Reservoir rainfall opens dam gates at Myponga

Visitors and keen photographers can now catch a rare sight on the Fleurieu Peninsula, with the water release gates at the Myponga Reservoir open for the first time in four years following recent rainfall.

With the reservoir capacity reaching around 98 per cent, one of Myponga’s four-metre-high gates has been opened to safely facilitate the controlled flow of water down Myponga Creek and out to sea at Myponga Beach.

SA Water Senior Manager of Media, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Joshua Zugajev said the controlled release is an important measure in safely maintaining water levels in the reservoir.

“Dam walls, gates and spillways are deliberately designed to manage water in a controlled manner, and today’s release is an example of the Myponga dam wall doing exactly what it was designed and built for,” Joshua said.

“We work closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to understand expected rainfall and its impact on reservoir levels, and as a result, one of the three gates at Myponga have temporarily been opened to make space for the heavy downpours experienced over the weekend.

“At the moment we anticipate keeping the gate open for up to several days this week.

“As well as safely managing water levels, a deliberate release like this which last happened at Myponga in August 2017, provides the public a unique view of water flowing through the enormous gates and down the spillway.

“For families or happy snappers looking to capture the cascade of water down the spillway at a safe distance, the best spot to head is the lookout on Reservoir Road, which provides views of the dam wall and across the wider reservoir reserve.

“For those looking to enjoy and explore the Myponga Reservoir Reserve for recreational access, you can still enjoy the range of fishing, kayaking, walking and picnicking activities on offer.”

Constructed in 1962 with capacity of more than 26 billion litres, water from the reservoir is treated at the nearby Myponga Water Treatment Plant before it is supplied to homes, businesses, schools and hospitals on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

SA Water’s metropolitan reservoirs are currently sitting at a total capacity of 68 per cent, storing approximately 134 billion litres of water.

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