Griffith City Council begins a new treatment trial aimed at improving water quality at Lake Wyangan.

Formed in 1950, Lake Wyangan is a recreational lake located 6km to the northwest of the town of Griffith in New South Wales. Covering 309 hectares, Lake Wyangan consists of north and south lakes surrounded by wetlands.

The treatment process, which begins Friday 6 September, will involve council initiating the use of Diatomix – an environmentally sustainable treatment developed to reduce blue-green algae and enhance the overall health of the lake’s ecosystem.

Diatomix is a liquid micronutrient solution that promotes diatom algae; diatoms are a crucial component of aquatic environs. Their presence will naturally starve cyanobacteria (BGA) of nutrients preventing it to grow out of control, or bloom.

The trial period will last 18 months and initially target Lake Wyangan south, with dosing three times a week by boat.

“If the trial is successful, council will implement this treatment in Lake Wyangan north resulting in a significant reduction in the BGA level and thereby improving the water quality for all recreational users,” Vanessa Johns – Griffith City Council environment and public health coordinator – said.

A holistic ecosystem response, the treatment is expected to not only improve water quality but become a vital food source for insects, crustacea, fish, and birds contributing to a more balanced and healthier environment.

Griffith City Council will closely monitor water quality in both the north and south lakes throughout the trial period, with ongoing water quality updates available on the council’s website.