At least 1200 km of Tasmania's natural creeks and rivers are influenced by hydropower operations in some way. Since the first power scheme was developed at Waddamana in 1916, Hydro Tasmania has constructed 107 dams and weirs, 29 power stations, and 212 km of purpose built water conduits which affect 21 creeks, 25 rivers and ultimately seven estuaries.
Our operations impact environmental flows, fish migration, threatened species, waterway health and other users.
We aim to balance electricity generation with other needs, including angling, town water supply, aquaculture, irrigation, recreational use, aesthetics, instream biota and aquatic habitat.
Operating rules for generation include consideration of environmental impacts. At times of drought greater care is required which may trigger our strategy for low lake level management.