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These 15 graphs summarize the annual summer-average water quality in several of the lakes in the watershed since 1972 and biological data from three stream stations since 1980. The lake water quality is represented by two chemical characteristics: chlorophyll (Chla) and phosphorus (Tp), and one physical characteristic: clarity or secchi depth. 

As the amount of phosphorus in storm water that drains to the lake decreases, phosphorus in the lake available for algae growth also decreases and the lake gets clearer. The historic data shows that the water quality of all of the lakes has improved since 1972 and that the water quality of Twin Lake and Parkers Lake has recently been even better than the goal for the lakes.

The improvements are due to a variety factors that has reduced the amount of phosphorus in storm water including: a ban on the use of lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus, the installation of ponds and rain gardens to remove sediment and phosphorous from storm water, the control of undesirable aquatic vegetation in the lakes, vegetated buffers along the shore of the lakes and creeks and better lawn care practices by watershed citizens to minimize the amount of leaves and grass clippings that get into the lakes.

The graphs for the other lakes show that although the water quality of the lakes is better, additional measures to improve the lakes are necessary to meet their goal.

 The Stream Water Quality Summaries are based on biological indicators that summarize data collected at three stream stations since 1980. Evaluating bottom dwelling aquatic organisms in a river or creek provides a long-term assessment of its water quality because of the presence or absence of pollutant-tolerant organisms. The inventory of bottom dwelling aquatic organisms also indicates whether there is a suitable food supply for fish. The historic data for these three stations shows that the water quality in the creek has improved over the last several years.

As a continuation of its Basset Creek Watershed Improvement Plan, the Commission will be working with the cities in the watershed to implement its long term capital improvement program in the next several years to improve the quality of water in both the lakes and in the streams consistent with their goal.

Questions? Contact your commissioner or Amy Herbert, Commission Recorder for BCWMC by phone at 952-832-2652 or by e-mail at bcra@barr.com