Over $69 million in staged strengthening works is set to commence later this year. Before the main dam upgrade, the lake drawdown, and dam wall reinforcement are all part of providing enhanced safety benefits at North Pine Dam.
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 not impact 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 carefully control these releases, adjusting them as needed considering weather events and downstream flows.”
The lower lake level of 34 metres AHD will be maintained until the staged strengthening project is completed. After that, the lake level will be regularly reviewed while planning continues for the main dam upgrade.
Temporarily lowering water levels is an industry standard for managing dam structures while upgrades are planned.
The lake level will be comparable to that seen in recent dry periods, and Seqwater will take measures to ensure that boating and fishing can continue safely.
While picnic areas and recreational facilities are expected to remain open, visitors are encouraged to plan for the changed water levels, check the Seqwater website, or download the Seqwater app for the latest information before visiting.
The combined upgrades to North Pine Dam will be the site’s most significant investment since its construction in 1976. They will ensure that the dam continues to meet the latest engineering standards and provide water security for years.
For more information about the North Pine Dam Improvement Project, click here.
For more information about the dam, including the lake lowering, visit the click here.
