Commenced in 1967 and completed in 1969, the Pindari Dam is a minor dam on the Severn River, and is located approximately north of Inverell, on the upper reaches of the river, within the Border Rivers region. The dam was built by Citra Australia Limited under contract to the New South Wales Water Department of Land and Water Conservation. The dam wall height is and is long. The maximum water depth is and at 100% capacity the dam wall holds back of water at AHD. The surface area of Lake Pindari is and the catchment area is. The ungated uncontrolled rock cut with concrete sill spillway is capable of discharging. An upgrade of facilities in 1995 involved doubling the height of the wall from its original and increasing capacity to its current levels. Pindari Dam is operated in conjunction with Queensland's Glenlyon Dam, located on the Dumaresq River, to supply NSW water users in the Border Rivers valley. The name of the dam originates from the Aboriginal words meaning "high rock" and is the name of an early pastoral run which adjoined the reservoir.
Power generation
Completed in October 2001 at a cost of 9.2 million, a hydro-electric power station generates up to of electricity from the flow of the water leaving Pindari Dam. Constructed by a consortium including Transfield and GE Energy, the facility is owned and operated by Meridian Energy Australia Pty Limited. The hydro project comprises two horizontal Francis turbines rated at each and made in Norway, a single generator designed by GE Canada and a transformer manufactured in Australia. The turbine is rated for head with a maximum flow of approximately per day. The plant is fully automated and remote controlled. The plant's long-term average energy output has been estimated at of green energy per annum, enough to supply approximately households.
Recreation
Recreation activities on Lake Pindari include bushwalking, picnicking, sailing, swimming, fishing and waterskiing. The foreshore park is a popular local picnic site and camping area on a crown reserve, managed by Inverell Shire Council. There is a lookout on the main dam wall. Recreation facilities include a boat ramp, barbecues, bush shelter sheds and tables and toilets.
