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Water Quality Committee

Mission
Research, promote, and advise ELPA Board on water quality improvement techniques and initiatives.
Other responsibilities: ELPA Lake Plan, provide information to Education Committee, research grant opportunities, promote water quality initiatives
 
Goals
·         Influence decisions on efforts to improve Eagle Lake watershed water quality
·         Work with other agencies to promote and carry out Eagle Lake water quality initiatives
·         Apply for grant opportunities and carry out the grant plans
·         Submit a quarterly newsletter water quality report
·         Prevention, management, and education on AIS
 
 
Members

Karen Karbo
Mike Newman
Bonnie Willert
Phil Anderson
Emily Cavins
Martha West
Timothy Evanson 
Patrice Carlson
Larry McGough
Carrie Plack
Paula Moleski
Jennifer Sutherland
 
 
General Information
 
Chlorophyll a
Photosynthetic pigment found in all green plants, and the main pigment in algae. The concentration of chlorophyll a is used to estimate the amount of algae (all phytoplankton in a given area) in surface water. Measured in micrograms per liter (µg/L).
While it is normal to find algae in streams and lakes, high levels of algae can lead to low levels of dissolved oxygen in a water body.
Consider Chlorophyll as a measure of the quantity of algae in the lake.
2002 Chlorophyll historical measurements

Total Phosphorus(TP)
A nutrient essential to the growth of organisms, and is commonly the limiting factor in the primary productivity of surface water bodies. Total phosphorus includes the amount of phosphorus in solution (reactive) and in particle form. Agricultural drainage, wastewater, and certain industrial discharges are typical sources of phosphorus, and can contribute to the eutrophication of surface water bodies. Measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). See Phosphate.
Consider Phosphorus as a measure of the quantity of food available for the algae in the lake.
2002 Phosporous historical measurements

Secchi Disk
A device measuring the depth of light penetration in water.
Consider the Secchi depth as a measure of the clarity of the lake
2002 Secchi clarity historical measurements

Phosphate
An essential nutrient containing phosphorus and oxygen. Phosphate is often a critical nutrient in lake eutrophication management.


Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Glossary, except for italicized comments.