Lake Tuggeranong catchment plan

The ACT Government is developing a 10-year plan to improve the water quality in Lake Tuggeranong, with a focus on removing the nutrient pollution that fuels blue-green algal blooms.

The Vision

What we have done so far

Over the past decade, the Healthy Waterways Program has delivered numerous projects to help improve water quality in the Lake Tuggeranong catchment.

The Program has delivered wetlands, raingardens, ponds, storm water upgrades, and community education programs which have helped to reduce nutrient pollution in the lake, but more must be done to remove nutrients at the source.

Options for Restoring Lake Tuggeranong

Extensive research, conducted in partnership with the University of Canberra, shows that preventing plant nutrients from entering stormwater at the source is the most effective way to stop algal blooms before they start.

This means that we must now shift from building infrastructure that removes nutrients in the system, to options that stop pollution at its source. Everyday sources of nutrient pollution—like fallen leaves, grass clippings and residential use of fertilisers—are contributing to the problem.

When it rains, stormwater washes these materials from gardens, kerbs, and paved areas into drains, which flow directly into our lakes. The nutrient pollution fuels algal growth, impacting water quality and the health of our ecosystems.

Community consultation on Options for Restoring Lake Tuggeranong is underway to explore how proposed actions may impact local residents and identify the support needed for people to get involved.

Have your say on the Options for Restoring Lake Tuggeranong on YourSay.

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