Lake Hood residents will see six shipping containers craned into a canal alongside Huntingdon Avenue on Monday, in preparation for the first stage of water quality trials this summer.

The shipping containers have had their tops and bottoms removed and will be mostly submerged in the canal, in a section near the pedestrian bridge.

Infrastructure Group Manager Neil McCann said scientists would be onsite later in the week to begin testing a range of algal-control products targeting cyanobacteria.

“The aim of this work is to test the setup for four weeks, and prepare for a more scientific trial to be undertaken in February/March when cyanobacteria levels are expected to be higher. One of the containers will be an untreated control container, and the other five will be used for testing three chemical and two biological products.”

Scientists will be monitoring cyanobacteria, chlorophyll-a, total N, total P, H, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and temperature.

Mr McCann said signs would be erected at the trial site to inform residents and visitors about the work.

“We would prefer people on the water in the canals to keep away from the test zone for the four-week period in November, and scientists and helpers will be coming and going during the course of the trial.”

The lake is preparing for a busy summer:

• The jumping platform in the lake extension has been jet-washed and is open for business.
• A safe swimming area at the northern end of the lake has been marked off with buoys.
• The weed harvester has begun its regular patrols, cutting and removing weed as required.
• Environment Canterbury will begin its seasonal testing of recreational water spots on Monday 17 November, and that includes Lake Hood.

A full closure of the lake is planned for 29 and 30 November, to enable the holding of a club rowing regatta. For full details, see the lake event page.