Canvey Lake – hot weather update
The Council recognises that residents care deeply about the condition of the Lake and that concerns have been raised, including about water quality, wildlife and the impact of the recent heatwave.
This week we have had contractors on site at the lake carrying out sampling and applying natural treatment works, using Lake Aid BioX and Bacterius N to improve conditions for fish and wildlife by reducing algae growth and speeding up the processing of Ammonia into less harmful Nitrate. This is the latest step in a whole programme of work at Canvey Lake that will help us to understand and improve water quality. This includes regular testing and practical steps to make the Lake cleaner, healthier and better for wildlife.
Later in the year we will be improving natural habitats by planting along the banks and adding floating eco-islands to support wildlife. Surveys will help us understand how much silt has built up and planned de-silting work will remove this to improve water conditions.
The aerator in place now is more suited to the shallowness of the lake as opposed to the one previously used as it works spreading water all round which provides a better range of aeration and therefore oxygen. There is a need to place more aerators along the length of the lake however the shallowness of the water towards the Oyster Fleet is such that any aerator would not work. The desilting will aim to increase water depth in locations and therefore allow more aerators, and we are working to get power along the length of the lake so that we are ready when we know the aerators can go in.
The Council has announced a £500,000 fund for this important work, and at the start of July the Canvey Pride in Place Board committed another £500,000 in match funding. Read more about the Canvey Pride in Place investment here.
Cllr Michael Fuller, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We know how important Canvey Lake is to residents and understand the concerns that have been raised, particularly during recent heatwave. That is exactly why we have taken on its long-term stewardship — so we can put in place a properly funded and deliverable plan. Improvements are already underway, with major interventions planned for winter.”
Cllr Warren Gibson, Deputy Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, added: “Canvey Lake remains one of our top priorities. This is not a quick fix but a long-term commitment to improving the Lake and protecting it for future generations.”
Cllr Dave Blackwell, Leader of Castle Point Borough Council, added: “Canvey Lake is very important within our Borough, and I will work with fellow Councillors. Officers and outside bodies to ensure its long term health.”
Together, this investment and these actions will help create a healthier environment for both wildlife and the community.
Updates on progress can be found on our dedicated Canvey Lake page, which you can access from our homepage www.castlepoint.gov.uk
If you would like to ask us a question, you can email us at canveylake@castlepoint.gov.uk