The highest recent river levels were recorded on 22 February and 8 March 2022 where the levels were at circa RL3.5, which is about 1.6 metres above the concrete River edge (RL1.9).
In both instances, water would have only just entered the Museum’s undercroft space, an area underneath the Museum’s ground floor, not used by the public, that is built into the design to allow the passage of flood water.
The River level on the site after the extensive rainfall peaked at RL3.5, which is 4 metres below the future Powerhouse Parramatta ground floor at RL7.5.
Powerhouse Parramatta will be a very safe building for people to visit and for the Collection to be exhibited.
The Museum has been designed to withstand large and rare flood events.
The below graph has been prepared by international engineering and flooding specialists Arup based on available flood data.
