Our second round of water quality tests have been completed. While most tests are within normal ranges, the early warming temperatures have caused slight fluctuations in some lake levels for this time of year.
The E. coli level near the pumping station is significantly higher than this time last year, although it’s not the highest recorded level. However, once the water exits the channel, the E. coli levels drop dramatically. (Note: the Bingham testing site has changed. We now test from the water rather than the beach, which may explain the lower reading.)
Total Suspended Solids have increased due to the growth of organic matter as a result of the warmer temperatures. This would be concerning if our nitrogen levels were out of line, but as you can see, they are less or equal to the same time last year.
We will be taking out last tests after Labor Day and keep everyone informed. Have a great rest of your summer.
pH is an indication of our lake’s acid level. Neutral water, like distilled water, has a 7 pH level. Any measurement below 7 is considered acidic. Low pH levels affect fish spawning to the point of extinction. For humans, low pH levels increase the concentration of heavy metals like aluminum, zinc, and mercury.
When there are high E. coli counts there are three indicators in a lake to consider rain, large presence of waterfowl, and many people. Rain produces ground water that runs into the lake and carries with it E. coli. Bird feces contribute disease causing bacteria to the water. And, beach areas with many people swimming tend to have higher levels of E. coli.
Dissolved Oxygen (O2) is undoubtedly the most important of the gases, since most aquatic organisms need it to survive. The solubility of oxygen and other gases depends on water temperature. The colder the water, the more gases it can hold. Boiling water removes all gases. Oxygen is produced whenever green plants grow. Plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce simple sugars and oxygen, using sunlight as the energy source.
The Total Suspended Solids numbers relate to water clarity, especially the amount of algae present.
Nitrogen is second only to phosphorus as an important nutrient for plant and algae growth. Precipitation is usually the main nitrogen source for seepage and some drainage lakes. In most cases, however, the amount of nitrogen in lake water corresponds to local land use. Nitrogen may come from fertilizer and animal wastes on agricultural lands, human waste from sewage treatment plants or septic systems, and lawn fertilizers used on lakeshore property. Nitrogen may enter a lake from surface runoff or groundwater sources.