What is being done to fix them?
In 2015, the City conducted a year long water quality study of the three lakes. An environmental consultant was hired to review the data and the findings were published in the Lake Bungana, Lake Brearley & Brickworks Lake, Maylands Environmental Report. Some of the suggested short and long term options were:
- Revegetation
- Physical removal of algae and waste
- Reduction of phosphorus levels (Phoslock application)
- Dredging
- Extension of the lakes.
Phoslock application
In February 2018, the City applied phoslock to the three lakes.
Phoslock was applied again to the three lakes at the end of January 2020.
Phoslock helps to minimise the re-release of phosphorous from the sediment back into the water.
Phoslock is applied to the lakes by boat and from the edge of the lake with a hose. The clay is white and this will give the water a milky colour for approximately two weeks as the clay settles to the bottom of the lakes.
Nutrient and Hydraulic Model
Over a 14-month period (concluding June 2020), the lake has been intensively monitored to understand what changes have occurred and their long-term impact.
This approach would develop a detailed nutrient and hydraulic balance with the added benefit of data to evidence the effectiveness of dredging.