Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is urging customers with hazardous dams on their properties to prepare for potential flooding in the wake of a recent Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) determination that La Niña is now underway.
BOM recently upgraded the La Niña status from alert when a fourth and final criteria was met. With La Niña in place, above average rainfall is now considered likely until February 2021.
“We are again writing to all customers with hazardous dams on their properties to advise now is the time to prepare these private storages for above average rainfall,” GMW General Manager Water Delivery Services Warren Blyth said.
“Landowners need to review their Dam Safety Surveillance Plan, and inspect and monitor dams, clear spillways and outlet pipes to help pass flood water, and repair any cracks and other defects.
“Dam failure could result in damage to surrounding property and assets but if you prepare now, by testing your Dam Safety Emergency Plan, you will know what to do in case of an emergency.
“Any concerns regarding the capacity or safety of your dam should be referred to a dam engineer.
“While all dam owners should exercise caution, hazardous dams are of heightened concern.”
GMW wrote to customers with a hazardous dam when BOM issued an alert for La Niña and is now following up with a second letter to ensure customers are aware the weather system is now underway and clearly describe how to prepare for potential flooding.
A potentially hazardous dam is any dam on a waterway or a dam as described under Section 67 (1A) of the Water Act 1989 as follows:
- The dam has a wall that is 5 metres or more high above ground level at the downstream end of the dam and a capacity of 50 megalitres or more; or
- The dam has a wall that is 10 metres or more high above ground level at the downstream end of the dam and a capacity of 20 megalitres or more; or
- The dam has a wall that is 15 metres or more high above ground level at the downstream end of the dam, regardless of the capacity; or
- The dam belongs to a prescribed class of dams.
Australia's weather is influenced by many climate drivers. El Niño and La Niña have the strongest influence on year-to-year climate variability for most of the country
If customers have any questions or concerns please phone the GMW Contact Centre Team on 1800 013 357.
To access further resources please visit https://www.water.vic.gov.au/managing-dams-and-water-emergencies/dams/guidance-notes
For BOM alerts visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/outlook/