Paradise Dam supply level update

Sunwater has updated Paradise Dam’s supply level and current capacity to reflect the height of the dam wall.

This is necessary to provide clarity for operational and safety matters, and to ensure the community has access to accurate and consistent information.

In the event of extreme weather conditions, it is important that 100% capacity represents when the water level reaches the top of the dam wall and is about to spill.

Now that lowering activity to reduce the risk of a dam failure is complete, the full supply volume at the dam has been reduced from 300,600 megalitres to 160,900 megalitres.

As at 9 October 2020, the 160,900 megalitre figure represents 100% capacity on Sunwater’s website and App.

Work is now focused on installing passive anchors and a temporary concrete crest.

Upon installation of the temporary crest, the full supply volume will rise to 170,400 megalitres, which will then represent 100% capacity on Sunwater’s website and App.

This change will also apply to how the Paradise Dam full supply level and current capacity is reported on the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.

This is a temporary measure and no decision has been made about the long-term future of the dam.

Additionally, the data reporting change does not impact on current announced allocations for Sunwater customers.

It is worth noting, Sunwater will continue to maintain the dam at a lower storage volume during the essential works to enable safe construction activities.

A Building Queensland-led detailed business case on Paradise Dam is underway to examine options for the dam’s remediation and future water security for the region.

Current information regarding the dam’s supply level is available here.