Elk Lake Oxygenation System
Elk Lake's History and Context
History
Located in Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park in Saanich, British Columbia, Elk Lake and Beaver Lake are connected by a shallow channel and function as one lake system. During the 1930s and 1940s, the area was known as the “Freshwater Playground of Victoria” because of its popularity for swimming, boating, and other recreational activities. After the Patricia Bay Highway was built in the 1950s, attention shifted toward protecting the lakes and their natural environment, and the area became a regional park in 1966.
Despite ongoing conservation efforts, water quality has declined since the 1960s due to increasing nutrient pollution and other environmental pressures. Today, government agencies, local organizations, and community members continue working together to restore and protect this important lake system.
Current Management:
The Elk/Beaver Lake Initiative was the beginning of a coordinated approach to address the high nutrient levels in Elk/Beaver Lake. The initiative included the creation of the Elk/Beaver Lake Watershed Management Plan by the CRD which was completed in 2020, and the installation, operation and maintenance of an in-lake remediation system (oxygenator) which was installed in late 2023.
The aim of this multi-pronged approach is to improve water quality, reduce frequency and duration of blue-green algae, and improve fish habitat. It is anticipated this approach will address both the immediate and long-term needs for the sustainability and health of the lake ecosystem and its many values.
Elk Lake Oxygenation System
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Let’s work together to create a healthier, more vibrant water ecosystem. Whether you’re dealing with nutrient buildup, algae blooms, nuisance odours, or poor water clarity, we have the right solution for you.