Lake Brewster Water Efficiency Project Photos

Project Works

Before and after diagram of the Lake Brewster Water Efficiency Project

Construction of the main embankment

A four metre high earth fill embankment has been constructed to divide the lake into two cells. The southern part of the lake will be used as the main storage. This has reduced the surface area of the storage and hence will reduce evaporative losses. Partitioning of the lake into two cells has allowed the inclusion of an inflow and outflow wetland to improve the water quality within the lake. 

Excavation and extension of the outlet channel

Approximately 20GL of inactive storage zone could not be managed for water delivery and water quality purposes because the level of the outlet channel was higher than the inactive storage zone. The outlet channel was deepened and lengthened so the whole storage could be managed for water delivery, water quality and carp control.

Inflow and outflow wetlands

Approximately 300ha inflow wetland will reduce nutrient and sediment inflow into the main storage area, assist in propagating aquatic plants to repopulate the lake and provide enviromental benefits to associated flora and fauna. Approximately 780ha outflow wetland will filter releases and improve water quality prior to discharge into the Lachlan River.

 

Structures to regulate water

The regulator at the inlet channel will allow complete drainage of the inflow wetland as a means to control carp population and maintain the health of the wetlands.

 

Spillways

Three spillways have been constucted to manage flood flows through the storage and direct the inflow of water.