The lake has dried out recently. Is that a problem?

Eposodic drying is a long-term feature of Lake Bolac

Drying out is a natural occurrence for Lake Bolac, even though this has a big impact on people’s quality of life, and enjoyment of the lake. It is likely that the lake will dry out more often than it did in the past (at least since The Overflow was built) as the climate changes to one that is drier and warmer. The lake fills from rainwater and creek flow. Some ground-water does arrive in the lake from upwelling salt water in the catchment, but the lake is largely a surface-water driven system. Unless and until there is more rainfall and less evaporation, the lake will remain as an episodic system.

Drying cycles benefit the health of Lake Bolac

Drying is actually a benefit to the ecology of the lake, since drying allows the wind-blown deposition of the lunette, and creates a very rich foraging resource for water birds as it dries (they eat the midges and midge-larvae). Carp cannot persist in a lake that dries out.

When the lake has dried out ….

It can be an emotional experience to see a lake drying out during drought, especially when it is a change that has not occured during our lifetime.

…. and then after it has rained again

 There is a sense of relief when the lake refills again. Our group is seeking to find out more about what drives the drying and filling cycles for Lake Bolac.