Watershed Watch is a monitoring program on 39 lakes in our valley. The program is building a set of ambient (baseline) data that can be used to show trends and changes in the condition of the watershed lakes. It will act as an early warning system to identify trends or problems in water quality.
The water quality indicators monitored in the program are:
- Total phosphorus (deep points, shoreline)
- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (deep points, shoreline)
- Bacteria (E.Coli) (shoreline)
- Water clarity/Secchi Depth (deep points)
- Dissolved oxygen/temperature (deep points)
- Calcium (deep point)
Over the first five years of the Watershed Watch program (2001 – 2005), 6 or 7 lakes were sampled intensively (8 times) each year at the deep points and at shoreline sites where there appeared to be possible pollution sources. The program was changed in 2006 to monitor 39 lakes 4 times a year (May thru October). Deep points are sampled 4 times a year, while shoreline sites a sampled twice a year through the summer months (June thru September).
Volunteer Opportunities:
Anyone can get involved! Join the group of residents on several lakes who volunteer their time and their boats each summer to provide on the water transportation for RVCA staff and a helping hand taking samples. Or watch for special times of the year where we need a little extra help with sampling.
Want to learn more?
Contact to volunteer or get more information.
