Stuarts Point groundwater update #6

Published on 29 March 2022

Some Stuarts Point properties in Third Avenue and Ocean Avenue have experienced flooding overnight. 

The water pumps brought in yesterday are being run today to test if they can have any impact given current groundwater levels and rain.

There is an ongoing risk of groundwater reaching surface level in more locations in Stuarts Point in a similar way to the Flood Event of March 2021, as previously reported.

If you need emergency help with flooding in your property call the NSW State Emergency Service on 13 25 00. In life-threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

Please note that there is likely to be water pooling on properties further above sea level due to rainfall that has not drained.

Toilets open

If groundwater is covering household septic tanks, residents are advised to minimise use of water in your homes, especially showers and toilets.

Stuarts Point Holiday Park are opening their amenities blocks for impacted residents. Any resident needing to use the showers should park in the foreshore public car park and go to reception who will give directions and the access code.

Toilet blocks at the sports fields and foreshore have also been opened.

Current levels

Groundwater levels at Bore 1 have risen approximately 0.03m overnight and are approximately 0.75m below the level seen in March 2021 Flood Event.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Minor to Moderate Flood Warning for the Macleay River as well as a Severe Weather Warning for the northern parts of the Mid North Coast.

Given the risk, Council are in discussions with other key government agencies to ensure a full response to any and all situations.

Unfortunately, using pumps to lower groundwater levels while rain continues, or when groundwater levels are below the surface, is largely ineffective.

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 8.45am Tuesday 29 March 2022.

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.