the reservoir has a surface level of approximately , generated from the catchment area and annual average rainfall of . Supply levels Sustained low water conditions, including a 15-year drought, took the level of water to 10.27% of total capacity during February 2007, following an earlier reading of 13.3% during January 2007. Local government officials immediately placed a range of water restrictions on residents and businesses in order to conserve water and ensure ongoing supply to the region's residents and tourism industry. Piping of water from the Hunter River system augmented local water supply. In 2007, a water plan was established and detailed a program to expand supply and reduce demand to help secure the water supply until 2050. Between 2010 and 2012, a link was established between the Mangrove Creek Dam and Mardi Dam. This Mardi-Mangrove Link is made up of two pipelines that enable water to be transferred from the Wyong River and Ourimbah Creek, via Mardi Dam to the large Mangrove Creek Dam for storage, instead of allowing it to flow to the ocean. It is expected that this link will help protect the Central Coast region against future extended periods of below-average rainfall. In 2022, After days of heavy rainfall Mangrove Creek Dam reached 100% capacity and began spilling over the spillway for the first time since construction of the dam was completed in 1982. Access and recreation The dam is a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists for barbecues and picnics, taking about 45 minutes to reach by car from Gosford. Restrictions apply on accessing the dam and the catchment area in order to protect water quality, protect large areas of bush land and plant and animal habitats, protect threatened plants and animal species, and preserve evidence of Aboriginal occupation. See also List of dams and reservoirs in New South Wales References External links official website Hawkesbury River Dams completed in 1981 Central Coast (New South Wales) Dams in New South Wales Embankment dams Central Coast Council (New South Wales)