3.1 Clear water and High quality inflowing water CLEAR WATER The water of Lake Taupo-nui-a-Tia is clear and clean with visibility extending many metres through the water column. HIGH QUALITY INFLOWING WATER The high quality of water flowing into Lake Taupo-nui-a-Tia from the Tongariro River, streams and groundwater helps maintain the natural circulation and quality of the Lake.
What does the Community want to achieve? •
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Environmental values
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The water quality in Lake Taupo-nui-a-Tia continues to be in the “satisfactory to excellent” range for the maintenance of ecological health The water clarity in Lake Taupo-nui-a-Tia continues to be in the “near pristine” range Inflowing waters maintain their high quality status.
What are the main threats to clear water and high quality inflowing water? •
Water pollution: • from nutrient enrichment from farming (run-off into the Lake) and from sewage • sediment loading (ash) from large volcanic eruption.
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Health impacts: • pathogens in lake water, wildfowl, septic tanks, pipe failure, stormwater and boat sewage • pathogens in rivers, streams and groundwater from surface leakage (such as inadequate wellhead protection and septic tanks) • chemicals in rivers, streams and groundwater (such as elevated nitrates and spray drift contamination).
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Quality of life impacts: • sewage pollution • toxic algal blooms • declining water clarity • weed growth along the shoreline.
