Water levels in the Torrumbarry weir pool on the Murray River will be lowered from next week to help improve the health and stability of the riverbanks.
Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Executive Director of river management Andrew Reynolds said the weir pool would be gradually lowered by up to 30 centimetres from 11 July 2022.
“Torrumbarry locals and visitors may notice minor changes to the height of the river in the weir pool until it is returned to near-full levels in late August,” Mr Reynolds said.
“We are lowering the level to reduce the risk of riverbank erosion. Holding weir pool levels steady for long periods can cause riverbanks to become saturated and more vulnerable to erosion from wind and the wash of passing boats.
“Even 30 centimetres is enough to help reduce soil saturation and provide good potential for the growth of native fringing vegetation.”
Goulburn-Murray Water General Manager Water Delivery Services, Warren Blyth, said the lowering of the weir pool had been timed to minimise impact on local activities.
“Although the weir pool level will remain within the normal operating range, we encourage GMW customers to monitor pumping infrastructure in case adjustments are needed as river levels drop,” Mr Blyth said.
“We also advise boat owners to adjust their moorings and river activities as needed.”
This routine operation is conducted annually by the MDBA in cooperation with Victorian and New South Wales water agencies, consistent with practices at locks 7, 8, 9 and 15.
Keep up to date with current operations on River Murray data at riverdata.mdba.gov.au/system-view
