The 'lake snow' algae has been found in Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hawea. Photo: ODT filesAn algae present in Lake Wanaka for several years has been confirmed in Lake Wakatipu and has been reported in the Queenstown water network since mid-2016. Cyclotella bodanica (better known as lake snow) has also recently been identified at low levels in Lake Hawea, but has not affected the Hawea water network. QLDC has yet to decide on treatment options but options include installing in-line filters throughout the water networks that take water from Lakes Wanaka and Wakatipu, moving from a lake intake to a bore water supply, or looking at expanding the filter system trialled at an intake in Lake Wanaka. I’ve had initial discussions with the minister regarding this and he has indicated that water quality in our district’s lakes is high on his agenda, and research into the issue of lake algae would be likely to qualify for investment using this fund.”More information about how to identify if you have a problem related to lake algae, and a flyer '‘Managing algae in your water supply'’ are available at www.qldc.govt.nz/services/water-services/lake-algae/

Source: Otago Daily Times November 03, 2016 21:49 UTC