Dams to be lowered for structural assessment

WIVENHOE and Somerset dams will be lowered to 90% and 80% respectively while Seqwater assesses the need for improvement work.

WIVENHOE and Somerset dams will be lowered to 90% and 80% respectively while Seqwater assesses the need for improvement work.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark Bailey said the releases would be carried out at very low flow rates to minimise disruption downstream.

Mr Bailey said the latest assessment of Somerset Dam indicated improvement works may be required earlier than previously planned.

"This is very much a precautionary approach to best manage Somerset Dam while further assessments can be undertaken to confirm the final nature and detail of any necessary future works,'' Mr Bailey said.

The releases can be adjusted if there is significant rain.

Low flow releases from Somerset Dam will started today, while Wivenhoe Dam releases will start from next week to ensure there is ample time to advise local councils and the community of the planned changes.

Seqwater CEO Peter Dennis said the Somerset assessment was part of Seqwater's Dam Improvement Program which included the regular assessment and monitoring of the region's 26 dams.

"The preliminary assessment of Somerset Dam has significantly improved our knowledge and understanding of the dam structure and highlighted the possibility of an earlier upgrade to ensure Somerset continues to perform as required," he said.

"Based on previous assessments Somerset Dam is scheduled for an upgrade by 2025. This latest assessment may bring forward some upgrade work."