With a continuing dry spell, and community concerns regarding low water levels at Lake Macdonald in Cooroy, the following information is provided to assist, especially for those new to this area.
Lake Macdonald’s full supply volume is 8,018 ML and as at 1/11/2023 it was at 68.1% capacity, being 5,459 ML.
Lake Macdonald is not the sole source of water for the Noosa region, as it is connected to the SEQ Water Grid allowing Seqwater to move treated drinking water around the region as needed. There are 12 dams connected to the SEQ Water Grid, with the largest being Wivenhoe which can store 1,165,240 ML. Of the 12 dams, only two are smaller than Lake Macdonald with most dams considerably larger, providing excellent water security for our region.
More information regarding the SEQ Water Grid can be found at www.seqwater.com.au/dam-levels#:~:text=The%20SEQ%20Water%20Grid%20storage%20is%20the%20combined,Sideling%20Creek%2C%20Lake%20Macdonald%2C%20Little%20Nerang%20and%20Wappa.
Historic dam storage data, also available at the above link, shows periods when the water levels at Lake Macdonald have been considerably lower than current levels, however water was still available during those times through the SEQ Water Grid.
Further Information
A proposed dam upgrade for Lake Macdonald has not yet commenced with further announcements expected by the end of 2023. Please see previous Noosa 360 updates for further information on this at www.sandybolton.com/?s=lake+macdonald
Seqwater is the Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority responsible for bulk water throughout Southeast Queensland. Unitywater manages the domestic water supply to our homes and is run by a board on behalf of its three shareholders: the Noosa, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay Regional Councils.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on Unitywater, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=unity+water
Seqwater can be contacted on 1300 737 928, or for enquiries regarding your domestic water supply including billing enquiries, please contact Unity Water on 1300 086 489.