Despite an exceptionally warm and dry May, the water quality at Poringland Lakes remains good.
Weekly tests conducted by John Hodgson, supported by his small team of monitors (Phil Ginn and Justin Randall), show dissolved oxygen currently remain good, better than 10 mg/L despite the rise in water temperature to around 17.5°C.
“We plan to continue monitor water quality on a weekly basis” said John, anxious not to repeat last year’s experience when scores of skimmer bream were lost as DO levels plummeted.
John went on to say “Should the temperature rise for a protracted period, we will increase the frequency of testing. We are able to introduce the aerators at short notice should they be required.”
“Last year we had to call in the Environment Agency then to help us out but we are better aware and equipped this time round” said John. “We have bought a state-of-the-art DO meter costing £600 and have a small band of committed volunteers, all happy to carry out monitoring on a regular basis.”