WaterNSW dam safety project wins top AWA award

The WaterNSW Prospect Automated Surveying System project won the NSW Infrastructure Innovation award for implementing an advanced real-time monitoring network at Prospect Reservoir, which stores water from Warragamba Dam, and is located approximately 34km west of Sydney.

WaterNSW was also shortlisted as finalists for two additional projects:

• ‘Using Artificial Intelligence integrated with SCADA to estimate dam water releases’ - R&D Excellence Award
• ‘From Catchment to Community: Working in Partnership to Build Safer and More Resilient Water Supply in Regional NSW’ - Organisational Excellence Award

The award-winning Prospect Automated Surveying System – which now proceeds to the AWA national finals - enhances the structural surveillance of the 50 gigalitre structure, through which most of Sydney’s water supply passes. Features include:

• Faster, more accurate and detailed monitoring and inspection capabilities to detect changes in condition that may be the early warning signs of a potential dam safety issue.
• Faster emergency response and contingency measures to better protect the downstream community.
• Reduced staff exposure to site safety hazards especially during extenuating circumstances and extreme conditions.

WaterNSW Executive General Manager of Built Infrastructure, Jerome Douziech said the award was fitting recognition of the investment in expertise and technology that goes into ensuring major assets are at peak function.

“Prospect Reservoir is Australia’s first earth-fill and rock embankment dam. It is an integral component of Sydney’s drinking water supply, and arguably one of the most critical storages in our asset portfolio,” he said.

“The recent quake in the state’s central west highlighted the importance of monitoring these structures so that we are highly confident in their structural integrity, and we can respond quickly and effectively in the unlikely event a problem is detected.

“This project harnesses the best of technology to upgrade our monitoring of Prospect from periodic inspections to round-the-clock scrutiny of the structure, to better meet our regulatory and business obligations and enhance dam safety practices.

“I commend the team and our contracting partner CR Kennedy on winning this award, which showcases both our obligations regarding dam safety and the calibre of expertise we have dedicated to the task.”