Residents need to conserve waterHe said Wivenhoe Dam's low levels are a result of consecutive "failed … wet seasons". "When you look at the history of [Wivenhoe] from [2011] to [2013, 2015], big rainfall events have filled those storages, unfortunately we've had failed consecutive wet seasons," he said.
The new level equates to a storage percentage of approximately 68% capacity. This new level will remain in place until
dam improvement work is completed on North Pine
Dam.
RAINFALL as at Thursday, 20 May 2021.
| Dam | Somerset |
|---|
| Current drinking water volume (ML) | 284, 301 ML |
|---|
| % full | 74.8% |
|---|
| Change in volume past 7 days (%) | -1.1 |
|---|
No unfortunately domestic animals including dogs, cats and horses are not welcome at any day use areas of Somerset or Wivenhoe Dams due to being water supply for Brisbane and surrounds.
Wivenhoe Dam has a total storage capacity of 3.132 million megalitres. At full supply level, it will hold 1.165 million megalitres. During a flood, Wivenhoe is designed to hold back close to two million megalitres on top of its drinking water storage capacity.
No permits are required. All fuel powered vessels permitted.
Somerset Dam is one of the most popular freshwater fishing and camping destinations in Australia. It's known for its large flat areas and deep calm waters. The dam is also home to some truely beautiful fish including bass, silver perch, saratoga, Mary River cod and golden perch – just to name a few.
"The Brisbane River gets its brown colour from the mud and soil, or sediment, that has been washed into the river. "When it rains, the water flows over the land and picks up sediment and transports it into creeks and waterways, ultimately ending up in the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay.
Crocodiles are usually only found in the state's north and they cannot be kept as pets in Queensland. A crocodile nicknamed Hector once lived in the river at Lismore in northern New South Wales — more than 800km from their usual habitat. The last recorded sighting of Hector was in 1974.
They prefer shallow coastal water, which means they can often come into contact with humans. Bull sharks are often considered to be the most dangerous sharks to humans because of their aggressive tendencies and ability to migrate up rivers. However, shark attacks are extremely rare.
Fast, agile predators, they will eat almost anything they see, including fish, dolphins, and even other sharks. Humans are not, per se, on their menus. However, they frequent the turbid waters of estuaries and bays, and often attack people inadvertently or out of curiosity.
Is it legal to eat shark in the U.S.? Yes, shark meat is legal for consumption in the United States. In fact, sharks actually produce a very high yield of meat based on their body weight.
The Brisbane River is home to a very large population of bull sharks, thus swimming is not advised due to the dangers imposed by this predator. Ipswich City Council warns against swimming as far up as Colleges Crossing.
They have been known to travel up the Mississippi River as far as Alton, Illinois, about 700 miles (1100 km) from the ocean.
Download this information in .CSV format
| Family | Scientific Name | Common Name |
|---|
| Carcharhinidae | Carcharhinus leucas | bull shark |
| Carcharhinidae | Carcharhinus melanopterus | blacktip reef shark |
| Carcharhinidae | Triaenodon obesus | whitetip reef shark |
| Stegostomatidae | Stegostoma fasciatum | zebra shark |
Bull sharks are found in almost every river and estuary in Queensland and are targeted heavily from the Caboolture River through to the Gold Coast canals. Don't be afraid to go right up river systems into drinkable fresh water.
Somerset Lake, in New Garden Township, is a private, man-made lake for use by the residents and guests of the Somerset Lake community only.
Indian Lake is a lake near Lebanon. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Brook trout, and Common carp.
Lake LeAnn is a private “All Sports” lake community, comprised of two separate lake basins with approximately 470 total acres of water and approximately 9 miles of shoreline.
Discover the best wild
swim locations in
Somerset and Exmoor, whether a river
swim, a lake or even a waterfall.
Somerset and Exmoor
- Cow Castle, Barle.
- Tarr Steps, Barle.
- Sherdon and Landacre.
- Rockford Pools.
- Long Pool, Watersmeet.
- Badgworthy Pool.
- Warleigh Weir, Claverton.
Wimbleball Lake is not normally open for wild swimming so this is a very unique opportunity, and, you'll be in with a chance to become King or Queen of the Moors! The goal of the Exmoor Open Water Swim is to give everyone the opportunity to swim in this incredible lake.
Beautiful freshwater swimming spot on the top of Exmoor, accessible from the Tarka Trail and a variety of other paths. There is also a tunnel that you can go through for some extra adventure!
The River Tone flows by, on its way to Wellington and on through Taunton. We don't have a large 'swim spot' here, but its great for a short dip, with a deep section under the bridge.
The 1.2 kilometres wide beach, at the mouth of the River Axe, has slipped from having a 'sufficient' water classification. It has been classified as 'sufficient' since 2014 but now the Environment Agency are advising against swimming in the sea there.
If Wivenhoe Dam failed, it's estimated 400 people would die, 300,000 would be in danger, and the community would face a bill of at least $100 billion. Brisbane's main source of drinking water would be destroyed.
Four decades on, take a look back at photos of the devastating floods that swamped Brisbane on the Australia Day weekend in 1974. The flooding came after near-record rainfall over the wet summer, which was topped off by torrential falls from January 23, caused by Tropical Cyclone Wanda.
At Lake Wivenhoe you can enjoy barbecues and picnics, playgrounds, camping at private grounds, canoeing, kayaking and rowing and multi use trails for walking, running, mountain biking and horse riding.
unless you are in an approved designated dog on leash area, leave your pets at home. Dogs and other domestic animals can disturb the wildlife that live in our natural areas.
Waterskiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding and tubing are not permitted on Lake Wivenhoe. You can enjoy these activities at Lake Atkinson and Lake Somerset. A fishing permit is required at both Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset. Shore fishing is only permitted from designated recreation areas.
