This may save someone a wasted trip.
Wednesday, 3 August, 2011
Fishing closure at Lake Lenthall
A temporary fishing closure is in place at Lake Lenthall following the discovery of dead
catfish and barramundi.
“Routine ISO 22000 food safety management system procedures are being followed to
protect public safety,” said Wide Bay Water Corporation CEO Peter Scott. “While it’s not
uncommon for low temperatures to cause localized fish kills at this time of year, it is
important that we rule out other possibilities.”
In the past two weeks, 70 barramundi have died in the stilling basin below the wall of
Lake Lenthall, 19 dead barramundi have been found in Burrum Weir One and 50 dead eeltailed
catfish have been found in the lake itself.
Mr Scott said tests currently underway would check for:
 Blue-green algae
 Pesticides
 Temperature fluctuations
 Dissolved minerals
 And pH levels
WBWC’s laboratory is coordinating most of the technical testing. Some fish have been
sent away for post mortem and pesticide analysis and results should be available next week.
Results already available show normal pH and dissolved oxygen levels. Blue-green algae
has been largely ruled out however water temperatures are significantly lower this year than
last year.
“Temperature is currently the stand-out factor,” said Mr Scott. “In Burrum Weir One our
staff report that June temperatures were 19.5°C on the surface and 18.2°C on the bottom. In
July this dropped to a surface temp of 16.7°C and 15°C on the bottom.”
WBWC’s records show that the last significant barramundi kill was in 2007 when similar
temperatures (15-17°C) were recorded.
In comparison, Burrum Weir One’s minimum recorded temperature for all of the 2010
winter was 16.6°C.
“We will reopen the lake to fishing as soon as the results of the analysis are available to
verify that no public safety concerns exist.
“And as far as Hervey Bay’s water supply is concerned we are confident that there is no
risk to its safety.
“All of our city’s water is being purified at Burgowan Water Treatment which uses both
Ozone and Biologically Activated Carbon in its treatment processes which, among other
measures, ensures consistently high-quality water.
“We have no reason to think there is contamination in the lake but we’ve got to do the
testing to be sure.”
END
Media Contact: Christina Maynes
Phone: 0448 826 016
Email: christinam@widebaywater.qld.gov.au

The barra deaths in the spillage pond and no 1 weir were expected nad really have nothing to do with the dam itself so it means that the dam has been closed down over the deaths of 50 tandanus. Makes me wonder if there are some unknown local politics involved.
They haven't stopped drawing water from the dam for drinking but have stopped fishing.
I would have thought a sign at the ramp saying don't eat the fish would have been more appropriate.
Cheers
Ray
Cheers
Ray