From Weed-Choked to Thriving
An aeration system had already been installed by another supplier, but it was never able to perform as needed. Over time, the blower failed not once, but three times, while the weed problem continued to get worse. After the third major failure, the council contacted us in late 2024 to help identify the issue and find a better solution.
When our team visited the site, the problem quickly became clear. The existing side channel blowers were not suited to the lake’s operating conditions. They were stalling under pressure and unable to deliver the airflow needed for effective aeration. Drawing on our experience in wastewater treatment and aeration applications, the team recommended a more suitable solution: an Atlas Copco ZL lobe blower with an external variable speed drive (VSD), sized to match the lake’s requirements.
The recommendation considered flow rate, water depth, sound requirements and compatibility with the existing aeration system. The new blower was installed and started on 24 March 2024, running continuously to maintain aeration and circulation across the lake. In May 2025, it was housed in a weather- and security-proof acoustic enclosure to protect the equipment and minimise noise. The results were impressive. Within months, the lake began to recover. By September 2025, weed coverage around the main basin had been significantly reduced. By December 2025, the lake was described as pristine.
Just as importantly, the blower operated continuously for around 6,648 hours across 40 weeks without a service, including through extreme summer temperatures above 40°C. There were no complaints from nearby residents, and the environmental improvements extended well beyond appearance alone. Birdlife returned, with a variety of species breeding and raising their young on the lake, which fish populations also increased as the ecosystem improved.
The success of the project has already led to the council ordering a second blower for another lake restoration project.
It’s a great example of how the right solution can do more than fix a technical issue. It can restore a space, support biodiversity and deliver lasting value for the community.
Within months, the lake began to recover. By September 2025, weed coverage around the main basin had been significantly reduced.