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Mount Bold Reservoir

Attractions

Kangarilla, SA 5157

Description

Mount Bold Reservoir is the largest reservoir in South Australia, with a capacity of over 46,000 megalitres.

Construction began in 1932 and took six years to complete at a cost of A$1.1 million. It is located in the Onkaparinga River system and helps regulate water levels at Clarendon Weir. While it doesn't connect directly to the main reticulation system, much of the water from Mount Bold is eventually directed to supply parts of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges.

In 1964, the reservoir underwent significant renovation, raising the dam's level by 6.4 meters and increasing its capacity by approximately 17,000 megalitres. Originally, it supplied electricity through a small hydro-electricity plant, but that stopped operating in 1961. In 2007, the government began a scoping study to investigate the feasibility of expanding the reservoir's capacity fivefold to 240 gigalitres. This expansion would cost an estimated A$850 million. The Mount Bold Reservoir reopened in 2010 after being closed since 2005. Heavy rainfall in the catchment area flushed out the Onkaparinga Catchment, including debris that had accumulated in the dam, causing flooding on many roads.

In January 2007, a bushfire broke out in the Mount Bold valley area, damaging various properties between Kangarilla and Echunga. Two houses, over ten sheds, and some livestock were destroyed.

Details

Natural Attractions: Lakes & Dams

Location

Kangarilla, SA 5157

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