The Rocklands Reservoir, a water reservoir, is created by a major ungated concrete–walled gravity dam with embankment sections across the Glenelg River in the Wimmera region of Victoria, Australia. It is the largest reservoir within the Grampians-Wimmera-Mallee Water (GWMWater) supply system. Originally constructed to supply the Wimmera-Mallee Domestic and Stock channel system, water held by Rocklands Reservoir is now used for many different purposes. A unique feature of Rocklands Reservoir is that all entitlement holders, including the environment, are able to be supplied with water from the reservoir.
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Rocklands Dam | |
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Country | Australia |
Location | Wimmera, Victoria |
Coordinates | 37°14′04.34″S 141°57′35.70″E |
Status | Operational |
Construction began | 1938 |
Opening date | 1953 |
Owner(s) | GWM Water |
Dam and spillways | |
Type of dam | Gravity dam |
Impounds | Glenelg River |
Length | 270 m (890 ft) |
Dam volume | 69×10 |
Spillways | 1 |
Spillway type | Uncontrolled |
Spillway capacity | 763 m3/s (26,900 cu ft/s) |
Reservoir | |
Creates | Rocklands Reservoir |
Total capacity | 348,300 ML (7.66×1010 imp gal; 9.20×1010 US gal) |
Active capacity | 261,510 ML (5.752×1010 imp gal; 6.908×1010 US gal) |
Catchment area | 1,355 km2 (523 sq mi) |
Surface area | 6,750 km2 (2,610 sq mi) |
Maximum water depth | 17 m (56 ft) |
Normal elevation | 195.5 m (641 ft) AHD |
Website Rocklands Reservoir at www |
Construction of the dam began in 1938. World War II caused construction to cease, and it was recommenced in 1950, with the dam being completed in 1953. Its catchment area is 1,355 square kilometres (523 sq mi).
A 270 metres (890 ft)-long cement gravity dam forms the main wall, and is flanked by two embankment sections. At 100% operating capacity, the dam wall holds back 261,510 megalitres (9,235×10^6 cu ft) of water. The reservoir is capable of holding up to 348,300 megalitres (12,300×10^6 cu ft) of water. At 100% capacity, the surface area of the reservoir is 67.5 square kilometres (26.1 sq mi). The spillway is capable of discharging 763 cubic metres per second (26,900 cu ft/s).[1][2]
Rocklands Reservoir is a popular recreational boating location, with power boating, water skiing and jet skiing allowed. Camping is permitted in designated areas. During the duck hunting season, duck shooting is allowed. It is also a popular fishing spot, with Murray cod, redfin, trout and carp taken at all times of the year. Rocklands had a reputation as one of the premier carp fishing destinations in the late 1990s and early 2000s with 10 kg+ carp taken regularly.
Water supply in Victoria, Australia | |
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Greater Metropolitan Melbourne dams / reservoirs by capacity |
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Regional dams / reservoirs |
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Other water sources / facilities |
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Water companies and government agencies |
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Historical |