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Record lake and river levels this summer 20 December 2022 – Going into the summer break, water levels at Lake Taupō are the highest for this time of year that they have been since Mercury took over management of the Waikato Hydro System in 1999. Swimmers are encouraged to be aware of the potential for stronger currents and changeable, faster flows. “Jumping into the river and lake are part of the Kiwi summer, but we are reminding swimmers and other lake and river users to take into account the higher water levels and stronger flows,” says Phil Gibson, Mercury’s GM Portfolio. “We strongly encourage everyone to follow the usual water safety rules: know the weather and water conditions before you get in – and these are likely to be different than what you may be used to, watch out for others particularly children, and use equipment such as lifejackets correctly.” The higher flows also have the potential to impact the Aratiatia Rapids spillway release, increasing the volume of water in this hazardous no-swim zone. Mercury’s Hamilton Control Room monitor and influence the lake and river flows using the Taupō Gates and the eight hydro power dams in the Waikato Hydro System. “We’re coming out of the wettest winter we’ve had since records began in 1905,” says Phil. “The team are on deck 24/7 across the Christmas period to manage this unusual and challenging situation.” Lake levels at Taupō, while within Mercury’s allowed operating range, are high, and the Taupō Gates, where the lake waters enter the Waikato River, are currently fully open with maximum flow downriver. There have been above 80th percentile inflows to Lake Taupō and tributaries feeding the Waikato River system for last six months (1st May to December 18th = 100th percentile in-flows, the most ever measured). On-shore winds combined with higher lake levels might mean it feels like high waves on the shoreline at this time. 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. • •
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
ABOUT MERCURY NZ LIMITED 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