Environment Canterbury continues to monitor water quality at Lake Hood weekly.

Algal blooms are still visually present in the lake and in water quality testing results, and therefore Te Whatu Ora’s public health warning remains in place until further notice.

The weed harvester that is to be operated by Ashburton Contracting Limited under contract with Ashburton District Council has now arrived in Ashburton.

ACL is working through the necessary approvals process with Maritime NZ to operate the weed harvester on the lake.

The weed harvester will only be used on the lake at the times of year when weed growth occurs, and so it is anticipated that the harvester will be operational from the next growth cycle in Spring 2024.