Update on Broadwater Lake

 As you are all aware, Broadwater has been closed for fishing for quite some time and this was not a decision we took lightly however, protection of valuable fish stocks for the longer term will always be our priority.

The situation at Broadwater this summer has been particularly challenging. There are long standing issues regarding water quality that, when faced with the additional climate conditions & lack of water have presented a near 'perfect' storm. The lake has not had its very existence challenged since the summer of 1976.

I'm pleased to be able to report that we have navigated theses extreme difficulties without any known loss to our fish stocks. However, the situation regarding the water chemistry can only be described as volatile & unstable.

Balancing the water chemistry is a very complex & dynamic situation and a key component of managing these issues is controlling food levels & the production of waste as this drives the ammonia content of water. 

Ammonia levels currently are being driven much higher than normal by the excessive algae blooms as they break down. The presence of high levels ammonia in water is extremely detrimental to the health of all aquatic life. 

In a normal summer, these conditions may exist for 1-2 weeks and they are mitigated by the flow of water through the lake. We have had no flow and therefore no 'turnover' of water for some months which has directly impacted the ecological balance of the lake.

Weather conditions are beginning to shift in our favour, but more rain / higher water levels & low temperatures less sunlight is desperately needed.

The FM team continues to monitor & test daily in order to facilitate the earliest return to fishing possible. However, the water is likely to remain closed for the next 7-10 days at least. 

The Society will keep all are members informed of progress as soon as there are any significant developments.

David Johnson

Society Chairman