Menindee Lakes Storages

The Storages consist of four large natural Lakes, Wetherell, Pamamaroo, Menindee and Cawndilla and several smaller interconnecting lakes. The storage is located near the town of Menindee, 100kms south-east of Broken Hill.

The purpose of the storages when constructed was to:

  • secure water for Broken Hill
  • provide water for irrigation and farm supplies in the Lower Darling River downstream to Wentworth
  • meet stock and domestic requirements along the Great Darling Anabranch
  • supplement resources of the River Murray system, including the supply of water to South Australia

The scheme was constructed and is owned by the NSW Government and is now leased to the Murray Darling Basin Authority. It is a major storage used in the operation of the River Murray system.

Menindee Main Weir

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Description of Weir

  • Asset type - Major gated dam
  • Spillway type - Concrete, with Six Vertical Lift Gates
  • Dam type - multiple weir and lake impoundments
  • When commissioned - 1960, Upgraded 1968, Decking and Electrical Upgrade 2007
  • GPS Latitude is 32.18.480
  • GPS Longitude is 142.29.916
  • Combined Lakes Storage Capacity is 1,794,000ML
  • Water depth is 7metres average
  • Catchment Capacity is 273,229km2
  • Outlet Capacity is 7,096ML/Day
  • Crest Length 85.34metres
  • Dam Height is 11.5metres
  • No Power Station

Location of Dam

  • South Customer Service Area
  • Lower Murray/Darling Valley, on the Darling River
  • approx 1hr drive from Broken Hill
  • Nearest town is Menindee

Current Usage

  • Water Conservation
  • Town Water Supply
  • Stock and Domestic Supply
  • Irrigation

Further Information