The Shire of Waroona is aware of community concern regarding current water levels at Waroona Dam and Drakesbrook Weir. While we share these concerns, it is helpful to clarify ownership, management responsibilities and the factors that have led to lower levels this year.
Please see below frequently asked questions.
What have the water levels been in Waroona Dam since 2010?
The graph below shows how the Dam volumes have gone up and down, winter to pre-rain autumn each year since 2010. As of 24 November 2025 there was 6,410 Ml in the Dam, which is approximately 42% full. The Dam was last full in 2018 at its capacity of 15,260 Ml.
What rainfall has Waroona Dam had since 2010?
There is a rainfall gauge at the Dam. Since 2010 rainfall shows generally increasing annual rainfall until 2018. Since then it has roughly levelled off.
Why are the Dam and Weir water levels so low?
Waroona Dam and Drakesbrook Weir are working water sources. Harvey Water uses these Dams for irrigation in the region. Harvey Water are aware of the recreational use of these water bodies and is working hard to keep them usable for public recreation.
Other primary factors include rainfall, inflow and evaporation.
Seasonal conditions such as when the rain falls can also make a big difference to water levels. If there is some summer or early autumn rain this lessens the need for irrigation in the region and reduces the draw on the Dam and Weir.
Who owns and manages the water at the Dam and the Weir?
Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) regulates the diversion and take of water from the surface water resource through the issue of licences under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. This includes water from the Dam and Weir.
Harvey Water (an irrigator cooperative) holds a licence from the Department of Water and Environment Regulation to distribute water to its community and rural customers, with allocations based on availability. The Dam and Weir is used for irrigation only, it is not a drinking water source.
Who owns the land and infrastructure?
- The Dam wall and Weir wall - Water Corporation owns the Waroona Dam wall and the land immediately beneath the Dam wall. They also own the Drakesbrook Weir wall, the overflow and the land where the Weir lies. Water Corporation does not determine use of water from the Dam or the Weir.
- The land at the Dam - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) manages the land in and around the dam, which is State forest.
- The Road around the Dam - The Shire of Waroona manages the road around the Waroona Dam, but has no authority over dam water levels, usage, or its operations.
- Drakesbrook Weir - The Shire has a lease for recreational use of the Drakesbrook Weir, including the water and adjacent land. This has allowed the Shire to build the recreational facilities at the Weir such as the BBQs, lawn areas and the playground.
Who controls boating at the Dam?
The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure is responsible for boating and skiing at the dam. If water levels are too low in Waroona Dam they can close the Dam to these activities.
Who manages the trout and marron?
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) release trout into the Waroona Dam and Drakesbrook Weir each year to stock these freshwater bodies for recreational fishing. DPIRD also regulate the marron and freshwater fishing rules.
Where can I learn more about rainfall and streamflow data?
General information monthly rainfall and streamflow data can be found at DWER’s webpage at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-water-and-environmental-regulation/seasonal-water-and-climate-trends-south-west-western-australia and
DPIRD’s webpage at https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/about-us/newsletters/seasonal-climate-outlook/.
Why isn't the pontoon being put out this summer?
The Royal Life Saving Society guidance for pontoons indicates that 3.2m water depth is required under the pontoon. The current depth of water is less than 3.2m.
The Weir remains open for swimming and recreation; the pontoon is the only part affected.
Has someone drowned at Drakesbrook Weir using the pontoon?
No. There have been no drownings at Drakesbrook Weir related to pontoon use.
However, drownings have occurred at other pontoons in Australia in recent years, which has strengthened the emphasis on compliance with national safety standards across all public water-based recreation infrastructure.
Our decision is not based on any local incident - purely on the current water level and the requirement to meet safety standards.
Why can't the Shire 'fix the problem' or raise the water level?
Water levels at the Dam and Weir are determined by rainfall, natural inflow, evaporation, and irrigation requirements, none of which the Shire controls. The Shire cannot add water, pump water in, or artificially raise levels.
We continue to liaise closely with Water Corporation, Harvey Water, and relevant State Government agencies, but the Shire has no authority over water releases, water storage, or irrigation allocations.
Can we still swim at the Weir?
Yes. Swimming and general water recreation at Drakesbrook Weir remain open. The only change is that the pontoon cannot be reinstated until water levels return to a safe depth.
Will the pontoon return in future seasons?
Absolutely. We assess water levels regularly and will reinstate the pontoon as soon as it is safe to do so.
Alcoa
There have been rumours that Alcoa has built a dam or reservoir above Waroona Dam, Alcoa is taking water from the dam and/or Alcoa’s blasting has cracked the cap-rock and diverted runoff underground.
Alcoa has provided the following response –
'Alcoa is aware of commentary about Alcoa’s impacts on Waroona Dam. There has been considerable misunderstanding and misinformation, with some critics trying to associate Alcoa’s activities as a contributing factor.
The following addresses the main theories circulating on social media:
- Alcoa has not built a dam or reservoir above Waroona Dam, and it is not intercepting run-off for Waroona Dam
- Alcoa is not taking water from Waroona Dam
- Peer-reviewed research on water flows related to Alcoa’s mining activities in the jarrah forest indicates that groundwater flows increase for the time that land is cleared of vegetation for mining and then return to pre-mining trends as the post-mining jarrah forest rehabilitation establishes. Relevant research can be found under the Jarrah Forest Hydrology subheading in THIS DOCUMENT.'
Water Corp
There have been rumours that Water Corporation is draining the dam to flush the weir and has left the valve open and drained the dam. The Water Corporation has provided the following response -
'The Water Corporation periodically releases water to sustain the downstream ecosystem, as required by Department of Water and Environment Regulation. This has been the case since construction of the dam.'
The Shire of Waroona will continue to liaise with Water Corporation, Harvey Water, and State Government Departments to ensure accurate information is shared with the community.
What are the costs associated with reinstating or removing the pontoon?
Each removal or reinstatement of the pontoon costs the Shire approximately $7,500. These include a Franna crane, transport truck and qualified commercial divers to disconnect or reconnect the anchoring system. Because of these costs, the Shire cannot make rapid or reactive decisions about the pontoon. We assess water levels carefully and only proceed with installation or removal when it is safe, compliant, and financially responsible to do so.