2024 Water Quality Survey Results


Here is a link to the MPCA’s water quality dashboard for Clearwater Lake: https://webapp.pca.state.mn.us/wqd/surface-water/waterunit-details?wid=18-0038-00

May 2024

A.W. Research Lab Comments

Based on the data they have in their database, the 10-year average for total phosphorus is 14 parts per billion. Your May result was 21 parts per billion (ppb), so slightly higher than average. This is not unusual for spring especially given all the rain we’ve had, which can wash sediment/nutrients into the lake and stir things up. Your chlorophyll-a result of 3.3 ppb is well below the 10-year average of 6 ppb. Chlorophyll-a is a measure of the amount of algae/plant biomass in the water. We tend to see this rise throughout the summer as water temperatures warm and more algae starts growing.

June 2024

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2024 - 06 - 26

July 2024

September 2024

October 2024
A.W. Research Lab Comments

Total phosphorus:
May's result was slightly higher than average; not unusual for spring, especially given all the rain we’ve had, which can wash sediment/nutrients into the lake and stir things up.
June results are in line with historical range.
 
Chlorophyll-a:
May and June results of 3.3 & 3.7 ppb are well below the 10-year average of 6 ppb.
 
Chlorophyll-a is a measure of the amount of algae/plant biomass in the water. We tend to see this rise throughout the summer as water temperatures warm and more algae starts growing.
A.W. Research Lab Comments
July results are in-line with historical range.
Total phosphorus is a measure of the phosphorus in the lake.  Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient that is essential for terrestrial and aquatic plant growth. If levels are too high, this can result in algal blooms and excessive aquatic plant growth that negatively impact the aquatic community when these blooms die and decompose. The July reading was slightly lower than 10-year average.
Chlorophyll-a is a measure of the amount of algae/plant biomass in the water and July’s reading was lower than the 10-year average.
Water Clarity – Secchi Disk Readings:
July data shows a reduction of clarity but still within the historical average (Lab says they typically see a reduction in clarity during July due to increased recreational activity in lakes).