Current Lake Conditions

Dave Ernes – Lake Management Committee

As many have been noticing, the lake is experiencing a return of blue-green algal blooms. We have been monitoring the situation and have obtained some additional testing results. What we are experiencing is the equivalent of the perfect storm.

We have discussed in the past the that the lake stratifies during the summer. This results in the release of phosphorous from the lake bottom sediment in the lake below 12-15 feet, which typically stays in the lower levels of the lake unless we have a major rain event. At the end of the season, typically in October, we experience what is called a turnover. This is when the surface lake temperature drops, causing the lake to mix. This allows the lake bottom water with high nutrient levels to blend with the surface waters, resulting in a feeding ground for algae. We have confirmed that a turnover has already occurred, a month early.

The second thing that is acting against us is the lack of rain. This, along with the reduced boat traffic, is causing the lake to become somewhat stagnant. The stagnant conditions, preferred by the algae, are often seen in the coves, which is why they tend to see algal blooms first. The lack of rain is also preventing the flushing of the high phosphorous waters from the lake.

The last thing is that the phosphorous level in the southern end of the lake is also elevated, driving the algal blooms there. We have also seen duckweed in the southern end of the lake, which can look like algae from a distance. Duckweed is often originating south of the Route 6 bridge.

Based on reports from around the country, many lakes are experiencing this as well. So, this situation is not unique to us.

What can we do? Unfortunately, until there is rain to flush the lake, not much.  An algaecide treatment could exacerbate the situation. It would cause a rapid die-off of the algae, which could result in hypoxia and the situation we saw a few years ago with odors, etc. And the algaecide does not reduce the nutrients driving the algae growth.

The best advice is to limit direct contact with the lake as much as possible. If you do travel on the lake, avoid high speeds as it can cause splashing. Make sure your pets to not come in contact with the lake, as they are more susceptible to the algae.

Mother Nature gave us a bonus early in the year, by delaying the appearance of algae for almost a month. Unfortunately, it is making us pay for this at the end of the year.

Be Lake Responsible