Update: Hunter Water monitoring Chichester Dam water level

5:00pm Monday 20/1: No public access to Dam wall and picnic areas

We've closed public access to the Chichester Dam wall and surrounding picnic facilities, including the upper picnic area.

Following the heavy rain, and with water levels receding, our Dam Safety Engineers are inspecting the structure and surrounds so, as a precaution, we will keep the dam access closed.

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4:00pm Saturday 18/1: Hunter Water continues to follow the actions in its Dam Safety Emergency Plan as weather conditions ease and water levels fall at Chichester Dam.

As at 4:00pm Saturday, the dam water level is about 1.08 metres above the spillway and continues to recede, down from 1.55 metres at 4:00am this morning.

We have notified the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and Dam Safety NSW.

The safety of our people and community is our highest priority and our team continues to work closely with the SES and to monitor the situation at our water supply dams, as well as the weather forecast.

To stay across the latest warnings and information for flooding impacts, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me app. For help from the NSW SES, phone 132 500.

While Hunter Water crews have responded to isolated water interruptions during the day today, across the region all Hunter Water customers are receiving water.

Wastewater services are gradually returning as power is restored to pump stations and we are working with Ausgrid to help prioritise the sewerage network.

As a precaution, it is advised people avoid swimming in beaches (including ocean baths) and waterways for at least two days after heavy rain.

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6:00a.m Saturday 18/1: Hunter Water is following the actions in its Dam Safety Emergency Plan, in response to the rising water level at Chichester Dam. The safety of our people and community is our highest priority.

Our crews have been monitoring and inspecting the dam overnight and will continue to do so until the water level recedes.

We have notified the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), which has issued the appropriate evacuation warnings to alert downstream residents. The NSW SES is the lead agency in the event of a flooding emergency at the dam.

Hunter Water has robust plans in place to ensure it is prepared to respond in the event the dam’s levels rise even further, and our team will continue to work closely with the SES and monitor the situation at the dam, as well as the forecast.

The dam is currently sitting about 1.55 metres above the spillway, and is holding steady.

To stay across the latest warnings and information for flooding impacts, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me app.

For help from the NSW SES, phone 132 500.