We’ve appointed specialist contractors to deliver a water quality monitoring and improvement programme at Canvey Lake. The aim is to better understand the root causes of ongoing water quality issues and using that information to inform what action we need to take to improve the Lake’s overall health, appearance and biodiversity.
This is what we will be doing:
1. Monthly monitoring
Water quality will be monitored monthly across the Lake, including both chemical and microbiological testing. This will help us:
- identify the main factors affecting water quality
- assess any potential risks to wildlife and the public
- build a clearer evidence base to guide future management decisions
2. Making improvements to water quality
A range of treatments will be introduced to improve water quality and reduce the conditions that lead to algal blooms.
These include:
- introducing natural bacteria to help break down excess nutrients such as ammonia
- environmentally friendly treatments to reduce the build-up of organic silt on the lake bed
- using a barley straw-based product to help control algae growth
- a winter treatment to improve sediment condition, reduce odours and limit nutrients that feed algae
Together, these measures will support better water quality, reduce the risk of blue-green algae and create a healthier environment for wildlife.
3. Making changes to enhance natural habitats
We’ll also be introducing new features to strengthen the Lake’s natural environment and improve the condition of the shoreline:
- planting along sections of the bank to help reduce erosion and support vegetation
- floating planted “eco-islands” to create habitats for wildlife and naturally absorb nutrients
4. De-silting
A detailed sediment survey will be carried out to measure water depth and levels of silt across the length and breadth of the Lake. Samples will also be tested to check for contamination and this will help inform the way in which we will commission dredging work, planned for later this year. The Lake is 1.8 km long so it is really important to implement de-silting in a managed and targeted way.
Our programme of intervention will provide a science-led approach to improving the Lake's health and ensuring it remains a valuable asset for both wildlife and the local community.
Proposed schedule of activity
We need to work with the seasons to ensure that our interventions will have the most environmental impact. At the moment, our proposed schedule of activity looks like this:
Spring
- Monthly water testing begins
Regular monitoring will take place to track water quality, including chemical levels and bacteria.
- Natural treatments introduced
Environmentally friendly treatments, including helpful bacteria, will be added to start breaking down excess nutrients in the water.
Summer
- Preparation for desilting
Leading into the summer testing is being undertaken to support desilting planned for the coming winter. This will include testing of the silt to see what it is made up of and mapping of the terrain of the lake to record its depth, including the silt and shape.
- Ongoing monitoring and treatments
Monthly testing continues, alongside treatments to improve water quality.
- BioX applied
A natural barley straw-based product is added to help reduce algae growth and keep the water clearer.
- Habitat improvements start
Work begins on planting along the lake edges and installing floating “eco-islands” to support wildlife.
- Lake surveys carried out
Specialists will measure water depth and assess how much silt has built up. Samples will also be tested to help plan future maintenance.
Autumn
- Habitat improvements continue
Additional planting and installation work helps stabilise the banks and create more habitats.
- Fish removal
Removal of fish from the Lake to an alternative environment to improve fish welfare.
Winter
- Winter treatment applied
A specialist treatment will be used to improve conditions on the Lake’s bed, reduce odours and lock away nutrients that can lead to algae growth.
- Monitoring continues
Monthly testing remains in place to track progress and prepare for the following year.
- Desilting
To reduce the levels of silt within the Lake.