The MDBA has been varying these pool levels since August 2015 as part of a trial to restore a more natural wetting and drying cycle. Historically, weir pool levels have been kept at a reasonably constant height.
Starting 11 February the Lock 7 weir pool level is planned to be slowly lowered from the current level of around 50 cm below full supply level (FSL) to around 65 to 70cm below FSL over about one week. This will help to test operations of the recently completed regulator and fishway at the Mullaroo Creek off-take, which diverts water from Lock 7 weir pool through to the Lindsay River.
After this brief event, the Lock 7 pool level will return to around 50cm below FSL before being gradually raised to FSL during autumn.
The Lock 8 weir pool level will remain up to 80cm below FSL over February, and will be gradually raised to FSL during autumn.
The Lock 9 weir pool level is currently 10cm below FSL and will remain at this level over February and into autumn.
The Lock 15 weir pool level is currently at FSL and will be gradually lowered to 30cm below FSL in late autumn.
The table below outlines the plan on a month-by-month basis. These are indicative water levels only; actual river operations may differ.
Weir pool level relative to full supply level (metres)
| Month |
Lock 7 |
Lock 8 |
Lock 9 |
Lock 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February |
-0.50* |
-0.80 |
-0.10 |
+0 |
| March |
-0.25 |
-0.60 |
-0.10 |
+0 |
| April |
-0.25 |
-0.25 |
-0.10 |
-0.20 |
| May |
+0 |
+0 |
+0 |
-0.30 |
| June |
+0 |
+0.40 |
+0 |
-0.30 |
* Starting 11 February the Lock 7 weir pool level is planned to be slowly lowered from around 50 cm below full supply level (FSL) to around 65 to 70cm below FSL for about one week.
The trial to restore a more natural wetting and drying cycle is being conducted by the MDBA in cooperation with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Water NSW, SA Water and the Mallee Catchment Management Authority.
The MDBA will issue a revised flow advice if there are any significant changes to the plan, which will also be available on the MDBA website.
River users wanting more information on river heights can contact the MDBA on (02) 6279 0100 or receive updates at the River Murray weekly report.
Live river data for the River Murray system can be seen at: http://livedata.mdba.gov.au
ENDS
For more information, contact the MDBA Media Office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141.
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