29 

 3.4 Cookson Reservoir 



3.4.1 Storage 



On January 1, 1996, Cookson Reservoir storage was 27 530 dam^ or 58% of the flill supply volume. 

 The 1996 maximum, minimum and period elevations and volumes are shown in Table 3.4. In 

 addition to runoff, reservoir levels were augmented by grovmdwater pumping. Wells in the 

 abandoned west block mine site supplied 5 572 dam^ to Girard Creek; Approximately 70% of this 

 flow volume reached Cookson Reservoir. Wells in the soil salinity project area supplied 827 dam^; 

 However, some minor losses did occur due to a pipeline leak prior to the water reaching the 

 reservoir. 



Table 3.4 Cookson Reservoir Storage Statistics for 1996 



The Poplar River Power Station is dependent on water from Cookson Reservoir for cooling. Power 

 plant operation is not adversely affected until reservoir levels drop below 749.0 metres. The 

 minimum useable storage level for cooling water used in the generation process is 745.0 metres. 

 The 1996 recorded levels and associated operating levels are shovra in Figure 3.13. As a result of 

 a somewhat above normal spring runoff in the basin, water levels rose to near the full supply level 

 during the spring. 



