The Japanese government alarmed neighboring countries in April last year when it approved the discharge of 10, 000 tons of low-level radioactive water from the plant as Tepco ran out of space to store the water used to cool reactors.

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"Whether it is a high water level or low, the Merced River flows year round and the current can pull anybody in, " said Gediman.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

With the water level critically low, it is difficult to see how the turbinated flow of the dam is reaching the high levels that the state agency is claiming.

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The Japanese themselves have indicated that the level of water in that pond is low and is of concern.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Meanwhile, the water level in Lake Lanier remains close to the record low reached in December.

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Meanwhile, engineers are continuing to pump some 11, 500 tonnes of low-level radioactive seawater into the sea so the more highly contaminated water from reactor No 2 can be stored in waste buildings.

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Tokyo Electric is now grappling with where to put the stuff, even dumping thousands of tons of less-radioactive water into the Pacific to make room for it in a reservoir for low-level waste.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

This low-rise hotel under the Harbour Bridge takes a different approach to the Opera House: water level and straight ahead, giving the view added drama.

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