The Latest on Water Saver in Harcourt

For those that do not know; Water Saver is a chemical that is supposed to stop water evaporation on lakes by covering the entire lake surface with a lime based powder. Coliban Water was the first to test this hazardous chemical on Harcourt Reservoir late last year. A hopper was placed out in the middle of the lake which slowly released this white powder creating a film over the surface and a complete eyesore along the shoreline.

The major concern at the time was many fishermen were catching trout and redfin that bled the moment they were picked up. The Second concern was the lakes insects which could not break through the surface film to complete their life cycle. This chemical could have easily wipe out many insect species that many fish and other wildlife highly depend on.

Coliban Water received many complaints and made the decision to have the trout in the lake tested to see if any affects were found in the trout from this chemical. Just recently I had an unconfirmed report that toxins were found in the trout of a high level.

At some stage the hopper was removed and things returned back to normal. However a new sign was placed near the Harcourt shoreline indicating that water saver will again be used on the lake.

This concerned me greatly so I rang Coliban Water and asked them what there intentions were with water saver this year. A Mr Neil Burns said that they were yet to make a decision on its use, due to the affects on the lakes insects.

I told Neil about the toxins found in the trout to which he said he had not heard anything about the results of the test, and would get back to me on this report and to what finial decision is made on the use of water saver.

Lets hope common sense prevails and they put a stop to its use.

Bruce Smith

9:35 PM - 2/11/2007 - post comment