The SEQ Water Grid has risen from 54.7% on Friday to 55.9% on Monday, with the majority of rain falling in Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast dam catchments. 

Little Nerang and Hinze dam catchments on the Gold Coast received more than 300mm of rain over the weekend, while dam catchments on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa received rainfall amounts between 230mm to 280mm. 

Little Nerang, Lake Macdonald and Wappa dams have reached full supply and are now spilling.

Unfortunately, the heavy rain didn’t fall where it was needed the most, with South East Queensland’s largest dam, Wivenhoe Dam, only receiving around 60mm of catchment rainfall. 

As a result, the dam’s water supply level did not move from 39.6% over the weekend. 

The region’s other gated dams, Somerset Dam and North Pine Dam are at 73.3% and 50.8% respectively. 

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer, Neil Brennan said it was too early to say if the rain was the start of drought recovery or temporary relief from dry conditions. 

“Since the soil in our drinking water catchments has been so dry, a lot more continuous rain is needed to saturate the ground before inflows into our dams occur,” Mr Brennan said. 

“We are still encouraging all South East Queenslanders to continue using water wisely to help preserve dam storages until they are sufficiently replenished.”

Mr Brennan said the average residential water usage across South East Queensland was 213 litres per person per day, with the region’s water supply level decreasing by about 0.7%.

“One benefit of the rain is that it allows rainwater tanks to be topped up and helps people conserve water by not having to water their lawns and gardens or top up swimming pools.

“Further rain is expected for the rest of the week, however there remains significant uncertainty in the forecasts.”

For updates on dam levels, catchment rainfall and water consumption, visit seqwater.com.au/dam-levels