As has been recently reported in the Timaru Courier and the Timaru Herald, the level of the Lake Opuha, South Canterbury's controversial irrigation lake is becoming worryingly low. I took a trip out to the Dam, which is near Fairlie, a couple of weeks back to take some photos.
The South Canterbury region has had a dry end to its winter and this is continuing into spring. We're now nearing the start of the irrigation season, and at this time of year, Opuha would ideally be full.
Taken on 2 October 2011, this photo demonstrates the low level of the lake, with the spillway entrance totally exposed.
This photo, sourced from http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzlscant/opuha.htm was taken in better times, with the lake at full capacity.
As it stands, without a substantial change to lake inflows, this is looking to be a tough year for everyone involved with the dam. There's likely to be irrigation restrictions in place and reduced environmental flows into the Opihi river.
If it does turn into a disaster then it's important that we learn from this and determine whether we need to put better management practises in place, with more proactive planning for dry irrigation seasons.
Again, taken on 2 October 2011, the view from the spillway back towards the lake.