Flushing the Waitaki River with high flows over two days this
week does not appear to have caused any major damage, but
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is waiting until the water
level falls to make sure.
Meridian Energy Ltd increased the flow in the lower river to
950cumecs for 48 hours from noon on Monday, lowering it to
between 450 and 500cumecs by yesterday morning.
The flushing flow, which aimed to open a new river mouth with
the sea and flush out didymo, was done to reduce levels in
Meridian's Lake Tekapo and Pukaki storage lakes.
ECan staff monitored the flow and its senior engineering
officer, Bruce Scarlett, said there had been no reports of
major erosion or damage to protection works.
The cost of any repairs which may be needed would be met by
the lower Waitaki River rating district, made up of property
owners on each side of the river and Meridian.
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