Secchi data collected at an annual Beaver Water District event has set a baseline for water quality in Beaver Lake.
The annual report measures algae and contributing factors in the lake. Volunteers took samples during the August festival that were analyzed by district scientists. A Secchi disc marked in alternating quarters with black and white was lowered into the water by the teams to measure the depth of water clarity.
On the web
The 11th annual Secchi Day is tentatively slated for Aug. 20, 2016, at Prairie Creek on Beaver Lake. For the detailed Secchi report or more information on next year visit www.bwdh2o.org.
Source: Staff report
It is the largest community outreach for Beaver Water District, said Bob Morgan, manager of environmental quality.
The survey used 30 citizen scientist teams at 35 sample sites this year. More than 500 people attended the accompanying festival.
The water clarity average measured in the lake this year was slightly better than last year, said Sabrina Bowman, environmental specialist. She attributed the increase to vegetation growth that filtered this year's spring rain that came late in the season.
There was more Chlorophyll A, an algae pigmentation, in the War Eagle Creek arm than any other part of the lake.
Phosphorus and nitrates were highest near the confluence of White River and Richland Creek.
The 10 years of data show an average Secchi depth of between about 2 to 3 meters.
"The best thing out of the 10 years is we really don't see a trend," Morgan said.
Sampled sites showed lower water quality at the headwaters and less algae near the dam, but that is typical for lakes, he said.
NW News on 10/17/2015