Visitors to a Scottish loch will be able to enjoy cleaner, clearer water this summer, thanks to the installation of a new Otterbine aerating fountain.


Carlingwalk Loch in Castle Douglas now benefits from a 5hp Phoenix fountain featuring two-tiered spray pattern and night-time lights. The fountain was installed by LS Systems as part of Dumfries & Galloway Council's development of Carlingwalk Outdoor Activity Centre and funded by the South West Environmental Action Trust (SWEAT).

Stuart Biggar from the council's Leisure & Sport Service says the Otterbine was needed to prevent problem algae: "The loch is plagued by blue-green algae, which can pose a health risk, so as part of our risk assessment in developing the Outdoor Activity Centre we needed the fountain to resolve the problem and make the loch safe for children."

With tests to confirm the fountain's effectiveness imminent, Stuart says the visible improvement is already apparent. "It certainly looks like the Otterbine has helped as the water is much clearer than we would normally expect after the heat we've had. It's also provided a focal point for the loch, so looks great in more ways than one."

LS Systems project director Tim Griffiths adds: "Due to the shape of the loch, the council needed something that would prevent algae build-up, which tends to blow and drift to one corner and accumulate. The Phoenix was the ideal solution and it's great to hear it's already improved the loch's water quality as well as provided an eye-catching display."

Merging beauty with functionality, Otterbine's aerating fountains, together with its submerged and floating aerators, prevent water-quality problems like algae, foul odours and even fish deaths by oxygenating the water. Ideal for water features in applications such as parks, commercial landscaping and hotels, the fountains are available in a choice of spray patterns with optional night-time lights. For more information, contact distributor Lely UK on 01480 226848/226872 or email otterbine.uk@lely.com.