Council to build dome over lake to achieve A-grade water supply

Taupo District Council has today released a proposal to build a massive dome that will cover the entire surface of Lake Taupo, to protect the district’s water supply and, consequently, earn a better water supply rating.

The plan involves the construction of a glass dome, made from sustainable materials, designed to protect Lake Taupo from foreign objects entering the water source, thus achieving an ‘A’ grade for its water supply. While Taupo town’s drinking water enters a filtration process before being piped to homes, the open nature of its origin means it is rated as a ‘D’.

Mayor Rick Cooper says the current ‘D’ grade is a joke. “Just because it is an uncovered source; it’s ridiculous. Once we build a cover for it we’ll have the best drinking water in the country.”

Council admits that the plan may upset some groups in the community. “I’m sure boaties will eventually get used to it, and the swimmers will love it,” says the Mayor. Possible future upgrades of the dome include special UV tinting, that will stop harmful UV rays affecting lake users in the summer, and solar panelling that will heat the lake’s water in the winter. “Just think of the marketing opportunity” said Mayor Rick “the break away that the weather can never spoil.”

Construction of the dome is scheduled to start shortly after the 2011 Rugby World Cup and is estimated to be complete by 2021. The projected cost of the dome is expected to be in the vicinity of $1.2 billion. “We expect a slight increase in rates will be required to cover the expense, but I’m sure ratepayers will agree that it will be worth it,” says the Mayor.

The Mayor says that Council staff are currently consulting with Environment Waikato and the Department of Conservation to make sure that the trout will not be affected by the increase in water temperature. “We don’t want the trout to come out cooked, but with the warmer water they may grow even bigger.”