Regional council works to maintain steady lake levels

Environment Bay of Plenty has taken action to help control Lake Rotorua’s water level following last weekend’s heavy rain.

The regional council has removed three stoplogs at the Ohau Channel weir – increasing the flow of water from the lake through the channel.

Environment Bay of Plenty Group Manager Ken Tarboton said while Lake Rotorua’s water level is generally stable, during winter when more rain is likely it can increase.

“As part of the consent for managing the lake’s levels, we monitor lake levels daily and either put the stoplogs in to prevent the lake level dropping too much or take them out to help reduce lake levels,” Mr Tarboton said.

The stoplogs work by restricting or allowing more water to flow through the channel.

“As well as maintaining a steady lake level it helps provide some protection to lakeside properties.”

Mr Tarboton said the stoplogs would most likely be kept out until summer.

The operational criteria for the use of the stoplogs will be reviewed next year when the consent for operating the Ohau Channel and Okere Gates that maintains the levels for both lakes Rotorua and Rotorua is reviewed.

ENDS

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