(Photo: Twitter)
March 14, 2019
Toowoomba Regional Council may start pumping water from Wivenhoe Dam to Cressbrook Dam as soon as next month.
Cr Nancy Sommerfield said it was Council policy the pipeline could be used once Cressbrook Dam falls below 40 per cent capacity “and we have now reached that trigger point”.
“In preparation, testing and maintenance has been performed as part of the recommissioning process,” she said.
“Minor repairs have been required, which is not unusual for an asset that is almost nine years old.
“As a part of these works, a pipe coupling seal required replacement, with normal operation expected by the end of March should we choose to turn the pipeline on from April.
“Prior to the switch on, numerous factors such as rainfall, electricity prices and other operating costs will be monitored to determine the initial pumping operational duty cycle.”
Finance Committee Chair Cr Mike Williams said current water pricing was set in place until the end of June.
“Council will look to manage any additional costs through the usual budget processes with the aim of limiting impact on the community wherever possible,” he said.
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