Water on tap for lake users

THIRSTY: Paul Walker and his dog Bahlu try out the new drinking fountain that was installed yesterday. The fountain has separate taps for dogs, people and water-bottle filling. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Parched dogs and their owners can now slake their thirst while walking at Henley Lake.

The Henley Trust has installed a new drinking fountain with separate taps for dogs, people and water bottle filling, as the lake water is unsafe to drink.

Henley Trust Chairman Tom Ward said the idea had been in the pipeline for about three years.

"The idea came about several years ago when people were concerned about a lot of dogs drinking the water and someone suggested a water fountain."

The fountain was generously donated by Paul Walker and bears a plaque in memory of his faithful dog, Biggles.

Mr Walker said he and his new dog, Bahlu, sometimes visit the lake twice a day.

"I've developed a fondness for the complex over the years.

"We do a lot of walking here."

The fountain was modelled on a similar fountain he saw at Lake Taupo.

It is connected to the town supply.

Installing the fountain had been a community project, Mr Walker said.

"As far as I'm concerned it's a community thing.

"Sure it's got an overtone for dogs, but at the same time it's for the community as well."

The lake was heavily used, with most walkers visiting in the morning and late afternoon, Mr Walker said.

"We've tried to encourage diverse use ... we try to push everybody to be involved and try to make people as welcome as we possibly can.

"We believe it's a major attraction for Masterton."

So far people had been appreciative, although he had fielded an inquiry, he said.

"One person said 'why can't you have Tui on tap?'"