Edward River & Stevens Weir pool to be drawn down

[Member]

Edward River & Stevens Weir pool to be drawn down
NSW State Water Corp

The Edward River offtake regulator now has remote operation capability following completion of the SCADA upgrade component of State Water's iSMART project. With the end of water year rapidly approaching, State Water Corporation expects that the weir pool level upstream of Stevens Weir and the level at the Deniliquin gauge will fall gradually over the coming weeks.

This will coincide with an expected decrease in demand and will also assist preparation for the winter drawdown. As demand reduces, inflow into the system will be reduced and this will see the level at Deniliquin fall.

Customers in the Edward River upstream of Deniliquin and Gulpa Creek, as well as recreational users should be mindful of the falling river levels and should take appropriate precautions regarding infrastructure and stock.

Water Delivery Manager, Southern Valleys Ned Hamilton said that customers are still required to place water orders well in advance to assist in meeting late season demand.

“Customers are reminded of the need to place compliant water orders before diversions commence. Landholders pumping without an order may be subject to penalties” said Mr Hamilton.

State Water advises that the winter drawdown of Stevens Weir will not commence prior to Sunday 5 May. This is in accordance with regulatory requirements. The exact start date of the drawdown has not yet been established, and will be dependent on the completion of irrigation supply requirements.

“Customers, landholders, community groups and recreational users are advised to start making preparations for the lowering of the weir pool and falling river levels. River users should monitor water levels closely and be aware of snags and other obstructions that may appear while water levels are low” Mr Hamilton said.

State Water has a full program of construction and maintenance works planned for the Autumn-Winter period. These works will be assisted greatly by low river levels. These works include:

    Completion of the Stevens Weir fishway
    Refurbishment of the Wakool River regulator
    Programmed maintenance works at the Edward River offtake regulator

Due to the nature of the works to be completed, State Water expects river levels to be very low during winter. River levels fell to 0.50m for a short time last winter and State Water expects that the river will fall to at least this level and possibly.

Advice regarding the refilling of the weir pool will provided at a later date. This will be dependent on a number of factors including irrigation supply requirements, progress of planned works and water availability. However, the raising of the pool shall commence no later than 15 August in accordance with regulatory requirements.