THE TAUPŌ CONTROL GATES.

THE TAUPŌ CONTROL GATES

Construction of the Gates and bridge was completed in 1941.

A canal was constructed to carry the water beneath the new structure, re-aligning the Waikato River. Land to the north of the structure is largely reclaimed from the original river channel.
WATER IN
Lake Taupō’s 3,300 km2 catchment includes many streams and rivers. The largest inflows come from the Tongariro River and the Tongariro Power Development in the central North Island into Lake Taupō.
WATER OUT
The Taupō Control Gates help regulate the amount of water flowing out of the Lake and down the Waikato River. Read more about Mercury’s operating range and Taupō lake levels here.
Taupo Lake Level Hero

ABOUT THE GATES

In extreme rainfall the Taupō Gates can help manage the risk of flooding in the lower Waikato. In dry conditions, the Gates are used to conserve water in Lake Taupō while meeting generation and minimum flow requirements for the Waikato River.

Water takes more than 18 hours to move from Taupō to Karāpiro, the last station in Mercury’s Waikato hydro system. We balance the needs of our customers, environmental factors and the interests of the communities along the river.

THE WAIKATO HYDRO SYSTEM

100% of Mercury’s energy generation comes from renewables: water (hydro power), steam (geothermal) and wind (fresh air moving fast).

Mercury’s Hydro System on the Waikato River delivers around 10% of New Zealand’s electricity.
Mercury’s connection to the awa (river) dates back almost a century and it’s home to our eight dams and nine hydro stations – monitored and controlled by a Hamilton control room.

Hydro electricity doesn’t really use water – it passes through our power stations but remains in the river, unaltered for other users and environmental benefits. Only the gravity is used.

Hydro generation can be increased or decreased quickly and efficiently, to meet electricity demand. Flexible hydro power can balance out the more intermittent wind power within our portfolio.
waikato river sign

CONTACT US

For Waikato River Flows and Take Taupo Levels, ring 0800 820 082
To find out more contact us at TaupoControlGates@mercury.co.nz
CONTACT US