An oxygen-generation system is being put in place at Elk/Beaver Lake that is expected to help address the high level of nutrients in the water that lead to blue-green algae blooms.

The Elk Lake oxygenator system project is scheduled to be finished this fall, and system testing and calibration will carry on through 2024. The official groundbreaking of the project took place in April.

The Capital Regional District (CRD) is responsible for the system.

鈥淭his is an exciting day for the health of the lake,鈥� CRD Regional Parks committee chair and Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith said at a press conference Wednesday. 鈥淓lk Lake is one of the busiest parks in the CRD system so the improvements in the lake will benefit a lot of users.鈥�

In May 2021, the province announced a $750,000 investment to help purchase the system.

鈥淧eople in Saanich South and across B.C. come to Elk Lake to enjoy the outdoors, participate in sporting events, go fishing, spend time with family, and see what makes the park so special,鈥� Saanich South MLA Lana Popham said. 鈥淥ur government is so proud to have supported the oxygenator that will ensure people have access to safe, clean water for all these activities and more at Elk Lake for years to come.鈥�

The high nutrient levels in the lake have contributed to algae blooms, low dissolved oxygen levels and decreasing water clarity.

The CRD believes that there may be an improvement or decrease in water quality 12 to 18 months after the system is up and running. Vegetation and blue-green algae within the lake may temporarily increase when the system first starts operating.

It鈥檚 also possible vegetation and blue-green algae within the lake may increase during the initial operating period of the oxygenator system as more oxygen is introduced to the lake.

鈥淭his is going to be a game-changer for Elk Lake,鈥� CRD board chair Colin Plant said. 鈥淭he Elk Lake oxygenator system is part of the in-lake remediation plan to address overall water quality and tackle specific concerns such as blue-green algae blooms. We are grateful for provincial funding which played a pivotal role in acquiring this system.鈥�

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