These differences are most probably due to the cooler dryer spring we have had. The lower flow from the streams results in less lake water being replaced with fresh water from the streams. Lower Oxygen levels leave more un-oxidized nutrients in the water which supports algae and weed formation.
Unless July is a wet month, the lake is likely to experience significant weed and algae growth this summer. With lower Oxygen, and ORP, levels present as we enter the warm months, when at least 2 of the 3 streams often stop flowing all together, the nutrient loading in the water is likely to remain higher and support greater algae and weed growth then in a year with a wet spring. The slightly higher readings of Turbidity in the June test results suggest that algae growth has started.
This month, we continued to take readings from the runoff stream located at the corner of Lakeside and Wakefield Ave. The conductivity (salinity) reading at this site at a reading of 241 uSems, tested 50% higher than then any of the other feeder streams or the lake itself. In contrast the lowers reading was 18 uSems, in the Mine Brook feeder stream. Readings above 100 suggest manmade causes.
Water temperatures of the lake are rising and all 3 ponds measured in the 67-68F area down to at least 10-12 feet. The water column is beginning to stratify and a thermal layer or thermo cline was observed in all three ponds in the 18-24ft depth range. Temperatures at the bottom were, 52F in North Pond, 61F in Middle Pond, and 57F in South Pond. DO (dissolved oxygen) readings dropped below the 4mg/L level in North Pond and Middle Pond at 22-24ft, and, in South Pond which has no direct feeder stream, at 16-18ft. The 4mg/L level is considered the level of oxygen below which fish, and most other larger marine life, cannot be sustained for extended periods. Bass do not do well below 6mg/L.
As an experiment this month, the testing team decided to take readings in the pond on the entrance road of the Sportsman’s club. This pond is the primary feeder to Sucker Brook. The water travels down-stream for nearly 2 miles from that pond. We tested the water near the overflow where it exits the pond. A comparison of the readings taken at the pond, compared with those taken from Sucker Brook shortly before it enters the lake, provides some interesting observations:
| Item | Club Pond | Sucker Brook | Observation |
| Temp | 69.3 | 51.8 | VG, Shade cools water |
| Conductivity | 93 | 113 | Small Increase in Salinity |
| pH | 5.63 | 6.30 | Good-6.3 is less acidic |
| ORP | 238 | 192 | Marginal, Lower Inpurities Oxidation |
*Please note that while the Club pond is a primary feeder to Sucker Brook, it is not the only source.
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