{
  "id": 5863397,
  "title": "Perth looks back to the day when Mundaring Weir last overflowed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/perth-looks-back-to-the-day-when-mundaring-weir-last-overflowed",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T23:17:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-06/mundaring-weir-overflows-consigned-to-history-low-rainfall/107117214"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 1996, Mundaring Weir, a dam that provides water to the Goldfields and Perth, overflowed for the last time in its history. The event was recorded by Jens Jorgensen, the owner of the Mundaring Weir Hotel, who diligently measured the water levels daily. On September 3, 1996, the water level reached just 30mm from spilling over the top. The overflow was a sensation, drawing thousands of people to the hills to witness the spectacle. The last overflow had occurred in 1974, and prior to that, it was in 1950. The dam's wall was designed to dissipate energy during overflow, ensuring a calm and gentle release of water. However, in 1996, the event was a one-time occurrence, as the rainfall that provides water to the dam has been significantly lower than in previous decades. Today, water collection is at its lowest point since 2017, and the Water Corporation is now focused on preserving as much water as possible.",
  "summary": "Thirty years ago, Perth's Mundaring Weir overflowed following good winter rains. The visitors who flocked to see the spectacle had no idea it would never happen again.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mundaring Weir overflowed in 1996 for the last time",
    "Water level reached 30mm from spilling in September 1996",
    "Water collection at its lowest since 2017"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}