WRC Scientist Bill Vant presented: “Water Quality of Lake Taupo & its Catchment 1973-2020" update at LWAG AGM July 21, 2022
The technical report being produced, towards better public access, is titled as per his presentation: “Water Quality of Lake Taupo & its Catchment 1973-2020” – Bill Vant & John Hadfield.
Conclusions from the science overview:
Lake water quality has largely been stable over the past 20 yrs, but there are some puzzles.
Some increase in nitrogen load seen in streams recently, and some reductions.
There is less certainty around reduction seen in phosphorus. Evidence of N removal seen in groundwater but how widespread is unknown?
Evidence that N load to come likely to be substantially smaller than previously thought (30-40%) The LTP Trust bought rights = 20 % N. Scientists were aware of difference at time. Now thinking 20% closer to load to come so maybe we have it about right.