By D.Ernes – Lake Management Committee
Since the last algae treatment, we have experienced a massive storm system that dropped significant rain, caused gale force winds and knocked out power, internet and in some cases cell service to a portion of our community. We have some recent data that shows that this event also had a significant impact on the water quality and conditions of the lake, especially in the northern end. This may be the cause of the bloom reports made by residents, our consultants, and the LMC team since that event.
While lake conditions can vary from day-to-day, after an evaluation of all available information, a decision was made to implement another algae treatment, this time in the northern half of the lake where most of the reports have been received and the water quality was most significantly impacted. Scheduling a treatment involves many moving parts and can not be done at moments notice. While there may be some disruptions, we have tried to minimize them.
In the meantime, it is necessary to repeat a statement that is made with every weekly testing summary, at most Board meetings, and in several articles.
AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH AN ACTIVE BLOOM.
This is especially important for the young, those with compromised health conditions, and even your pets, who can not read this warning.
The following steps will be done. *Please note that, should these plans change, we will let you know as soon as possible.
1) The lake level will be monitored and, if necessary, the lake will be lowered.
2) Please turn off all fountains or other devices that agitate the lake water north of Sugar Creek on Wednesday, August 21. They may be turned back on Friday morning, August 23.
3) Please refrain from any activities on the lake, including boating, jet skis, etc., starting Wednesday, August 21 to allow the treatment to be effective and to spread in a predictable manner. All activities may resume on the morning of Friday, August 23.
4) While the lake is deemed safe following the application, we are closing the beaches on Wednesday morning, August 21 as a precautionary measure. Swimming and other activities involving direct contact with the lake should be avoided during this time. While unlikely, if you observe any undisposed product (a powder with a bluish tint), avoid direct contact and let the office know where it is observed. Normal activities can resume on Friday, August 23.
5) Do not water your property with water from the lake during this 48-hour period.