Electronic Lake Signs

Technology is keeping users of the Rotorua Lakes informed of lakes issues.

Dynamic electronic signs - developed jointly by Environment Bay of Plenty and local traffic-engineering firm ATS - have been installed at different spots around the lakes to highlight two big lakes issues, cyanobacteria blooms and the spread of aquatic pest weeds.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) warnings

Jointly funded by Environment Bay of Plenty, Rotorua District Council and Toi Te Ora Public Health, the signs have been designed to provide the public with up to date health warnings in the most graphically informative way. While existing health warnings signs are specific to one site - the new signs mean lake users can now get health warning updates for all bays and lakes from one location. 

The signs are similar in style to the lake health warning page. Lights on the sign glow when a health warning is in place. The sign uses two different types of lights – smaller lights indicate a warning is in place for a certain bay, and larger lights show that the entire lake has a health warning in place.

Pest weed signs

Two different signs are being used to prevent the movement of pest weeds between the Rotorua lakes.

The first sign is placed at boat ramps and can be seen by boaties as they exit weed-contaminated lakes. It is on an automatic timer – with lights that flash automatically to catch the attention of boaties and remind them to remove any aquatic weeds from their boat and trailer before leaving the lake.

The second sign is placed at lakes with few pest weeds. As vehicles approach the boat ramps, they activate flashing lights on the signs – reminding boaties to remove any weed on their boat or trailer before launching into the lake.