8 thoughts on “Call to audit Perth dam rain gauges – Water Corporation announces two of their rain gauges are down for service”

1. Unseasonal rain in Broome brings an unusual max/min result for today so far, checking here where it’s just 21.5 at noon: www.bom.gov.au/wa/observations/waall.shtml?ref=hdr

   Minimum of 21.9 at 8.59am
   Maximum of 24.9 at 7.50am

   That will likely confuse BoM computers, except the 9.00am records wont show any of it.
   The locals are already talking about records for August, but they forget that 95mm fell in August 1919
   Tom – here is how the BoM read August the 29th according to –
   www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/IDCJDW6015.latest.shtml
   29 Mo Min 21.9 – Max 22.4

2. A reader in Perth sent my these water articles –
   Tim Treadgold wrote on 15th August –
   Water pressure highlights competing priorities
   https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Water-pressure-highlights-competing-priorities

   and Sue Murphy the Water Corporation boss replied on 29th –
   Planning, efficient use vital for water
   https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Planning-efficient-use-vital-for-water

   ANALYSIS: Changing water-use habits is essential if WA’s lifestyle is to be maintained over the long term,
   irrespective of who owns the assets.
   Tim Treadgold’s column [7] in Business News on August 15 (‘Water pressure highlights competing priorities’) was
   a thought-provoking view on private sector involvement in the water industry in Western Australia.
   Our conditioning leads us to believe we should be able to have as much of anything as we can afford to pay for.
   However, the issue is more complex than one would first think.
   It’s entirely possible that a private sector proposal to supply desalinated water has a place in the Water
   Corporation [8]’s extensive and diverse program to secure the state’s water future. But the real issue is whether
   every Western
   Australian would be ready to pay for an unlimited supply of water. No matter who owns the assets, the customers
   end up paying for them.
   If we build more and more desalination plants to allow lavish water use, we also have to build much bigger
   networks of pipes and pumps; that all costs money and those costs are generally shared across all users – so the
   cost of water would increase for everyone.
   Private sector involvement in the water industry is nothing new in WA. Water Corporation [8] has been working
   with the private sector through strong alliances for more than 20 years to provide operations, maintenance, and
   asset management.

   We also use a range of different contracting strategies to build new assets, including standard construction
   contracts, construction alliances and public private partnerships.
   The tricky thing about privately owned water sources is that your competitor is rain. To date, we have not found
   the private sector keen to take on climate risk, and a take-or-pay contract does not help the state’s balance sheet.
   At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who owns the asset – a return on investment must be made.
   Unfortunately, Mr Treadgold’s recent column ignores the realities of our drying environment. It suggests that
   unlimited water is a right, whether it rains or not, and that we’re punishing our customers for the lack of it.
   Over the past decade, Water Corporation [8] has constantly developed new sources and brought them online
   when needed. These have kept supply ahead of demand. We haven’t excessively developed new water sources
   before they are needed, which would have diverted investment away from other community priorities such as
   hospitals and schools.
   With just a few days left of winter, we are only now starting to see stream-flows into Perth’s drinking water dams.
   The stream-flow is welcomed, however, the 13.8 billion litres received so far this winter is a tiny fraction of the
   long-term average inflows of more than 300 billion litres.
   It is naïve to think we can buy our way out of a drying climate. As a community, I believe we can get by on a lot
   less water without affecting our lifestyles. We have a Mediterranean climate and clear blue skies 70 per cent of
   the year, yet we have gardens that look more like something out of Downton Abbey than Athens.
   We use more water per person in Perth than any other capital city in the country. The corporation’s mantra is that
   waste is unacceptable; this is not about driving a ‘sackcloth and ashes’ mentality, but simply making a few tweaks
   to our daily behaviours.
   We want Perth green with an outdoor amenity second to none, but we can do this in ways that use a fraction of
   the water we once poured on to our sandy gardens. We need to embrace our unique WA flora, not rip it out.
   As an organisation we are not unique in encouraging our customers to use less of our product. Other businesses do
   this, too; for example health insurers promote wellness because they know that a healthy customer means fewer
   hospital visits and lower premiums.
   I believe that we can both supply water and encourage its efficient use.
   With continued good planning from the Water Corporation [8] and a smart approach to water use by individuals,
   community and business, there’s good reason for confidence about our water future. Water forever – whatever
   the weather
   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
   In quoting the 300GL figure for “long-term average inflows”
   Sue Murphy is not only wrong but has used a dubious tactic to include statistics from the pre-1975 wetter rain regime – that is since 1975 no longer raining over SW WA.
   www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply-and-services/rainfall-and-dams/streamflow/streamflowhistorical
   The above chart is hopelessly biased as much of the decline in flows post 2000 is due to bush clogging catchments – not rain decline.
   Sue Murphy should be replaced as head of Water Corporation.
   They need a water engineer as boss who will ensure that catchment bush is managed so as to get runoff of 5-6% of rainfall into dams. Simple.
   This month has seen above average rain – 2016 rain will be way up on last years dry result.

