We conducted Algal testing and E.coli testing ahead of the holiday weekend. Sampling for Harmful Algal Blooms was conducted on 5/19/22 and we tested for E.coli on 5/24/22. Those reports are attached to this post.

As has been the case since for the last several years, we are seeing high concentrations of HAB species in our water at this time. At the time we did initial testing in the 2017/2018 timeframe we saw significant levels of HABs in the lake which spurred the actions that we have taken with respect to Lake Restoration.  The dominant species of HAB currently present in the lake is Aphanizomenon and we are seeing this species of HAB  in high concentrations in all of our sampling.  Our testing that was recently completed did not show the presence of toxins which is good news. We will continue testing every two weeks for HABs and sharing those results as soon as we receive them.

We shared concerns about these most recent results and the overall lake health with our Lake Restoration Partners (Sis Bio) and our consultant Dr. JJ. It is important for all our Members to be aware that we are working to address a downward trajectory that has been in the making for several years, and we  completed our first enzyme application just five weeks ago in late April 2022. This process to improve the lake will take some time and our second treatment was implemented on May 25^th 2022. We expect in the coming weeks and months that we will drive a shift in the profile of the lake and see meaningful change.  A reminder that no treatment of the lake may be made by any Member without board approval.  A treatment for Algae outside of the Lake Restoration effort could create a situation where the algal bloom can become toxic. This past weekend, Dr. Wayne Carmichael PhD presented at the International Conference for Cyanobacteria – we encourage all of you to view the presentation here as it includes a lot of information pertinent to our effort to turn our lake around.

In addition to the HAB profile, we have three areas of our lake where E.coli results are above acceptable standards per the EPA standards which is 126 parts per million.  Roughly 2x the standard measures were observed in Cove 7 (209.8 ppm), Cove 9 (178.5 ppm) and near the Beach/Lighthouse (172.2 ppm).  E.coli tests in the other locations (Cove 1 (88.0 ppm), Spillway (88.2), Star Dock (59.4 ppm)) showed very low levels of E.coli. Due to the results of our testing, we have put up signs at Cove 9 and at the beach advising Members to use the lake at their own discretion. Swim at your own risk in Cove 9, Cove 7 and at the Beach. We speculate that the recent rains are causing elevated levels of E.coli. We encountered a similar issue last year with elevated E.coli issues after heavy rains and flooding over the July 4^th weekend. Similarly we received roughly 2.5 inches of rain over the week, and experienced flooding around the lake and upstream.   The board is going to re-test for E.coli next week and will share those results ahead of next weekend.

It is the board’s recommendation due to the E.coli results that all Members use extreme discretion in their usage of the lake in Cove 7, Cove 9 and near the beach. Exposure to the levels of E.coli present in those areas can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever.  In addition, due to the levels of HAB species present, we advise all Members to use the lake at their own discretion in all other areas of the lake. Stay out of the lake where there are obvious signs of algae and scum.

We have more information than we have ever had in regards to the health of our lake, and we are taking actions to improve the health of the lake through our Lake Restoration effort. We are hopeful that we will be sharing better news in the near future in regards to the health of the lake.