City of Swan
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Emu Lake rehabilitation and transformation
When Emu Lake was built by a residential developer back in 1978, the intention was to create a closed system stormwater basin and water feature. However, high nutrient stormwater resulted in very low water quality and unhealthy algal blooms, and bacteria took over the massive 10 hectare lake. It was essential for the City of Swan to act, and create a healthy haven for local flora, fauna and residents alike.
The rundown stormwater basin has been transformed into a thriving wetland for local flora and fauna.
From rundown stormwater basin to thriving wetland
After robust water testing and community consultation, the City was able to commission a plan to transform the lake. The outcome was a 10 year rehabilitation program, focussed on eradicating the algal blooms through a combination of working with the community on education and water care, as well as non-chemical and bioengineering practices such as water aeration, living stream construction and perhaps most impressively – floating islands which circulate and filter the water before it re-enters the lake.
With these big goals, came some big challenges. The size of the lake meant that there were three possible locations for a bay, each with different water quality and outcomes and impacts on residential water views. As well as this, there were ongoing issues with dumping of feral fish and weeds.
The City took it all in their stride, challenging and going above and beyond existing best practice methodologies, engaging internal and external experts and continuing community engagement to create the best solutions for both residents and the natural environment.
With the last stage of the 10 year project complete and the City moving into the maintenance phase, the City is pleased to see the area come to life. Where there were previously dangerous algal blooms, there is now a functioning wetland, providing a home to local flora and fauna. Residents are benefitting too, with the transformation of the previous foul-smelling area to a parkland filled with public amenity.
Along with the Friends of Emu Lake and Emu Swamp, the City of Swan is continuing maintenance and monitoring to ensure Emu Lake remains a healthy, happy place for native flora and fauna.
View similar waterwise projects.