Flushing the Waitaki River with high flows over two days this week does not appear to have caused any major damage, but Environment Canterbury (ECan) is waiting until the water level falls to make sure.
Meridian Energy Ltd increased the flow in the lower river to 950cumecs for 48 hours from noon on Monday, lowering it to between 450 and 500cumecs by yesterday morning.
The flushing flow, which aimed to open a new river mouth with the sea and flush out didymo, was done to reduce levels in Meridian's Lake Tekapo and Pukaki storage lakes.
ECan staff monitored the flow and its senior engineering officer, Bruce Scarlett, said there had been no reports of major erosion or damage to protection works.
The cost of any repairs which may be needed would be met by the lower Waitaki River rating district, made up of property owners on each side of the river and Meridian.
