CSIRO and Hydro Tasmania have partnered on a project which aims to measure and model evaporation from Penstock Lagoon.

Evaporation is a significant concern for managing water reservoirs, particularly due to their large surface areas. Accurately predicting these losses is important, especially amidst climate change impacts on water security.

To measure evaporation, CSIRO have developed a floating evaporation pan system which has been deployed at water bodies across Australia. The CSIRO study aims to understand evaporation across climate zones.

Penstock lagoon has been selected to represent a cool temperate environment.

The floating evaporation pan at Penstock Lagoon includes a large protective wave deflecting device, and a floating pan that supports measurements of wind speed, air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, water surface temperature and water level changes in the pan. Automated measurements and water pumping procedures are controlled by a data logger. The equipment will be in place until June 2025.

When you are out fishing, please keep clear of this equipment.