Please note that the Shoalhaven Transfers started at the 75% storage level. See the latest Drought Report at;

https://www.waternsw.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/148162/Greater-Sydney-drought-report-04092019.pdf

where it says;

“More than 42 GL has been transferred since reaching the trigger to commence transfers in April 2018. “

The only difference now is that they are allowed to pump down to 3 Metres below the Full Level rather than 1 Metre before.

Note that there is only one small problem with relying on Shoalhaven Transfers like we did during the Millennium Drought. There is very little water to transfer at the moment! This is mainly because the inflows to the Tallowa Dam are very low (& also partly because of some maintenance issues on the pipeline from there) . 42GL in total is not much compared to the 150GL/year that was being transferred during the Millennium Drought. That could change, but so far not so good.

You attention to the "local' Tallowa flows/levels detail is admirable. But, the rate payers of Sydney paid for Tallowa, the rate payers of Nowra at it rich expanding suburbs did not, nor did they thank Sydney rate payers for its expensive, wasteful REMS irrigation in scheme for cow farmers back in 2000. When it comes down to it, allowing politicians/vested interests/partisan bureaucrats to control long-term water (or much else) doesn't have a good track record. Put simply, water supply, distribution, waste collection, treatment and sustainable, safe return to environment is easy... its just the "pollie/people/ activist factor that stuffs it up and make it difficult/insoluble /expensive.

It's good to see people beginning to engage with water issues. I started conducting independent research on an environmental sociology of water about three years ago. I'm doing interdisciplinary research across the humanities (anthropology, history, sociology, archaeology) and the sciences, focusing on what scholars and scientists are saying. Fascinating stuff!

PS To Alan B. I'm more than happy to go nuclear power generation providing they build the power plants in someone else's backyard. How about a solid LNP electorate like ScuMo's seat of Cook or in Barnaby Joyce's neighbourhood? Would anyone like to second that? Do you reckon we could get the thumbs up from ScuMo on that proposition? No, I didn't think so!

Mr Opinion, does sound like fascinating stuff you must be coming across. Human nature is a wonderous thing, but increasingly the essential elements of sceptical and critical thought are drowned by the lazy acceptance of mainstream media and " cultists who now dominant Science. Its not what I signed up for at the start of my first degree in Science back in 1979, when I switched from a career oath in Aeronautical Enrg/Pilot with RAF. The worst is Climate warming cultism and its almost fascists tendencies. You should find amazing data in that minefield BUT watch your back, they can be very nasty from experience, If do comment on this " Scientology-like" sect ( the closest they get to being objective scientists) a gas mask and ex- police stab vest and a chili spray for self protection... "Human nature, ya can't live with-it…" and ya can't live without it . Be happy and remember to smile when they insult your opinion, Mr Opinion!