Suma Park Dam


Suma Park Dam is a concrete arch dam across the Summer Hill Creek in the central west region of New South Wales, Australia. The main purpose of the dam is to supply potable water to the city of Orange. The impounded reservoir is called Suma Park Reservoir.

Location and features

The dam is located east of Orange; with the secondary water source, Spring Creek Reservoir, located to the south-east of Orange. Built in 1962, Suma Park Dam is owned and maintained by Orange City Council. Prior to the construction of Suma Park Dam, Lake Canobolas on the Molong Creek was also used as a domestic water source.
The Suma Park Dam concrete wall is high and the arch crest is long, with a crest width of. At 100% capacity the dam wall holds back of water. The surface area of Suma Park Reservoir is and the catchment area is. The uncontrolled spillway is capable of discharging.

Upgrade

Surveillance and dam safety inspections are conducted regularly by the Orange City Council. In 2005 and 2010, the dam overflowed. In 2011, the Council published a report giving options for raising the height of the dam.