Water flow at 5km/hr in Fitzroy

ENOUGH water to fill almost 50,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools is flowing through the Fitzroy River daily and making the water healthier.

Department of Environment and Resource Management acting regional services director Darren Moor said the Fitzroy Basin catchment was experiencing strong flows following heavy rain in the region.

"There is currently 124,000 megalitres of water per day flowing past 'The Gap' gauging station, upstream of the Fitzroy River barrage in Rockhampton, with water flowing about 5kmh which is equivalent to a strong tidal flow.

"Under the current conditions, this flow rate could be expected to last for at least another two weeks while floodwaters continue to move through the catchment," Mr Moor said.

He said three mines - Ensham, North Goonyella and Curragh - were releasing water in the Fitzroy Basin; all compliant with their Environmental Authority conditions.