HEAD OF LAKE WAKATIPU

• Rees River flow monitoring
  The Department of Conservation have now granted ORC approval to install a river flow monitoring station in the Rees River near Invincible. We are planning to have this installed and operational by the end of 2021. We will let you know once it's up and running. Water flow data will be available in real-time on our WaterInfo website for anyone to access.
  
  Alongside water level monitoring stations at the Glenorchy Lagoon (installed October 2020) and at the Glenorchy boat ramp (installed January 2021), these three recent additions to ORC’s monitoring network will now give a much better record of river flows and levels in this area. This is important because it will enable us to better understand and model flood hazards in more detail, and to provide improved flood warning and response.
   
• Glenorchy liquefaction study
  We have now completed the field work using 19 cone penetrometer tests (CPT) and four boreholes. Thanks to the residents of Glenorchy for your patience while this work took place! The new geological data obtained from these tests are now being analysed. Once finished, we will share this information with you (expected late this year).

• Flood hazard study
  In October, our hydrologists and consultant had a site visit to Glenorchy and Rees-Dart rivers. We are now progressing the hydraulic modelling and flood hazard assessment.  The flood hazard study is expected to be completed by December 2021.
   
• River inspections
  We have been carrying out our annual inspections of Otago’s rivers. In late-September, our Engineering team flew over the Dart and Rees Rivers to see how they have changed over the past year. Photo records like this provide us with a snapshot of the rivers at the time, and over time, helps us see how the rivers migrate and change over time.

Land and Water Plan consultation

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Contacts

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, please email us at customerservices@orc.govt.nz or call 0800 474 082.