Published on Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 2:00:00 PM
Marjit / Wilson Inlet sandbar opening, August 2026
Why is this happening?
Water Corporation plans to open the Marjit / Wilson Inlet sandbar in Denmark on Thursday, 6 August 2026 in accordance with an agreement reached in discussion with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), the Shire of Denmark and City of Albany.
As part of a plan to manage potential flooding and support the environmental health of the inlet, the sandbar is generally opened when water levels reach a minimum trigger level, usually sometime between June and September.
The decision to proceed with the opening has been informed by current catchment conditions, including forecasts indicating a high likelihood of very much below-average rainfall for the remainder of winter, low flows entering the inlet and observations that catchments are beginning to dry out.
Due to recent rainfall, the water level of the Marjit / Wilson Inlet has exceeded the minimum level required for the opening of the sandbar, under the Wilson Inlet Sandbar Opening Protocol, put in place in 2009.
When is this happening?
The sandbar opening is scheduled to occur on Thursday, 6 August 2026. The opening is expected to be complete at approximately 11.00am, with an excavator and supporting equipment mobilising at Ocean Beach ahead of the opening.
Water Corporation will continue to monitor conditions leading up to the opening date as unexpected rainfall may result in the sandbar being opened earlier than currently scheduled.
Important safety information
The sandbar opening usually attracts widespread community interest, precautions will be taken on the day to ensure public safety.
We also want to remind surfers to be mindful of the potential for changeable conditions in the vicinity of the opening, due to the increased exchange of water between the inlet and the ocean.
Contact information
For more information, please contact Operations Support Manager, Michael Sillifant, on (08) 9842 4216 or via email at Michael.Sillifant@watercorporation.com.au
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