Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) river management executive director Andrew Reynolds said people may have noticed changes from mid-May, with the weir pool to be lowered by up to 50cm.
‘‘Fifty centimetres might not seem much — but even minor changes to the weir pool level help to restore a more natural drying and wetting cycle, which benefits the long-term health of the local river environment,’’ Mr Reynolds said.
‘‘Holding weir pool levels steady for long periods of time causes bank saturation, which leaves the banks more vulnerable to erosion from wind and vessel wash.
‘‘Lowering the weir pool water level from time to time reduces soil saturation and promotes the growth of native fringing vegetation.
‘‘Torrumbarry’s weir pool level will be gradually lowered by about 2cm per day from mid-May and will reach a maximum of 50cm below the full supply level by the end of June.’’
Mr Reynolds said the level would slowly rise again in July.
‘‘We expect to return to near full supply level in time for the start of the irrigation season in August,’’ he said.
‘‘This action is being conducted by the MDBA in co-operation with Victorian and New South Wales water agencies, consistent with practices at locks 7, 8, 9 and 15.
‘‘The varying water levels will be monitored and assessed with regard to weir pool conditions and any impacts on the local area and upstream river levels.’’
Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) water delivery interim general manager Peter Clydesdale said the lowering of the weir pool had been timed to avoid impact on irrigation and tourism activities.
‘‘Lowering the weir pool by 50cm is unlikely to have any significant effect on the use of the river, however, we recommend river users and landholders remain aware of the changing water level in case adjustments need to be made to pumps, moorings and recreational activities,’’ Mr Clydesdale said.
‘‘In particular, GMW customers are being asked to monitor pumping infrastructure to avoid possible damage should water levels drop below extraction levels.
‘‘Houseboat operators are also being advised to keep an eye on river levels as there is an increased risk of boats getting stuck on banks as river levels drop.’’
People can keep up to date with weir pool levels on Murray River data at riverdata.mdba.gov.au/system-view or subscribe to receive the river’s weekly report.
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