Wappa Dam on the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland will undergo an upgrade as part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, which will involve modifications to the embankment and spillway as well as the installation of new filter drains.
An independent assessment of Wappa Dam found improvements were needed for the dam to meet Queensland and national dam safety guidelines into the future.
The upgrade began in September 2016 and is expected to take about five months to complete.
The dam, which was built in 1963, is located a few kilometers from Yandina on the South Maroochy River.
It is part of the SEQ Water Grid, which delivers safe, secure and cost effective water to 3.1 million people across the region each day.
Work on the upgrade will be limited to the northern abutment of the dam, near Nichols road and the dam will remain operational during the upgrade, with no impact on recreational facilities.
Seqwater Acting CEO Jim Pruss said Wappa Dam was assessed as part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, which includes the regular assessment and monitor of the region’s 26 dams.
Assessments consider factors such as downstream development including population growth changes to relevant design standards and improved estimates for extreme weather events.
“Dams are long life assets and require continual monitoring and maintenance,” Mr Pruss said
“Improvements to Seqwater’s dams have been prioritised so we can deliver a staged program of upgrades that are scoped and scheduled to ensure the security of water supply while delivering best value for money.”
The upgrade at Wappa Dam will not impact water supply to the region.
