The spillway gates at Hume Dam will open this week as the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and WaterNSW carry out routine maintenance.
During the four-day program of works, all 29 spillway gates will be opened individually at various intervals to enable crews to undertake vital checks and maintenance.
WaterNSW General Manager Regional Operations Ben Coffey said each spillway gate will be raised by 2 metres for around 30 minutes.
“Each year we raise the spillway gates to inspect and maintain the winches, chains and electrical systems to ensure the spillway continues to function safely and efficiently,” Mr Coffey said.
“These works are part of our ongoing investment in maintaining our assets, so they are safe and reliable in the long term and ensure the resilience of the local communities who rely on them.”
MDBA Executive Director of River Operations Andrew Reynolds said flows would remain within the river channel downstream.
“We’re currently managing airspace at Hume Dam as we head into the wetter months, and opening the gates for this work will not increase the volume of water released each day.
“However, given the current high storage levels of 91%, this year we’ll see water flowing over the spillway while the works are underway,” Mr Reynolds said.
The MDBA operates Hume Dam in accordance with the rules set by state governments. The priority is keeping the dam safe, capturing and storing water and, where possible, mitigating floods.
WaterNSW maintains and operates the physical infrastructure at Hume Dam on behalf of the MDBA.
WaterNSW advises that during these works, there will be no access across the dam wall.
Current dam storage information is available on the WaterNSW website. To check the Murray River flow levels and forecasts, visit the MDBA website.