3. Emails sent to the WA Water Minister Mia Davies – since 2 May 2016 – newest at top.

   emails to Minister Davies
   The machine even replies on a Sunday – not in the union.
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: RE: WA Water Corp finds faulty rain gauges
   From: "Davies, Minister"
   Date: Sun, August 28, 2016 4:43 pm
   To: “Warwick Hughes”
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details | View as plain text

   This is an automatic message acknowledging that your correspondence to the Hon Mia Davies MLA, Minister for Water; Sport and Recreation; Forestry, has been received.
   Please be assured that your correspondence will be actioned as appropriate.
   Thank you for taking the time to contact our office.
   Please do not reply to this message.
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: WA Water Corp finds faulty rain gauges
   From: "Warwick Hughes"
   Date: Sun, August 28, 2016 4:42 pm
   To: Minister.Davies@dpc.wa.gov.au (more)
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details

   Dear Ministers,
   On 2nd May I blogged –
   West Australian Govt Water Corporation fails to record March 2016 rain at
   several dams
   www.warwickhughes.com/blog/?p=4438
   I emailed this to the WA Water Minister and opposition shadow. No replies
   from the Minister.

   On 2nd August I checked Perth Dams rain data again and blogged –
   Perth dams rain data is in need of an audit
   www.warwickhughes.com/blog/?p=4631

   On 22nd August I sent this email to the WA Water Minister and several
   Senators and MP’s.
   Audit still required Perth dams rainfall
   Dear Minister Davies and BoM Minister Frydenburg,
   [1] BoM station Mundaring Weir 9031 has no data later than March
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009031
   [2] Mundaring Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with low reading for June
   [3] Victoria Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with low reading for April
   [4] BoM station Victoria Dam 9216 is missing all March and Jun, Jul & Aug.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009216
   [5] BoM station Churchman Brook 9010 has no data for Aug.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009010
   [6] Wungong Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with zero reading for March
   [7] BoM station Wungong Dam 9044 is missing Aug. And often reads very low
   compared to Wungong Dam of Water Corporation which must be nearby.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009044
   [8] Serpentine Main Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with several low
   monthly totals compared to Serpentine Pipehead.
   [9] BoM station Serpentine Main Dam 9115 is missing Jun, Jul & Aug.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009115

   It is staggering that such a list of data shortcomings comes from an area
   where the WA Govt has “bagged” rainfall for over a decade.

   Please release all your Water Corporation daily rain data on your web site
   as conveniently downloadable simple ASCI text or xls files.
   Warwick Hughes 0417 929 802
   No replies other than machine written receipts.
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: RE: Audit still required Perth dams rainfall
   From: "Davies, Minister"
   Date: Mon, August 22, 2016 11:31 am
   To: “Warwick Hughes”
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details | View as plain text

   This is an automatic message acknowledging that your correspondence to the Hon Mia Davies MLA, Minister for Water; Sport and Recreation; Forestry, has been received.
   Please be assured that your correspondence will be actioned as appropriate.
   Thank you for taking the time to contact our office.
   Please do not reply to this message.
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: Audit still required Perth dams rainfall
   From: "Warwick Hughes"
   Date: Mon, August 22, 2016 11:30 am
   To: Minister.Davies@dpc.wa.gov.au
   Cc: josh.frydenberg.mp@aph.gov.au
   Bcc: senator.back@aph.gov.au (more)
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details

   Dear Minister Davies and BoM Minister Frydenburg,
   [1] BoM station Mundaring Weir 9031 has no data later than March
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009031
   [2] Mundaring Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with low reading for June
   [3] Victoria Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with low reading for April
   [4] BoM station Victoria Dam 9216 is missing all March and Jun, Jul & Aug.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009216
   [5] BoM station Churchman Brook 9010 has no data for Aug.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009010
   [6] Wungong Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with zero reading for March
   [7] BoM station Wungong Dam 9044 is missing Aug. And often reads very low
   compared to Wungong Dam of Water Corporation which must be nearby.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009044
   [8] Serpentine Main Dam of Water Corporation is suspect with several low
   monthly totals compared to Serpentine Pipehead.
   [9] BoM station Serpentine Main Dam 9115 is missing Jun, Jul & Aug.
   www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=136&p_display_type=dailyDataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=009115

   It is staggering that such a list of data shortcomings comes from an area
   where the WA Govt has “bagged” rainfall for over a decade.

