Seasonal streamflow forecasts to improve management of water resources: 3. Issues in assembling an adequate set of Australian historical streamflow data for forecasting

Abstract

The aim of the national Rainman Streamflow Project is to aid water management in Australia by: (1) working with primary producers and water agencies to assess the value of streamflow/runoff forecasts, (2) developing methods to forecast streamflows and runoff, (3) assembling a national streamflow and runoff data set for use in the AUSTRALIAN RAINMAN computer software package, and (4) building a communications program to facilitate adoption of improved practices.

This paper reports on issues encountered in assembling an adequate set of historical streamflow and runoff data suitable for seasonal forecasting. These include negotiating access to data held by state water agencies, assembling the data in a standard format, devising a system of national quality codes, assembling metadata, and extending monthly records from unimpaired streams by rainfall-runoff modelling.