Monitoring for E. coli |
Blue-Green Algae Testing
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The Basics. |
The Basics. |
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Like most bio-chemicals, E. coli is usually present in the water. However, it's when these bacteria grow or wash into the lake at accelerated rates it may create an issue with water quality and safety.
During the lake season, the W.L.I.C. engages volunteers to gather water and test the E. coli levels. This happens on a weekly basis and if elevated levels are present the Membership is notified accordingly. |
Blue-green algae are a normal part of our ecosystem. However, certain strains can produce toxins that can produce discomfort in humans and be poisonous to pets and wildlife. WLIC monitors the lake for algae blooms and tests the water for the toxin they can produce.
To reduce the possibility of an algae bloom, we encourage members to continue to maintain their yards (storm-water runoff is a major source of algae nutrients) but avoid over-fertilization. Please support WLIC’s anti-siltation efforts! |
The Details. |
The Details. |
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Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick.
How does it make its way to the lake? Native animals who reside near stream and tributaries leave their fecal matter throughout the terrain. E. coli then attaches itself to soil, other natural debris and water. Particularly during and after a strong rain, E. coli is carried by the water flow to its natural end point, Weatherby Lake. Volunteers collect water each week and samples are tested at the W.L.I.C. offices to determine how much contamination has happened. The Environmental Protection Agency has designated a federal standard that no single sample shall exceed 235 colonies/100 mL. Often times, elevated levels are not lake-wide and only register in specific coves or areas of the lake. For this reason, the W.L.I.C. will only close the lake in affected areas. Notification is implemented through signage at affected Access Areas, via automated telephone calls (Robo-Calls), and posted on www.wlic.org. |
Blue-green algae (Anabaena) are organisms that naturally exist in lakes. Under certain conditions, they can reproduce rapidly causing “algae blooms,” which often have an oil-slick or paint-spill appearance on the surface of lakes. The blooms can be blue-green, but they may be other colors, often pinkish-brown or white. The blue-green algae should not be mistaken for the harmless “filamentous green algae” (Spirogyra) which form clumpy greenish-brown masses at the edge of our lake and get tangled up in our outboard motors. This algae is normal and healthy for the ecology of Weatherby Lake.
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Stormwater Run-Off and Siltation Monitoring
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Development in Weatherby Lake's watershed causes great opportunity, but also great concern form an environmental standpoint. With development comes disturbance of the natural terrain and the increased possibility for soil and other debris to travel into our priceless waters. Over time, the increase in sediment on the lake bottom can result in the need to dredge the lake -- a costly and inconvenient endeavor.
The W.L.I.C. actively monitors construction and development within the watershed and around Weatherby Lake. During active rain events, volunteers will go out to the tributaries and take water samples and test them for sediment levels. Committee members also sponsor outreach and maintain dialogue with key city, county and state officials to ensure compliance. |