Eutrophication of Indian Lake
Eutrophication of Indian Lake
Eutrophic lakes are characterized as weedy and subject to frequent algae blooms. Hypereutrophic
indicates this process is accelerated. Secchi disc measurements and Chlorophyll-A
determinations conducted on the lake from 1990 to 1995 show Indian Lake is
hypereutrophic.
Hypereutrophic indicates a nutrient rich state that exceeds lake demands and can result in
excess algal loading and lake quality degradation. Lily pads and other large aquatic flora have
overtaken large areas of shallow water. Duckweed and filamentous algae choke near shore areas
during the summer months. Most of the excess nutrient loading is from livestock waste,
fertilizer application on agricultural and residential property as well as improperly
functioning waste water treatment systems in the watershed.
ODNR obtains Secchi Disk measurements in the lake through the Citizen Lake Improvement Program
(CLIP). Data is collected by 20 volunteers twice a month from April through September.
Twenty selected sites on Indian Lake are observed and depth readings recorded.
The CLIP data gathered from 1989 to 1995 shows improvement in Secchi Disk depth readings. The
water clarity has improved from 11.1 inches of clear water to more than 13 inches. The readings
taken in May (before heavy boat traffic) reveals improved Secchi readings. In May, 1990, there
were 13.5 inches of clear water; in May of 1995 there were 17.3 inches of clear water. See
Section 10 for more Secchi disk
readings. Future plans include expanding volunteer programs to include stream monitoring.
Continued work in reducing sediment entering the lake is needed. Although the project is
moving towards total watershed management, sediment reduction will remain a high priority water
quality concern to be addressed by project leaders. As water clarity in the lake increases,
due to reduced sedimentation, more emphasis will need to be directed toward nutrient management
in order to control algal growth.
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