Water Corporation to lower Lake Kununurra for essential work 2017

Water Corporation will lower the level of Lake Kununurra for two weeks from 30 January 2017 to 13 February 2017 to complete important maintenance work to the irrigation scheme.

Water Corporation North West Regional Manager, Rino Trolio, said the essential work would take place in the middle of the wet season to minimise impacts on the community. 

“Weather forecasts indicate early-February as an ideal time to lower the water level in Lake Kununurra, with minimal demand for water from growers due to recent rainfall and predictions of more wet weather,” Mr Trolio said.

“While the lake is lowered, we will undertake routine inspections to the flood levee bank and Kununurra Diversion Dam and complete maintenance work to the M1 Irrigation Channel intake structure.

“Traffic management will be in place along Lakeside Drive for seven days, from Monday, 6 February 2017, while maintenance work to the M1 Irrigation Channel intake structure is completed.”

“The Ord Irrigation Cooperative will also use this opportunity to complete work at the Packsaddle pump station and the M1 irrigation channel.”

Boats and barges on Lake Kununurra should be removed from the water, until the lake returns to its normal level, to avoid any damage.  Boats in Lilly Creek Lagoon can remain in the water provided they are secured.

“People who are required to navigate the river during this two week period should consider the risks involved due to lower water levels,” Mr Trolio said.

If you would like to be notified prior to any major change in Lake Kununurra water levels, please contact the Water Corporation on (08) 9168 0735 or email Kununurradepot@watercorporation.com.au to confirm your contact details for the email notification process.

Water Corporation appreciates the cooperation and understanding of the community while it completes this essential work.