WATER QUALITY COMMITTEEJUNE 21, 2008

Chairman: Bill Elving

Members: Gail Fisher Joe Alfonso Brad HastingsRalph Beals Mike Wente

Members-at-Large:Dan Bolin, Water Co-op Rep. Gene Arnold, EWA Rep

Waters we want to see and keep forever

FALL

SPRING

• Proper fertilizer use can enhance plant growth without polluting the environment.

• Phosphorus is one of the macronutrients essential for plant growth. This nutrient can also be a primary cause for lake enrichment leading to growth of algae and weeds, a process called eutrophication (Not beautification).

• The algae in the lake should be attacked by stopping erosion and the over use of highly soluble forms of nitrogen fertilizer.

• We need to control concentrations of manganese, phosphate, total suspended solids (TSS), and algae. If you insist on fertilizing, seek low phosphate fertilizer. Both Menards and Rural King have agreed to handle it.

Nemesis in Our Midst

What is it & What to do

Eurasian water-milfoil comes in from other sites usually by boats putting into the lake

• It is a submersed aquatic plant native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa

• It is an opportunistic species that prefers highly disturbed lake beds, lakes receiving nitrogen and phosphorous-laden runoff

• Dense stands of Eurasian water-milfoil also inhibit recreational uses like swimming, boating, and fishing

• All equipment, including boats, motors, trailers, and fishing/diving equipment, should be free of aquatic plants prior to putting into Lake Sara

Treatment:

• It is possible to use a low concentrate 2,4-D to control the milfoil. An Aquatic 2,4-D amine needs be applied in the early spring and has a reaction time of approximately 18 hours. It will clear within 8—10 days. We are currently seeking grant money for the project (and then EWA approval)

• Currently the status of 2,4-D from run off alone (late spring to early summer) is probably less than the 70 ppb (parts per billion) allowed by the EPA, therefore, the treatment we propose is not that drastic, but enough to control the Eurasian Milfoil.

• Effects of the EWM are the “big headed--small bodied bass, lack of shad, and possible lack of white bass experienced last year. The largest concentration of EWM can be seen opposite the eroding bank at the entrance to Gypsy Cove.

• Proposed signage at boat ramps to have anchors, boats, trailers, motors, bilge pumps, and ropes free of vegetation prior to entry and after exit.

Eurasian water-milfoil—Lake Killer

Conventional Septic Tank

Septic Systems: They need to be maintained

With routine maintenance a properly installed septic system should not pollute the lake. The following practices will reduce contamination from septic systems: Have your septic tank checked every other year and pumped when necessary. •Use nonphosphate detergents, wash full loads of clothes, and use water-saving

showers, washers, and toilets to avoid stressing your septic system. •Use a garbage disposal at an absolute minimum. •Do not use septic system additives. Keep solvents, plastics, paper diapers, and other similar products out of your septic system. •Do not pave over or park on your drain field. The soil needs to breathe.

•The EWA now requires recirculation systems to have an annual inspection.

Hazardous Household Products: Cleaners can be toxic

Many common household cleaners and products contain ingredients that are corrosive, toxic, or flammable. When used or disposed of improperly, these products can affect personal health and safety and can also contaminate ground water and soil, eventually polluting our lake.

Think before buying household cleaning and maintenance products. General purpose products may work as well as products developed for a specific surface or appliance. Purchase water-based nontoxic or less toxic products rather than solvent-based cleaners and paints. Alternatives to hazardous cleaning products are cheaper and some are equally effective.

Ducks, Canada Geese, and Public Health

“They’re so cute, aren’t they?”

NOT!The next series starts from West and moves to

the East, at the mouth of Moccasin Cove

GEESE and

MORE GEESE,

And, MORE GEESE—700 to 1000 spotted in one day this past winter

• Fecal coliforms are intestinal bacteria that are routinely used as an indicator of sewage pollution in water, and as an indicator of the human health risk.

• Macroarray hybridization studies done on E. coli collected from water samples obtained from two urban Minnesota lakes and one rural South Carolina lake indicated that geese/ducks contributed up to 51% of the fecal bacteria in the lake water samples…..Applied and Environmental Microbiology, February 2007

• The Committee has recommended that EWA enact an ordinance prohibiting the feeding of water fowl.

• Proposed methods of control being researched include oral contraceptives (cost and grants available) and hired hunting groups for limited periods. (since the presentation we have learned that Mid-June to Mid-July, Canadian geese cannot fly due to molting. During this time it is possible to net, cage, and relocate the geese. This takes care of the domestic ones who stay all year, but would not help with the migrant. However, the migrant ones are not nearly as pollutant as the domestics. We are researching with DNR to present a plan to the EWA board before next June.)

• Things you can do now include: – putting string or fish line barriers along your shoreline 1.5 to

1.75 feet above the ground; and, – not mowing the last three weeks of fall and the first three

weeks of spring– Do not feed the wildlife!

Water Quality Committee LetterWE URGE ALL OF YOU TO PAY ATTENTION TO THIS LETTER AS IT WILL ADVISE YOU OF ACTIONS YOU WILL BE ADVISED TO TAKE TO IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF OUR LAKE. IT CAN BE USED FOR FUTURE ACTIONS. (Future letters will be posted on the Lake Sara Website.)

Algae Control

• Control Fertilizer• Control Weeds• Treatments available

– Copper sulfate in minimal amounts, BUT– Copper sulfate can also be harmful to

fish

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR WATER

° LIKE THIS: ° AND THIS:

NOT, LIKE THIS!