Timing of releases might not coincide with important cultural water needs.

Releases might not be enough to mimic very high flow regimes for waterways like lagoons that are disconnected from the main channel, which are often very culturally important.

Artificial flows can cause a disconnection between cultural rainfall seasons and river flows. 

Cold water temperatures are characteristic of releases which occur from the base of reservoirs. River ecology can be particularly sensitive to temperature at certain times of year, e.g. breeding seasons.

Water releases can increase salinity in rivers, which can have impacts on how Traditional Owners can use the water.