   Please release all your Water Corporation daily rain data on your web site
   as conveniently downloadable simple ASCI text or xls files.
   Warwick Hughes 0417 929 802
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: RE: Audit required Perth dams rainfall
   From: "Davies, Minister"
   Date: Tue, August 9, 2016 8:05 am
   To: “Warwick Hughes”
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details | View as plain text

   This is an automatic message acknowledging that your correspondence to the Hon Mia Davies MLA, Minister for Water; Sport and Recreation; Forestry, has been received.
   Please be assured that your correspondence will be actioned as appropriate.
   Thank you for taking the time to contact our office.
   Please do not reply to this message.
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: Audit required Perth dams rainfall
   From: "Warwick Hughes"
   Date: Tue, August 9, 2016 7:58 am
   To: Minister.Davies@dpc.wa.gov.au
   Cc: mick.murray@mp.wa.gov.au
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details

   Dear Minister Davies,
   Comparisons with BoM Perth Hills rain data shows inconsistencies in Water
   Corporation rainfall data for Perth dam catchments.
   See my blogs –
   Perth dams rain data is in need of an audit
   www.warwickhughes.com/blog/?p=4631

   West Australian Govt Water Corporation fails to record March 2016 rain at
   several dams
   www.warwickhughes.com/blog/?p=4438

   Can you please arrange for all Water Corporation daily rainfall data for
   Perth dam catchments to be made public – conveniently downloadable as
   simple ASCI text or xls files. Govt data paid for by taxpayers should be
   public anyway.

   Thank you very much Minister,
   All the best,
   Warwick Hughes
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   I can not find any reply to this 2nd May email below – possible i deleted it but it is not a habit of mine
   <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
   Subject: Water Corporation huge errors recording dams rainfall
   From: "Warwick Hughes"
   Date: Mon, May 2, 2016 12:56 pm
   To: Minister.Davies@dpc.wa.gov.au
   Priority: Normal
   Options: View Full Header | View Printable Version | Download this as a file | View Message details

   Dear Minister Davies,
   West Australian Govt Water Corporation fails to record March 2016 rain at
   several dams
   www.warwickhughes.com/blog/?p=4438

   If your Water Corporation can not be relied upon to record on their
   website something as simple as rainfall at Perth dams – what else are they
   messing up?

   All the best,
   Warwick Hughes

4. ‘With just a few days left of winter, we are only now starting to see stream-flows into Perth’s drinking water dams.’

   That is simply not true. This year there have been net inflows (and note net) since May.

   www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply-and-services/rainfall-and-dams/dam-levels

   The rest is just ideological claptrap.

5. Even according to Water Corporation and their admittedly less than complete data; it has been a solid August for Perth Hills rain, up with and over long term averages. I also note that some Water Corp dams rainfall Jan to Aug is doing well compared with annual totals as August ends. Look here at:
   www.watercorporation.com.au/water-supply-and-services/rainfall-and-dams/rainfall/rainfall-at-perth-dams
   Canning Dam, Churchmans Brook, Serpentine Pipehead, South Dandalup and Wungong all have August totals way over the long term average for August.

   And comparing the year to date Jan to Aug we have the following solid results.
   Churchmans Brook Jan to Aug to date 904; annual average 946
   Serpentine Pipehead Jan to Aug to date 827; annual average 994
   Wungong Dam Jan to Aug to date 899; annual average 998
   Still got 3 months to go. As you say it is all falling free from the sky and previous generations paid for and built our dams. All the WA Govt can do is decommission the dams by allowing unchecked scrub growth.
   You truly have to pinch yourself.
   To read what Sue Murphy says about rain, a visitor from Mars might assume water was a dangerous substance. Way unsuited for her job.

6. It will indeed be fascinating to revisit some of Sue Murphy’s pearls of wisdom later on when 2016 rain is further advanced – but hey – how about this for WA Govt – Water Corporation quirky treatment of rain numbers. Here is the left hand side of WaterCorp dams rain page for Friday 26 August – just showing their August columns.
   
   Then the Perth Hills region enjoyed widespread good rain on Saturday the 27th –
   
   we know the WA Govt – Water Corporation does not update their www rain data on weekends. Then on Monday the 29th August their page is updated – presumably with rain totals for the 27th, 28th, and to 9am on Monday the 29th.
   But here is the dogs breakfast result.
   
   Here is a little table started to sum up where we are. Empty columns can be filled in later if we ever get the data.
   
   Any normal organization recording these data would – on the Monday morning – include the rain tally for the Saturday and Sunday – otherwise we the people will never know that it rained on the weekend – but that concept seems too hard for the WA Govt – Water Corporation. I will update again after next weekend.

7. That streamflow data is highly suspect, because the net inflows into the dams are larger than the streamflows over the winter. Even if Perth doesn’t use any water and there is no evaporation (both impossible of course), where is the water in the dams coming from? Desalination?

8. Pingback: Obfuscating reply from WA Minister for Water re my call for rainfall audit | Errors in IPCC climate science