Itaipu closes central spillway and keeps Paraná River level

The central spillway, which had been open since 11:00 a.m. on October 15, was closed at 3:40 p.m. on the 23rd. No reopening is scheduled. The left spillway remains in operation, with a flow of 8 million liters of water per second, to compensate for the expected increase in the Iguaçu River flow.

The strategy’s goal is to prevent a rise in the Paraná River level, keeping it close to the current benchmark of 116.60 m above sea level and seeking its gradual reduction. The reservoir reached 219.30 m, almost 1.20 m below the peak of 220.50 m recorded on October 13.

The level drop will allow the plant to reduce outflow in the coming days, temporarily retaining part of the water that arrives via the Paraná River. The Iguaçu River flow is around 5.5 million liters per second and can reach up to 12 million liters per second, according to projections.

According to engineer Paulo Zanelli Jr., coordinator of Itaipu’s Special Flood Commission, the reduced discharge keeps the Paraná level stable while the Iguaçu rises, preventing elevations at the measurement station of the Friendship Bridge. Power generation will continue normally, following the guidelines of the National Electric System Operator (ONS) and Paraguay’s National Electricity Administration (ANDE).

The Special Flood Commission and the governments of Brazil and Paraguay advise residents of Foz do Iguaçu and riverside areas to follow the Hydrological Bulletin on Itaipu’s Instagram and the website www.itaipu.gov.br, as well as to heed Civil Defense instructions.

Source: https://www.colunadomeio.com.br/noticia/itaipu-fecha-calha-central-do-vertedouro-e-mantem-controle-do-nivel-do-rio-parana