Even the wettest year on record couldn't dampen the great results of Lake Illawarra's latest water quality report card.
The Estuary Health & Water Quality Report Card 2021-22 rated water quality at locations around the lake based on key ecological health indicators set out by the NSW Government.
Lake Illawarra scored 'very good' or 'good' for clarity and also microscopic algae levels at nine of eleven sites tested in the twelve months to May 2022, according to the report published last month.
The remaining sites, Koonawarra Bay and Warrawong's Griffin's Bay, both earned 'fair' ratings.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the results were especially pleasing given the extreme wet weather experienced this year as heavy rain typically washes runoff into the waterways.
"Healthy water is important for the whole ecosystem of plants, animals and organisms that live in Lake Illawarra, plus all of us who enjoy its beauty from afar," he said.
"Tracking shows the lake water has greatly improved since monitoring began in 2013. As recently as 2017/18 we had one 'very poor' and two 'poor' site results, so to turn that around over four years is a fantastic achievement.
"Recent works to restore 80 hectares of vegetation across eight suburbs have helped to filter runoff and reduce erosion. These were initiated under the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program 2020-2030, a joint venture of Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council and other key stakeholders.
"Having ten years of robust water quality data allows us to track trends and guide the programs and projects we undertake. From government to individuals, we all have a role to play in the protection of our lake."
One such opportunity for residents is next month's Seaside Scavenge, part of the Luv the Lake campaign.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer encouraged residents from all sides of the lake to get to Reddall Reserve on Sunday 6 November for a full day of lake-loving fun.
"There will be a community clean-up, live music, eco-education and activities for the whole family," he said.
"This is a fun way to work together to help preserve and protect Lake Illawarra and make sure that these spaces remain safe and clean for the future," he said.
The Lake Illawarra Estuary Monitoring Program is supported by the NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Management Program. Luv the Lake is funded through the NSW EPA Litter Prevention Grants Program.
