William Hovell Dam Safety Upgrade Project
William Hovell Dam
William Hovell Dam was constructed between 1970 and 1973 and is operated by Goulburn-Murray Water. Located on the King River 18km south of Cheshunt, the dam has a capacity of 13,710 megalitres.
William Hovell Dam supplies water for irrigated crops, vineyards, grazing properties and urban water authorities along the King River from Cheshunt to Wangaratta.
Set in mountain bushland Lake William Hovell is a popular location for picnics, bushwalking, boating and fishing.
 |
 |
William Hovell Dam Safety Upgrade Project
William Hovell Dam was constructed in the early 1970's to the standard of the day. Since then understanding of dam design has developed significantly.
As a responsible dam owner Goulburn-Murray Water completed a dam safety review of William Hovell Dam in 2006. The review compared the design and current condition of the dam to modern engineering standards.
The review revealed that an upgrade is necessary to ensure the safety of the dam into the future. The upgrade will provide increased security during an extreme flood event and will protect the upper section of the embankment against water seeping through either an existing defect or through any cracking that develops in the future.
The upgrade works will consist of:
- Raising of both the main and secondary embankments to enable more water to be passed through the existing spillway
- Strengthening and raising of the concrete spillway training walls in the region of the spillway crest
- Anchoring of the concrete spillway overflow crest
- Reconstruction of the upper portion of the main embankment sand and gravel filters to meet current engineering practice
Dam Operations
There will be no impact on the operation of the dam as a result of the Project. Any inflows to the dam will be harvested in accordance with normal procedures - no water will be wasted. Water allocations will not be affected by the project.
Timing of Project
Site works will commence in November 2009 and are anticipated to be completed by May 2010.
The timing of construction during the summer period is required for key components of the works when storage levels are low and when the weather is more favourable for major earthworks activities.
Project Cost
The Project budget is $7.7 million
Public Access
The area directly around the main and secondary dam embankments, including the dam wall, will be closed during construction works for the safety of the public and construction staff. This will include access to the King River immediately downstream of the dam.
However, most of the lake can still be used for recreation activities in accordance with normal rules.
Your Questions Answered
|
Q. |
Will the upgrade allow more water to be stored |
|
A. |
No. The purpose of these works is to improve the safety of the dam, not increase storage |
|
Q. |
Will our water supply or quality be affected |
|
A. |
No. Any inflows to the dam will be stored and supplied to customers in accordance with established rules |
|
Q. |
How will the construction work affect nearby residents |
|
A. |
Goulburn-Murray Water will try to minimise any inconvenience caused by the works. Working Hours will be from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 3pm Saturday (except in emergency situations). Trucks will transport rock, gravel, sand and concrete from local suppliers via routes chosen to minimise disruption. Goulburn-Murray Water will choose the routes in consultation with the City of Wangaratta. |
|
Q. |
Will there be any benefits to the local economy |
|
A. |
The majority of the project budget will be spent in the local community with material suppliers and contractors. This will stimulate an economic benefit to the community. There will be up to 35 people employed on the project, many of them local residents. Workers from other regions will use accommodation in the area. |
|
Q |
Will there be any harm to the environment |
|
A |
Impact will be minimal. The works are to be carried out in accordance with a project environmental management plan which has been endorsed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Any vegetation disturbed by the earthworks will be replaced or rehabilitated at the end of the Project |
Further Information
Contact: Goulburn-Murray Water's Project Manager - Chris Kelly on (03) 5824 5628
Click here to download a printable fact sheet version of this information
