Lake Lenthall - QLD

Wide Bay Water Corporation’s primary drinking water storage, Lake Lenthall, offers a unique recreation opportunity for the public. Historically, boating restrictions on the lake were implemented to maintain the safe, quiet and peaceful ambience of the site for both passive and active recreation while at the same time achieving the primary objective of the lake which is that of providing high quality water for the City of Hervey Bay. Recent advances in outboard engine technology have resulted in a significant reduction in engine emissions from newer clean engines. For example a 60hp 4-stroke or Direct Injection 2-Stroke engine emits less than 50% of the emissions as a 6hp carburetted 2-Stroke engine. These advances have warranted a review of the boating restrictions. Speed Limit 6 knots - no wash and no skiing 4-Stroke and Direct Injection 2-Stroke engines up to 60hp. This equates to all 2 & 3 Star OEDA (Outboard Engine Distributors Association) rated engines. 1 to 6hp traditional 2-Strokes (0 and 1 star OEDA rated) permitted until January 2010.Wide Bay Water Corporation Rangers have been suitably trained by representatives of the Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia to identify compliant engines. Non-compliant engines (eg: 2 stroke carburettor and fuel injected outboards) are prohibited from using the lake. Additional restriction may be imposed on those engines that are clearly polluting the water (eg Smokey engines). The Wide Bay Water Corporation laboratory has also been engaged to conduct routine hydrocarbon monitoring within the lake to monitor the impacting of fuel powered boats on the lake.