Over $69 million of staged strengthening works are set to begin later this year, with the lake drawdown and dam wall reinforcement all part of delivering enhanced safety benefits at North Pine Dam ahead of the main dam upgrade.
Seqwater Executive General Manager of Operations, Fiore Zulli, said releases to lower the dam from 36 metres AHD to 34 metres AHD would be done at a low-flow rate to minimise community and environmental impacts.
“North Pine Dam has been operating at a reduced supply level of approximately 68 per cent capacity since 2019 and while it continues to operate safely under normal conditions, we’re taking further precautionary measures this wet season by lowering the lake to about 54 per cent capacity to manage existing infrastructure during large inflows,” Mr Zulli said.
“The drawdown will have no impact on the region’s water security, as North Pine is one of several drinking water supply dams connected to the SEQ Water Grid and our combined dam levels remain high.
“We will be carefully controlling these releases, adjusting them as needed in consideration of weather events and downstream flows.”
The lower lake level of 34 metres AHD will be maintained until the staged strengthening project is completed, after which the lake level will be regularly reviewed while planning continues for the main dam upgrade.
Temporarily lowering water levels is industry standard to manage dam structures while upgrades are planned.
The lake level will be comparable to that seen in dry periods in recent years, and Seqwater will take measures to ensure boating and fishing can continue safely.
While picnic areas and recreational facilities are expected to remain open, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for the changed water levels and check the Seqwater website or download the Seqwater app for the latest information prior to visiting.
Further project information:
The combined upgrades to North Pine Dam will be the site’s most significant investment since it was constructed in 1976 and will ensure the dam continues to meet the latest engineering standards to provide water security for years to come.
For more Information about the North Pine Dam Improvement Project, click here.
Further lake lowering information:
For more information about the dam, including the lake lowering, visit the click here.
