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Resource Consents
Rivers, Lakes and Rainfall

Scheme Description at Kourarau


Upper Dam and Reservoir

The Upper Dam and Reservoir were formed in 1925 by the damming of Kourarau Stream with an earth dam. The reservoir covers approximately 15 hectares.

Water from the upper reservoir is taken through the Upper Power Station at a maximum rate of 290 litres per second. The upper reservoir has a normal operating range of 650 mm between minimum level and the spillway crest. During floods water that cannot be taken into the power station flows over the spillway and into the natural channel of Kourarau Stream.


Upper Power Station

The Upper Power Station is a 200 KW station that uses a maximum flow of 290 litres per second to generate electricity. Water enters the Upper Power Station from the Upper Reservoir via a 785 metre long pipeline and single penstock system. A surge chamber is situated between the penstock and the pipeline to relieve pressure from the system that builds up due to fluctuating flows and generation patterns.


Lower Reservoir

The Lower Reservoir is 1.4 hectares in area and located downstream of the confluence of the Kourarau Stream and Sailormans Creek. The reservoir is formed by an earth dam, approximately 4 metres in height. Water enters the lake from the Upper Power Station tailrace and from the Kourarau Stream, including the flow from Sailormans Creek.

The upper level of the lake is controlled by a fixed weir concrete-lined spillway. During floods, any water that cannot pass through the Lower Power Station, via the intake, flows over the spillway down the natural channel of Kourarau Stream.


Lower Power Station

From the Lower Reservoir, water passes through a single 1182-metre pipeline to a surge tower. The pipeline then splits into two penstocks that carry water a further 2136 metres to the Lower Power Station. Water enters the two penstocks at a maximum rate of 900 litres per second. The Lower Power Station is a 900 KW station situated adjacent to Kourarau Stream. Water then passes through a short tail-race before being discharged back into Kourarau Stream.