Keeping Our Lakes Crystal Clear: A Multi-faceted Approach to TSS and Water Clarity

Are you worried about the health of your local lake? Have you observed the water's clarity declining over time? The answers to these concerns often lie in understanding two key indicators of lake health: Turbidity and Total Suspended Solids (TSS).  

High water TSS (Total Suspended Solids) contributes to lake turbidity, impacting water clarity and overall lake health. Understand how these factors relate to water pollution

Essentially, turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of water, while TSS quantifies the number of solid particles suspended in it. These two parameters are closely interconnected; an increase in TSS directly correlates with higher turbidity and a noticeable reduction in water clarity. This isn't merely an aesthetic issue; it carries significant ecological consequences.

Reduced water clarity hampers aquatic life in multiple ways. Fish struggle to locate prey and navigate, disrupting their feeding and breeding patterns. Furthermore, sunlight penetration, crucial for aquatic plant photosynthesis, is substantially diminished, affecting the entire food web.  

Sources of Increased TSS  

Numerous factors lead to increased TSS levels. Erosion, especially from deforested or poorly managed shorelines, introduces sediment into the water column. Runoff from agricultural land, urban regions, and construction sites transports pollutants, including soil particles and organic matter. Algal blooms, driven by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, significantly raise TSS as the algae multiply and eventually decay.  

Impact on Drinking Water Safety  

The implications go beyond ecological damage. Increased total suspended solids (TSS) also pose a significant danger to drinking water safety. Elevated TSS levels impede the effective disinfection of pathogens, like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, by protecting them from disinfectants such as chlorine and UV light. This requires more intensive and costly treatment processes and, in some instances, can result in outbreaks of waterborne illnesses. Councils and water providers must focus on maintaining low TSS levels to ensure the provision of safe drinking water to communities.  

The Role of Climate Change  

Climate change further worsens these challenges. The increased frequency and intensity of storm events result in more significant runoff volumes, transporting substantial sediment loads into waterways. Rising water temperatures encourage the spread of harmful algal blooms, which worsen the situation. These climate-driven changes highlight the urgency of addressing TSS and turbidity.  

Solutions and Strategies  

 Taking before photos to track visual progress

A comprehensive, multifaceted approach is essential for tackling these issues. Reducing nutrient pollution through improved agricultural practices, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management is crucial. Erosion control measures, such as riparian buffer zones and shoreline stabilisation, are key to minimising sediment inputs. Regular water quality monitoring provides valuable data for tracking trends and identifying problem areas. Moreover, innovative technologies play a significant role. For instance, ultrasonic solutions, like those provided by Hydro Synergy, effectively disrupt algal blooms, a major contributor to TSS, enhancing water clarity and overall ecosystem health.  

Call to Action  

By investing in these strategies, we can restore and protect our lakes and ensure access to safe, clean drinking water. Let's work together to safeguard our precious water resources and maintain their crystal clarity for future generations.  

Concerned about turbidity, high TSS, or harmful algal blooms impacting your lake's water clarity and health? Hydro Synergy, New Zealand's specialists in ultrasonic algae removal, provides proven water quality solutions.

Don't wait to restore clean water to your New Zealand waterways. Get in touch with our experts today to discuss your specific water issues. Contact us via email at support@hydrosynergy.co.nz or give us a call on 0800-NOALGAE (6625423).