Introduction

The 004 SWMA comprises a number of catchments of extreme hydrologic variability. Broadly, all drainage in the area is endorheic terminating in either Lake Frome, Lake Eyre South or Lake Eyre North, normally dry playas. Uninterrupted flow along the length of the streams is best described as ephemeral however local runoff is sufficient to maintain many permanent fresh waterholes throughout the area.

The Lake Frome catchment drains the eastern slopes of the North Flinders Ranges out onto arid plains towards Lake Frome. Average rainfall ranges between 200 - 250mm and landuse is predominantly grazing.

The Lake Eyre South catchment drains the northern slopes of the North Flinders Ranges as well as the arid region north of Lake Torrens. Landuse is predominantly grazing.

The remaining portion of the SWMA comprises the Neales River which, at times, is thought to be a significant contributor to Lake Eyre North.

At least two quite different flow regimes pertain to these catchments. Runoff can occur as a result of either widespread enduring rainfall or intense but local thunderstorm activity. The former is rarer but can result in runoff from all parts of the catchments leading to widespread flooding and considerable inflows to the terminal lakes. The latter occurs with higher reliability and can result in considerable local runoff with flows occurring along isolated reaches and with some local flooding. Thunderstorm activity is thought to be vital to the maintenance of fresh waterholes but less significant for flows to the terminal lakes.

Vital Statistics:

Please note:

No data were supplied about total surface water use for some river basins (eg. unregulated basins in NSW).

A four-class classification system was developed to provide a simple method to communicate the status of the use and allocation of Australia's water resources in relation to sustainable water management.

It is important to recognise that adequately quantifying a sustainable flow regime or sustainable yield and consequent operating rules is a complex matter. State, Territory and scientific agencies continue to develop and apply methods and measures for determining sustainable flow regimes and sustainable yields.

This categorisation provides a general guide only. Please refer to the State and Territory Overview and Technical reports for detail on the analysis methods used.

* Water use as a percentage of sustainable flow regime (surface water) and sustainable yield (groundwater)

PLEASE NOTE:

Sustainable Yield:

The sustainable yield has been equated to the divertible yield as the divertible yield takes environmental flow requirements into account.

The environmental flow requirements are therefore equal to the mean annual flow minus the total volume of farm dams in the catchment.

PLEASE NOTE:

Categorisation:

No categorisation possible

How saline are the surface water resources in the Lake Frome (SA) surface water management area?

Table: Surface water resource by salinity class.

Major water storages

Table: Major water storage areas:

There were no major water storages reported in this area as part of the assessment

Further Information

• View the South Australia Water Resources Assessment 2000 Report
• View the South Australia Water Resources Assessment 2000 Technical Report
• Link to data available for download on the:
• Surface Water Management Areas
• Data from the 1985 Review of Australia's Water Resources and Water Use
• Link to the Map Maker to make a map using this information.