The East Taieri Drainage Scheme is split into two areas by the Silver Stream, which flows south-west across the Taieri Plain. Drains on the northern side of the Silver Stream generally flow toward what is called the Upper Ponding area.
Drains on the southern side of the Silver Stream flow toward the Lower Ponding area. When the flow of the Taieri River is low, these drains flow out to the river by gravity. Gravity gates close and pump stations are used when flows in the Taieri River are high.
Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme
The Lower Taieri Plain has a long history of flooding, and development of drainage and flood protection works goes back to the early 1900s.
East Taieri Drainage Scheme
The East Taieri Drainage Scheme, divided by Silver Stream, directs northern drains to the Upper Ponding area and southern drains to the Lower Ponding area. Low Taieri River flow uses gravity drainage; high flows need pump stations.
West Taieri Drainage Scheme
The West Taieri Drainage Scheme, part of the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme, is bordered by the Taieri River, Lake Waipori, and the West Taieri Contour Channel. Unlike other schemes, it relies entirely on pump stations at Waipori, Henley, and Lake Ascog due to its low elevation, often at or below sea level.
