More rain forecast: lake and river running high
10 February 2023 – With further significant rain forecast to hit the catchment next week, Mercury is warning that Lake Taupō and Waikato River levels could reach the high levels seen last week.
“We know the high water levels in Lake Taupō and the Waikato River have impacted some properties, and caused concern. While forecasting future weather patterns is known to be complicated, we still need to be ready for the possibility of more rain,” says Phil Gibson, GM Portfolio.
With the ground already saturated from months of rain, there is potential for flooding and raised water levels in the Waikato River and its tributaries
“Our team are working hard to prepare for next week We’re moving as much water as we can out of the lake and through the river system, using the Taupō Control Gates and eight hydro power dams in the Waikato Hydro System
“We’re also lowering the level of the hydro lakes behind the dams in the mid river to provide storage within our operating limits and help reduce flooding downstream of Kārapiro ”
“We are working with Waikato Regional Council as Flood Manager on an all-of-river approach to manage the flood with a focus on the wellbeing and safety of communities across the catchment, but there’s only so much we can do with the amount of water entering the system ”
The potential weather event means that properties near the banks of Lake Taupō and other waterways might be again be at risk from high waters over the coming week
North of Karāpiro, varying water levels may mean that there will be downstream impact on low-lying land including some pathways and the Grantham St carpark in Hamilton.
Further north, there is potential for greater impact with additional tributaries and in-flows to the river including the Waipa.
Additional info:
• Taupo District Council: “Now is a good time to make an emergency plan and give it a practise run. Also make sure you have emergency supplies on hand at all times For more information head to www.getready.govt.nz”
• Look for Local Civil Defence information from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (find yours here)
• The Waikato Hydro System which includes the dams on the Waikato River and Lake Taupō is managed by Mercury, in conjunction with Waikato Regional Council in their role as Flood Manager of the catchment
• See a half hour chart of Taupō level here https://www.mercury.co.nz/lakelevels
ENDS
For media queries, please contact: Mercury Communications Team 027 210 5337 mercurycommunications@mercury.co.nz
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We generate electricity from 100% renewable sources: hydro, geothermal and wind We are also a utility retailer of electricity, gas, broadband and mobile services through our retail brands (Mercury, Trustpower and GLOBUG), and are focussed on delivering wonderful solutions for New Zealanders at home, at work and on the move. We’re listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and the Australian Stock Exchange with foreign exempt listed status. The New Zealand Government (the Crown) holds a legislated 51% shareholding in the Company. Visit us at: www.mercury.co.nz
