A trial of a state-of-the-art treatment designed to reduce Lake Albert's blue-green algae will be extended for another six months to gain additional data on the effectiveness of the unit to manage outbreaks.
The Hydro2050 units were installed during January 2025. The technology involves using ultrafine bubbles of oxygen and ozone to increase the lake's oxygen levels and manage the level of blue-green algae.
At its Ordinary Meeting this week, Wagga Wagga City Council considered three separate reports on Lake Albert, including one on Hydro2050 treatment.
Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton said Council noted the outcomes achieved to date of the Hydro2050 and endorsed proceeding with the trial for an additional six months and approved the budget variation for the additional trial.
"We began the initial six-month trial at the start of this year, and I think the fact that we got through last summer without any Red Alerts from blue-green algae is a positive outcome, but I think it's still early days," Mr Creighton said.
"There are other variable factors to consider, such as the reduced rainfall and associated nutrient inflow over summer, the continued use of the ultrasonic buoys, and the residual presence of the Waterzyme product.
"We need to get the data from the additional six-month trial before we can actually start to get a clearer direction in terms of what the Hydro2050 technology is able to achieve across a broad range of climatic conditions."
A further report will be presented to Council following the additional six-month trial period.
Council also received a report in response to a Notice of Motion about Lake Albert water quality investigations outlining existing technical studies previously undertaken by, or on behalf of Council, and initial consultation with expert stakeholders.
"There's no silver bullet for blue-green algae; it's a massive issue around Australia and around the world at the moment," Mr Creighton said.
"It's important we have a clear understanding of what is contributing to the blue-green algae outbreaks within Lake Albert and then look at the long-term actions that can be taken.
"We know that nutrient inflows, as well as the Lake being a large body of water that's relatively shallow are contributing factors, so it's about looking at addressing these factors in the short and long term.
Staff will proceed with a review and synthesis of existing documentation which will be reported back to Council prior to the identification, scoping and prioritisation of catchment wide projects that will look to address the quality of stormwater and rural catchment runoff entering the lake.
