About Us
Water Quality Committee
Our Objectives
The purpose of the Water Quality Committee is to monitor the lake and selected tributaries in order to keep track of and record the chemical, biological, and associated factors affecting the water quality. Although there are, of course, fluctuations in the conditions from year to year and within a given season, a long-term record is needed to identify and address trends in the overall health of the lake.
Our Projects & Activities
The committee monitors the lake during the summer months, June through September, sampling at a number of shore locations and at the deep spot near the middle testing for electrical conductivity, phosphorus, pH, turbidity, water clarity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and acid neutralizing capacity. The chloride concentration is also checked at least once a year. During the spring at the time of snowmelt and heavy runoff a number of tributary streams are tested to keep track of what is being carried into the lake. We are particularly fortunate that the Colby-Sawyer LSPA water quality laboratory is so readily available for the analysis of the water samples.
Volunteer Opportunities
Whereas we would never turn away anyone wishing to assist in collecting data, boat size and trying to keep from tripping over each other suggests that sampling is best accomplished with a maximum of four persons. Currently there are five committee members.
Additional Resources
Pleasant Lake Watershed Project conducted 2006 - 2007 by Colby Sawyer College Community and Environmental Studies program. Study Report
Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP). State Web Site
Article on responsible fertilizer use - http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG6551.html
