Lake Mokoan

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Mokoan
image_lake = Lake-Mokoan-aerial.jpg
caption_lake = Aerial view from the south east
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Victoria
coords = coord|36|27|S|146|6|E|type:waterbody_region:AU|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = Australia
length =
width =
area = 78.9 km²
depth =
max-depth = 7 m
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =
frozen =

Lake Mokoan is an artificial lake in Victoria, Australia. It was created in 1971 when water from Broken River and Hollands Creek was diverted into Winton Swamp roughly 7 km from Benalla. The lake is characterized by dozens of dead trees emerging from its depths. Although a popular tourist destination, the Victorian government has decided to decommission the lake in the near future and restore the area to its original wetland state.

The lake has regularly suffered from serious toxic algal blooms since its creation. (see, for example, "The Age", 4th December, 1991, page 5; "The Age" 4th Jan 1995, page 3;) [ [http://www.lakemokoan.com/environment.htm Mokoan - return to wetland ] ]

The shallow, but large , lake has a very high surface to volume ratio, resulting in very extensive water loss through evaporation. Decommissioning the lake is expected to allow for the return of 44,000 megalitres of water per year to the Broken, Goulburn, Snowy and Murray Rivers, with environmental and economic benefits to both upstream and downstream areas. [http://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/downloads/FloodplainManagement/Flow-Regime-Information-Bulletin.pdf]

25 gigalitres of the lake will be released into the Murray River system and another 20 gigalitres into the Snowy River. Eventually the entire lake will be emptied.

External links

* [http://www.lakemokoan.com Lake Mokoan Decommission project]

References

"The Age", 4th December, 1991, page 5; "The Age" 4th Jan 1995, page 3;