Lake Kuwakatai lies a short distance due south of Lake Ototoa and, although the catchment size and type are essentially the same, the lake has very poor water quality and is ranked as second worst in the region after Lake Spectacle. The lake is highly turbid and nutrient enriched. It is surrounded by pasture and exotic forestry. This lake has fallen into disrepute due to the infestation of invasive fish and aquatic macrophytes (source www.lawa.co.nz).
