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USE OF WATER
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Under normal conditions, flow varying from about 150 to 300 megalitres per day is released from the Menindee Lake Storage into the Darling River. This maintains a river flow sufficient to cater for the irrigation, stock and domestic water supply needs of downstream landholders between Menindee and Wentworth, a river distance of about 500 kilometres. Provision has been made to give a supply to the Annabranch. A significant benefit of this great inland storage scheme is that it guarantees an unfailing supply of fresh water for Broken Hill. Development of the "Silver City, with its huge deposits of mineral wealth can now proceed without the inhibiting effect of water restrictions. The benefit of the Menindee Lakes Storage even extends far down the Murray River into Victoria and South Australia: In addition to the benefits of water supply, this large inland oasis is fast developing into a major tourist attraction,and a convenient recreation amenity for the people of Broken Hill. A Menindee Lakes Park Trust is active in the formation and development of parks and tourist camping amenities.Copi Hollow has been specially developed fast boating and ski-ing and as well-shaded shoreline park offers picnic facilities and air conditioned caravans. Recreation facilities are also provided at the Main Weir, Lake Pamamaroo and Copi Hollow. The storage has proved its worth in the intervening years since its completion. A stable and reliable source of water, it provides an assured supply to a large area of countryside that formerly depended upon the uncertain whims of nature.
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