28 YEARS UNTIL LAKE ROTORUA IS SAFE FOR SWIMMING

by Anita Moran anita.moran@dailypost.co.nz
It will be at least 28 years before locals can safely swim in Lake Rotorua.

Some people already swim in the lake that gave Rotorua its name but it will be nearly two decades before the quality of the lake water is restored to a "safe swimmable standard".



Environment Minister Trevor Mallard, speaking at the Lakes Water Quality Society symposium in Rotorua yesterday, said the Government wanted all Rotorua lakes to be up to that standard by 2035.

However, it could take 50 to 60 years for nutrient levels to drop and prevent the regular algae blooms which regularly close our lakes to swimming in summer.



While in Rotorua yesterday, Mr Mallard signed the Government's $72 million funding deed to restore Rotorua's lakes.

The deed sets out a commitment from the Government to improve the health of Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Okareka during the next 10 years.

The cost of the restoration programme for the four lakes is $144.2 million over the next decade.

The Government will meet half of the costs with the remainder to be paid by Rotorua District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty.

Speaking at the signing, Mr Mallard said the funding was recognition of the importance of the restoration programme.

"The Rotorua lakes are beautiful gems that the Government wants to see restored to their former glory."



David Hamilton, a Waikato University professor in lakes management and restoration, told the symposium lakes Rotoma, Tarawera and Taupo were in pristine condition with healthy systems.

Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti and Okaro were the three worst for condition and algal blooms.

Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka were "at risk" lakes.

Mr Mallard, giving an overview of the Government's policy on fresh water management, said the policy would differ for each region as lake water quality varied throughout the country.

As the land around lakes had been settled and farmed, more and more nutrients had seeped into the water. Over time, the nutrients caused the water quality to deteriorate, leading to high phosphorous levels and algal blooms which could be toxic, he said.



Phosphorous was an essential plant nutrient but in large quantities could encourage the growth of algal blooms.

The Government wanted to see improved sewerage works, limiting of lake settlements, construction of wetlands, harvesting of weeds and building of diversion walls.

Mr Mallard said most of the problem facing lakes resulted from farm waste ending up in the water.

Asked if the Government would help pay for better sewerage systems on farms, Mr Mallard said he was working closely with Fonterra who he said was receptive to the Government's ideas.



The $72 million deed was signed yesterday by Mr Mallard and representatives from the Rotorua District Council, Environment Bay of Plenty and the Te Arawa Lakes Trust Board while the Lakes Water Quality Society symposium was taking place.