Murray–Darling Basin Authority river management executive director Andrew Reynolds said Torrumbarry locals and visitors may notice changes to water levels as the weir pool varied between full supply level and 30 cm below.
“Thirty centimetres might not sound like much, but even small changes help to restore a more natural drying and wetting cycle that benefits the long-term health of the local river environment,” Mr Reynolds said.
“We know if weir pool levels are held steady for long periods it can cause bank saturation, which leaves the banks more vulnerable to erosion from wind and the wash of passing boats.
“By lowering the water levels from time to time we reduce the soil saturation and promote the growth of native fringing vegetation.
“Changes to the height of Torrumbarry’s weir pool will be gradual and the pool will return to near-full supply in late August, before the start of the irrigation season.”
Goulburn-Murray Water water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said the lowering of the weir pool had been timed to avoid any impact on irrigation and tourism activities.
“As the weir pool level is remaining within the normal operating range, it means it is unlikely the reduced level will have any significant effects on river users, boat owners and landholders,” Mr Blyth said.
“However, we do ask that river users and landholders remain aware of the changing water levels in case they need to adjust pumps, moorings and recreational activities.
“In particular, G-MW customers are being asked to monitor pumping infrastructure to avoid any possible damage should water levels drop below extraction levels.”
This routine operation has been conducted annually for several years by the MDBA in co-operation with Victorian and NSW water agencies, consistent with practices at locks 7, 8, 9 and 15.
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