May 10
7
The Lough – Water Quality Report
I recently received a report from the Recreation, Amenity and Culture directorate of City Council on the water quality of The Lough.
City Council is continuing to monitor water quality at the Lough, taking daily readings from 10 different sample points, measuring dissolved oxygen levels, acidity and water temperatures. Readings are satisfactory at present.
As detailed in previous reports there are too many fish in the lake, the amount of fish impacting negatively on water quality. In the past month, in consultation with the Marine Institute, the Central Fisheries Boards, the South West Regional Fisheries Board and Cork Carp Anglers Association, a number of carp fry have been removed from the lake. The fry are currently being tested under controlled conditions for KHV. If the Department of the Marine are satisfied that the fry are KHV free, it is the intention to remove a number of carp over the next two seasons, and transfer them to other fisheries.
Barley straw is being placed this week in special netting around the perimeter of the island at the lake. The decay product of barley straw assists with the suppression of algae bloom. The straw is positioned near the surface of the water to maximize its benefit.
The co-operation of the public in not feeding bread to birds at the Lough is still vitally important as this practice contributed in a major way to the poor water quality.
Mobile water pumps will be used during summer months at the lake to aerate the water, if required, the pumps proving very effective last year during periods of low oxygen.
The Council will continue its monitoring programme and explore other measures to lower phosphorus levels at the lake.
