Stuarts Point groundwater update #2

Published on 07 March 2022

Groundwater levels at Stuarts Point have risen with last week’s heavy rain and have been relatively steady since. With rainfall occurring today this is a key focus.

The Macleay River experienced a minor flood peak on Tuesday 1 March, since this time the groundwater table has remained steady. Local rain that fell on the catchment across Sunday and Monday has had negligible effects on the groundwater table level so far, however further rain has fallen today.

Depending upon the specific location, groundwater levels have risen between approximately 0.6 – 1.1m with recent rainfall and have remained stable since 3 March. At one of the Stuarts Point observation gauges, there is approximately 1.28m remaining to reach the level of the March 2021 Flood Event.

The readings from the gauge taken at 2.15pm on Monday 7 March are provided below and data from the gauges is a key focus this afternoon and this evening.

Council staff have been monitoring the situation on the ground and through groundwater level monitors. The groundwater recharge regions were inspected using a drone on Thursday 3 March and were noted to be saturated but significantly less so than in March 2021.

Groundwater levels are typically slow to recede so are reliant on a period of low rainfall to fall. Unfortunately it is not practical at this stage to use pumping like that used from March – May 2021. Using pumps to lower ground water levels during a rain event, or when groundwater levels are below ground level would be ineffective.

Groundwater levels will continue to be monitored closely by Council and emergency services. Further heavy rainfall will lead to further rises which would be of concern. The situation wil be monitored closely through the next 24 hours.

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

For up to date information on the flood event please monitor our flood update page. 

If you need sandbags to protect your home or business contact the local SES on 13 25 00. Please be patient with the SES while they endeavour to get to you.

How to read this diagram

The diagram below 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.