Water Control Gates for Eurobodalla Southern Water Supply Storage Dam

AWMA was engaged by Haslin to deliver specialised water control solutions for the Eurobodalla Southern Water Supply Storage Dam, a major off-river storage project developed to strengthen long-term water security for the Eurobodalla Shire, NSW.

This significant infrastructure project involved the construction of a 3,000ML off-river storage dam and associated intake and transfer systems, providing a reliable and resilient water supply for the region.

AWMA’s scope included the custom-design, manufacture and installation of intake tower water control gates, screening systems and associated handling equipment to support safe operation and ongoing maintenance of the intake structure.

A key component of the installation was a DN1500 AWMA WLF Penstock, which serves as the primary isolation gate for the dam’s intake tower. The penstock was designed to operate under a head pressure of 41 metres, a level rarely encountered in typical water infrastructure applications and one that presented specific challenges.

The WLF Penstock utilises AWMA’s proven wedge lock system, which provides reliable sealing and delivers the required low leakage performance under high head pressure conditions.

AWMA also supplied an innovative screen and baulk system that was installed within the intake tower. This system utilised modular screen and baulk elements that could be selectively installed to enable water abstraction at variable depths in the reservoir.

To safeguard the intake tower against high differential pressures (which could occur if the screens became blocked) a bespoke collapsible baulk was developed and installed at the base of the tower. In the unlikely event that differential pressure within the tower exceeded 5 metres of water pressure, a custom shear pin was designed to fail, releasing an integral pressure relief flap within the collapsible baulk, which would repressurise the inside of the tower to prevent structural damage.

The collapsible baulks, isolation baulks and bar screens (1100 mm wide x 3000 mm high) were supplied with a Self-Engaging Lifting Frame and dedicated storage rack, enabling safe, efficient installation and retrieval during operation and maintenance activities.

Through the delivery of these specialised water control systems, AWMA provided a robust and reliable intake tower solution designed to operate under high head conditions while supporting the long-term operational integrity of the dam infrastructure.

Photos courtesy of Haslin Constructions.