Lake Cargelligo embankment dams

Capital upgrade

Latest news

WaterNSW is upgrading Lake Cargelligo's embankment dams to ensure they comply with modern engineering standards and continue to function effectively to meet current and future needs of the local community and WaterNSW customers.

Major construction on the Lake Cargelligo embankment upgrade started in mid-2023.

Update on lake level

As of mid-May 2024, Lake Cargelligo is permitted to operate at full capacity (100% the Lake), while Cargelligo Embankment Upgrade review period is underway. This follows a limited capacity of 75% in previous months. Full capacity will ensure water stability during the irrigation season, benefitting WaterNSW customers and the local community.

WaterNSW will keep the community updated on the outcome of the review period, including when the final stage of the embankment upgrade work will restart.

Priority work completed, review underway

Initial work on the Lake Cargelligo embankment upgrade has been achieved, with prioritised activities to improve the safety of the C2 and C3 embankment structures complete. This work included earthworks, stabilisation and drainage and pipe installation at priority areas.

WaterNSW is now reviewing options for design and methodology improvement, aimed at reducing cost, making the construction process more efficient, and identifying alternate supply and material options, before progressing to the next phase of the project.

View the Community Update – February 2024 (PDF, 218.48 KB) for WaterNSW’s responses to frequently asked questions on this review period.

Minor work was carried out in April 2024 by local company Ross Bros Excavations to ensure construction sites remain safe and prevent impacts to the environment while the review period is underway. Work included improving temporary drainage, improving road surfaces, environmental and vegetation controls and fencing.

WaterNSW will keep the community and customers informed as soon as the review of the next phase of work is finalised, including completion timings.

When complete, the project will ensure embankment structures comply with modern engineering standards and continue to function effectively to meet current and future needs of the local community and WaterNSW customers.

Some work will continue during the review period including meeting our Aboriginal Cultural Heritage commitments and ongoing engagement with the projects’ Registered Aboriginal Parties.

Objectives

The project will stabilise and strengthen the integrity of the dam embankments and secure their functionality long into the future, by making important modifications to the engineering and materials of the structures.

The key objectives include:

  • Reduce the risk of internal and external erosion of the embankment dams.
  • Reduce the risk of overtopping associated with wave erosion of the embankment dams.

Consultation

WaterNSW project teams are committed to engaging with the local community and keeping you informed as the project progresses. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders, government agencies and Aboriginal groups.

More information will be provided through project fact sheets, website updates and in local newspapers.

Schedule

2021

  • Complete design.

2022

  • Award contract and commence environmental assessments.
  • Emergency works, following flooding.

2023

  • Early 2023 - Early work including investigation work, trial embankment and building site compound.
  • May 2023 - Start first stage of upgrade to embankments.

2024

  • Early 2024 - Complete prioritised activities on C2 and C3 to improve the safety of the embankment structures complete. This work included earthworks, stabilisation and drainage and pipe installation at priority areas.
  • 2024 - Review design and methodology improvement options, aimed at reducing cost, making the construction process more efficient, and identifying alternate supply and material options.
  • May 2024 - Lake increased to full capacity (100%) for the irrigation season, benefitting WaterNSW customers and the local community.
  • Later 2024 - WaterNSW complete review process and advise on the next phase of construction work.

Project background

WaterNSW, the state’s bulk water supplier and system operator, is upgrading the three embankment dams of Lake Cargelligo to improve dam safety

Lake Cargelligo is an off-river storage system in the Lachlan Valley. The three embankments are standardised earth fill embankments that provide storage for irrigation, recreation, and domestic water supply.

The embankments were originally constructed in 1906. In 1927, all three dams were raised to a total final height of approximately 3.5m with a base width of 5m. Historic floods damaged the embankments, and a rainfall flooding event in 2016 further impacted the condition of the embankments. Temporary works were completed which proved successful in managing risk during the incident, however, these important upgrades will ensure the town of Lake Cargelligo continues to benefit from the long-term functionality of the embankment structures.

Contact

For construction related enquiries, please contact the WaterNSW Community Engagement team at engagement@waternsw.com.au.

For general enquiries on WaterNSW’s work, email customer.helpdesk@waternsw.com.au or call the WaterNSW Helpdesk on call 1300 662 077.

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