Flow begins after 25 years!

A worsening drought within the northern South Island has seen the newly constructed Waimea Group Dam – within the hills behind Nelson – is doing what it was designed to do for the primary time.

Waimea Water Ltd (WWL) not too long ago began releasing water from the reservoir to enhance the flows within the rivers and aquifers of the Waimea Plains, in response to persevering with dry and heat summer time circumstances.

The corporate says water from the reservoir was launched on March 2, via the primary and smallest of three everlasting dispersing valves. Water had earlier been launched through the spillway, when unexpectedly excessive summer time rainfall inflows introduced the reservoir, often known as Te Kurawai o Pūhanga, as much as full capability in late January.

Since then, a scarcity of rainfall has seen the water stream scale back considerably, whereas work continued in direction of finishing the everlasting pipework.

WWL chief govt Mike Scott stated that he expects the 2 bigger dispersing valves to be operational inside the subsequent two weeks.

“The smaller mounted cone valve has elevated stream into the Lee River at a time when it’s severely wanted.”

Scott says the stream will probably be curtailed for durations over the subsequent few days as some works had been accomplished, however the valve would run near capability in any other case. “As soon as the opposite two dispersing valves are operational and their efficiency verified, the dam will probably be absolutely commissioned. Commissioning is scheduled for later in March.”

Waimea Irrigators Ltd chair Murray King says irrigators had been wanting ahead to at the present time all summer time.

“It’s a nice feeling to know that Waimea Water can now management the discharge of water from the reservoir, when it’s wanted, and it’s definitely wanted now. The present dry scenario and water restrictions present how a lot the neighborhood wants the dam.”

Tasman Mayor Tim King stated it was “bloody nice” to see the water flowing.

“It has been 1 / 4 of a century within the making, however this weekend we now have an operational dam to provide the area with a lot wanted water provide for the subsequent 100 years.”