Water Quality
Water quality testing will resume this year with the help of Ken Hallberg. Ken reported that 2011 Secci Disk water clarity readings in Prairie Lake were about a foot less than previous years. Clarity in Hasty Brook was the poorest in 3 years.
Prairie Lake Water Quality; 1996-2008
Thanks to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Big Sandy Area Lakes Watershed and volunteers, Prairie Lake water quality is being monitored through sampling and laboratory analysis.
The main nutrient of concern is phosphorus. Phosphorus enrichment of a lake can result in a variety of negative impacts, such as excessive plant growth, algae blooms, and lowering of oxygen levels.
The main nutrient of concern is phosphorus. Phosphorus enrichment of a lake can result in a variety of negative impacts, such as excessive plant growth, algae blooms, and lowering of oxygen levels.
Total Phosphorus , ug/L
|
JUNE JULY AUG SEPT Average |
1996
16 (6/16) 17 (7/15) 35 (8/19) 40 (9/16) 27 |
1997
20 (6/4) 18 (7/8) 25 (8/6) 20 (9/3) 21 |
1998
26 (6/8) 22 (7/13) 37 (8/19) 46 (9/21) 33 |
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Chlorophyll a is the main pigment in algae. The concentration of this pigment is used to estimate the quantity of algae found in the lake. Algae is a normal component of water bodies, however high concentrations can result in low levels of dissolved oxygen and reduced recreation suitability.
Chlorophyll a, ug/L
|
JUNE JULY AUG SEPT Average |
1996 (date)
3 (5/20) 2 (7/15) 24 (8/19) 10 (9/16) 10 |
1997 (date)
1 (6/4) 1 (7/8) 9 (8/6) 12 (9/3) 6 |
1998 (date)
6.7 (6/8) 6.4 (7/13) 22 (8/19) 19.7 (9/21) 14 |
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