Stuarts Point groundwater update #4

Published on 27 March 2022

20220325 Stuarts Point Groundwater

There is a risk of groundwater reaching surface level in Stuarts Point in a similar way to the Flood Event of March 2021.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for the Mid North Coast and Northern Regions as well as a Severe Weather Warning for the northern parts of the Mid North Coast.

Groundwater levels at Stuarts Point have already risen in the past few days as previously reported.

The further rain forecast on top of this means there is a risk of land and property inundation.

Equipment is being organised by Council and will be deployed if groundwater levels rise to the point where:

  • Pumping is an effective option, and
  • Council gets approval from regulators

Unfortunately, using pumps to lower groundwater levels during a rain event, or when groundwater levels are below the surface, is largely ineffective.

Groundwater levels have risen approximately 0.2m since Friday and are approximately 0.87m below the level seen in March 2021 Flood Event.

Council staff and emergency services are monitoring the situation on the ground and through groundwater level monitors.

Residents should monitor conditions at their own properties and act accordingly.

Readings taken at 11.30am Sunday 27 March 2022.

1130am groundwater table Stuarts Point 270322

 

How to read this diagram

The diagram shows the groundwater level for the past 30 days. The three graphs essentially present the same data but each with relation to a different reference point (or datum).

  • The blue graph shows the depth of water below the Mount Point, which is where the laser that takes the reading is mounted.
  • The red graph shows the height of the water above the Australian Height Datum (AHD) which is the official height metric based on the average of sea levels from 1966-68.
  • The green graph shows the depth of the water below ground level at the location of the meter.
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