Premier Colin Barnett pushes the button to activate flow of seawater into the second stage at the Binningup desalination plant.

Wivenhoe water releases could be increased

Published: 06:34:48 AM, Sat 23 February 2013 UTC

Water management authorities are considering releasing even more water from Wivenhoe Dam as Queensland's southeast corner prepares for another drenching next week.

In a statement on Saturday afternoon, a spokeswoman for Seqwater, which controls the water in the southern corner of the state, said Wivanhoe Dam was sitting at 91 per cent and there were low levels being released from it.

She said the releases were intended to bring the dam back to temporary full supply level of 88 per cent.

"But discussions are underway as to whether the amount of water being released should increase.

"If releases are increased, Colleges Crossing may be closed on Sunday night and will remain closed until the rain system clears the dam catchments," she said.

Seqwater could also release water from the North Pine and Leslie Harrison Dams on Sunday night but none is being released.

Forecasters believe widespread, slow moving rain will hit southeast Queensland early next week.

The system could produce rainfall totals from 200mm to 400mm.

Seqwater is undertaking precautionary measures to maintain continuous supply of quality water to southeast Queensland.

The Gold Coast desalination plant remains on standby and all parts of Seqwater's water treatment are prepared for the wet weather.

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