THE Murray Darling Basin Authority is set to begin lowering the level of water in Lake Mulwala as early as next week in preparation for structural works at Yarrawonga weir and to eradicate the aquatic weed Egeria densa.
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The authority is advising lake users, including pumpers, boat operators and recreational users, to consider adjusting their activities for changed water levels over the next three months.
Head of river management David Dreverman said the lake level will be reduced at a gradual rate to ensure water can still be delivered to the major irrigation offtakes until the season ends on May 15.
“Once the irrigation season finishes, the lake will be drawn down to 3.5 metres below the normal operating level (121.2 metres Australian Height Datum) by around June 1, 2015,” Mr Dreverman said.
“The lake will remain at this level until about mid-July, and depending on inflows from the Ovens and Kiewa rivers, is expected to return to its normal operating height around late July, ready for the start of the irrigation season.
“We are very aware of the importance of Lake Mulwala to the local community, so we’ve been talking with people in the area to limit any disruption to local activities.”
Structural works at the weir include routine testing of anchors and erosion control on the lake foreshore.
“A survey of the aquatic weed Egeria densa in March found that the weed would be completely exposed by lowering the lake by 3.5 metres.
“This will help stop it spreading to the extent that caused problems in 2009.”
Mr Dreverman said several NSW government agency policies would continue to apply.
Lake users were advised to consult the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Roads and Maritime Service for fishing and boating advice.
Further information on the progress of the drawdown will be updated in the MDBA’s River Operations Weekly Report at mdba.gov.au/riverdata/currentinformationforecasts.