evaluate whether trees use groundwater during the dry season in the riparian zone of the Daly River (Northern Territory, Australia). Groundwater was a significant source of water for plant transpiration, probably accounting for more than 50% of the water transpired during the dry season. Use of groundwater varied between species. A decline in the regional water table as a result of groundwater pumping may affect the health of riparian zone vegetation in the Daly River because groundwater use is significant during the dry season.
doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.01.009

Daly River Catchment Water Balance

P. Jolly, Department of Lands Planning and Environment, 2001
The aim of this document was to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of the water balance for the Daly River Catchment; and to document work that is required to improve our understanding of the components of the water balance, both areally and with time.
The Daly River catchment covers an area of approximately 52,600 square kilometres. Data has been collected on various aspects of the surface water and groundwater hydrology of the catchment for at least the last 50 years. The report provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of the various components of the water balance, as they apply to the Daly River catchment.
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD02010

Katherine Water Use Review: Final Report

D. Jaeschke
Jesky Fencing and Contracting for Katherine Horticultural Association, The 2005 Katherine Future Directions Forum identified the achievement of water security and sustainability as the most important issue facing horticulture and horticulturalists in the Katherine area.

Formulation of a water management and allocation plan is critical for the proper development of industry in the Katherine area. Planning cannot proceed without appropriate information. Anecdotal evidence suggests some views are held that consider currently available data is insufficient for sound decision making. This review aims to assemble available hydrological data, and independently collect water usage data from horticulturalists and other users.

Environmental Water Requirements of the Daly River: Revision of Recommendations of Erskine et al.

W. D. Erskine, P. Jolly and I. Smith (2003) Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment.
The purpose of this report is to present background information on Daly River hydrology and the recommendations of Erskine et al (2003) as well as the outcomes of the Daly Region Water Allocation Workshop held at the Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development in Darwin on 5 May 2004. In this report there is background information on hydrography and hydrology to help understand the data collected at the river gauging stations.

Recommended environmental water requirements for the Daly River, Northern Territory, based on ecological, hydrological and biological principles

W. D. Erskine, G. W. Begg, P. Jolly, A. Georges, A. O'Grady, D. Eamus, N. Rea, P. Dostine, S. Townsend and A. Padovan Supervising Scientist
The purpose of this report was to provide a concise overview of the work completed for the five projects: Modelling Dry-season flows and predicting the impact of water extraction on a flagship species — the pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta); Tree water use and sources of transpired water in riparian vegetation along the Daly River, Northern Territory; Environmental water requirements of Vallisneria nana in the Daly River, Northern Territory; Periphyton and phytoplankton response to reduced Dry season flows in the Daly River; and Inventory and risk assessment of water dependent ecosystems in the Daly Basin. This report contains concise information on five projects based on the Daly River, with possible recommendations. Background information is also provided to be able to understand the projects and the recommendations.
http://www.environment.gov.au/ssd/publications/ssr/175.html