1. Environment »
  2. Water »
  3. Lakes

Looking after our lakes

The Waikato region has more than 100 lakes, ranging from small ponds to the largest lake in New Zealand, Taupō-nui-a-Tia (Lake Taupō).  

Sadly, farmland and urban development has meant that most of our lakes are much smaller and shallower than they were in the early 1900s. Some have been completely drained and turned into pasture.

Lakes also tend to collect pollutants over time because their waters are still, unlike rivers where moving waters carry pollutants away. More intensive use of land in lake catchments means many lakes now receive more nutrient and sediment loads than in the past. This encourage nuisance plant growth, such as water weeds and algal scums. 

Waikato Regional Council monitors water quality at a number of lakes throughout the region.  We are also working with our communities and other agencies to protect Waikato’s lakes and restore those with poor water quality. 

For more information on our region's lakes, select a topic below.

Lake and wetland monitoring programmes

Waikato Regional Council regularly monitors and reports on our region's lake and wetland resources and the pressure they face.

Lake Taupō

Learn more about Lake Taupō and how we're working to protect this precious taonga.

Shallow lakes of the Waikato region

The Waikato region’s shallow lakes are the largest remaining collection of their type in New Zealand.

Algal blooms

Most algae are harmless, but high levels of some species may be toxic and blooms may result in health warnings being issued.

Where are our lakes?

Waikato Regional Council has divided the Waikato region's lakes into five distinct and separate categories.