17 June 2016

New webcam gives real-time view of Lake Dunstan

Checking conditions at Lake Dunstan is just a click away thanks to a new ‘webcam’ Contact Energy has stationed at Clyde Dam sending images back to a website link. 

The Lake Dunstan webcam provides a panoramic view over the lake from the top of Clyde Dam. And it’s updated every 15 minutes, ensuring an accurate take on current conditions. 

Contact Energy installed the webcam in response to a suggestion from locals saying it would help recreational users of the lake plan their trips. 

As Contact Energy Head of Hydro Generation Boyd Brinsdon says. “Given the number of people who use the lake for fishing, canoeing, rowing, boating, you name it. It’s just a great idea.” 

With the wealth of technical expertise in Contact Energy’s Clyde Dam team, the task was aligned to operator/trader Chris Sharman, well suited to the job with a background in electronics. 

“Chris was just passionate about seeing this project through and procured all the gear and installed it, so we’re really thrilled to see it live,” Boyd says. 

For Alexandra resident Scott Liddell, a recreational user of the lake who first suggested the idea with a letter to the Otago Daily Times – it’s a great outcome. 

“If you’re into fishing, rowing, boating whatever, it’s hard to pick what the weather will be like up there. It can be windy in town, a great day for sailing and you pack up the family and get to the lake and it’s calm.   

“So I suggested that it would handy to have a camera up there showing conditions and Contact has gone head and done it. That’s great.” 

Boyd says Contact Energy will monitor use of the camera and depending on its popularity may consider installing at Lake Hawea, a popular spot for kayakers. 

So to check out the conditions at Lake Dunstan, visit  https://www.contact.co.nz/corporate/community