Environment Bay of Plenty is investigating several new technologies which may be useful in helping to restore, maintain or improve the water quality of some of the Rotorua Lakes as well as other water bodies such as Sullivan Lake.
Environment Bay of Plenty is trialling two products that we hope will improve the lake’s water quality. Depending on our results, these products might be able to be used to help clean up the Rotorua lakes.
The two products are Pond Treat and PAP-5. They should help stop the growth of blue-green algae, and improve the lake’s water quality.
Pond Treat is a bacterial-enzyme mix designed to enhance the natural bacteria of waterways.
PAP-5 is a mineral used to absorb nutrients and heavy metals to help enhance water quality.
The treatment will begin in the summer of 2006/2007and continue during 2007. Depending on the results, we may continue with the treatment to maintain and restore the lake’s water quality.
We’re monitoring the lake every one or two weeks to start with, then monthly as the study continues.
We’re also recording how the water looks and taking water clarity measurements every day for the first part of the trial, and asking local residents to keep note of any changes that happen.
If the treatment is effective you should notice fewer algal blooms.
Once the lake has initially been given a shock dosage of the products there should be a change in the water clarity. In some cases you might see bubbling as carbon dioxide gas is released. Organic material may also be seen floating in the water, as oxygen is increased and decay is accelerated.
For more information or if there are any concerns regarding this project please contact Environment Bay of Plenty on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267).
Acknowledgements
Environment Bay of Plenty would like to thank the following for their help in this project:
Envirozyme
SteelServ
Whakatane District Council
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