June 6, 2011 Integrated Lake Management visited our lake and performed tests to determine the quality of our lake. The results are encouraging.
The tests were performed in the north bay, which is the main water entry point for our lake, and the area near the spillway on the other end of the lake. There didn’t seem to be a lot of problems. Two items that were not within standards were the low oxygen level near the spillway and ortho-phosphorus was above standards in both locations. Ortho-phosphorus is a form of phosphate normally used in fertilizer so that is no surprise with the farm fields as a run-off area. It is not a good thing because it promotes algae growth and we are trying to control it as much as possible. The water clarity was indicated as good. Lake management is on top of this at all times. They are a great commission.
In my estimation this is a very good report and from personal observation by many the lake has not had the large algae blooms this year that we normally witness during the summer. There is, of course, algae and we may still get some blooms but possibly the dredging has had a good effect on water quality. The next few days are to be in the nineties so if blooms are coming that should bring them on. At this point we have some weeds but they are not really a problem so cross your fingers!
Ken Dillenburg