Piripaua release

Genesis Energy have advised:

In consultation with the Hawkes Bay Canoe Club, the recreational release from Piripaua Power Station this Sunday (22nd August) will proceed. However, please be aware of the following flow conditions:

Due to high inflows over the past month, the water level at Lake Waikaremoana is very close to the maximum operating range. As a result, Genesis Energy has been intentionally spilling water from Lake Waikaremoana since Monday to try and lower the Lake to a more controllable level. As a result, water is being spilt down the Waikaretaheke River. This spill flow joins up with the Piripaua Power Station flow just down stream of Piripaua Power Station.

This means that the scheduled release on Sunday could have a higher flow than the requested 34 m3/s. There will be at least 34 m3/s and depending on rainfall and the level of Lake Waikaremoana this could be as high as 55 m3/s or in the event of very heavy rainfall, even higher.

Please assess the conditions for yourself prior to entering the river. You can call the power station operator on 07 384 7210 (or use the phone located at Piripaua Power Station) at any stage to confirm the flows.