Lower Murray Barrages to close to combat severe weather
The Lower Murray barrages will be closed for the majority of next week in an effort to reduce the risk of saltwater incursion in the Lower Lakes, caused by projected storm conditions.
A severe weather warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology with strong north-westerly winds expected ahead of a strong cold front.
It is likely barrages will remain closed during periods of forecasted high (up to five metre) swells and while strong winds persist, in order to reduce the risk of saltwater entering the lakes and increasing salinity levels.
On behalf of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, SA Water operates the network of barrages, along with Locks One to Nine spread across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
DEW’s Program Leader, Coorong Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Adrienne Rumbelow said high winds may result in short term fluctuations in water levels particularly in the Coorong, Lake Albert and the River Murray Channel above Wellington.
“It’s severe weather events like this that highlight the importance of the barrage system,” Ms Rumbelow said.
“They were constructed principally to maintain salinity levels in the lower reaches of the River Murray, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert, but also to stabilise the river level, for both upstream irrigation and pumping.
“Maintaining appropriate salinity and water levels in the Lower Lakes is vitally important to the health of native plants and animals that call the lakes home.
“Once conditions allow, freshwater flows to the Coorong will be reinstated through Tauwitchere, Goolwa and Boundary Creek barrages.”
This event coincides with lower flows in the River Murray which will reduce the risk of water levels exceeding the Lower Lakes normal operating range.
Daily salinity and water levels in the River Murray, Lower Lakes and Coorong are available on the SA Water website or DEW’s Water Data SA website.
