The organism referred to a a Bryozoan is neither a plant nor a sponge. It belongs to a relatively simple phylum of animals known as Ectoprocta, once known as, and still sometimes called Bryozoa. They are colonial organisms made up from large numbers of small, usually .5mm or less, individual animals. The organism found in the lake appears to a species called Pectinatella magnifica. It can be a large, half a meter in diameter, organism composed of a mass of gel substance covered with many thousands of the zooids, or individual animals. They use a tiny fan structure to collect and feed upon single cell plants and animals and bacteria. They are found in clean waters and are not harmful or dangerous. I can remember identifying them back in the 1970's both in north pond and south pond shallow, weedy waters of Webster Lake and the French River. They are not new, only uncommon in the lake. If increasing numbers are now seen, it may be a function of increasing turbidity, Pectinella favors lower light conditions and unpolluted waters. I see them occasionally while kayaking the French river, usually in shaded, shallow waters attached to branches. They certainly are unusual looking critters.I have seen and identified a similar Ectoproctan called Cristatella in the crystal clear waters of Mine brook while doing nutrient monitoring with the French River Connection a few years ago. It looks like a thick flat 3 inch worm made of transparent jello. Again, its a harmless animal found in clean waters.
The attached website from UMass may be helpful.http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/conn.river/bryozoa.html
Tom Ryzewski
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
2009 SEPTEMBER WATER TESTING SUMMARY
Water testing for the month of September was performed on Sept. 18th for the streams and Sept. 20th for the lake. The weather in the prior few days before testing was in the 50’s over night rising to the mid 70s during the day will little rain and periods of cloudiness.
Streams Testing Summary
The streams showed visually clear water. Some scum was observed in a couple of areas. The troll readings showed slightly elevated turbidity readings in the 1-2 NTU range but well below the visible level of 5 NTU. Visual sightings of suds like floating patches suggest that some algae levels were present at the test sites.
The Colorimeter tests showed slightly elevated Nitrate levels which were also confirmed by the troll readings. pH levels were normal, and Dissolved oxygen levels were very good in the 9-10mg/L range.
Air temperature at the time of test was in the low 60 deg F range. Stream water temperatures were in the 51-55 deg F range. Conductivity (measure of salinity) was normal for most areas except the test point by LKQ. Since the LKQ outflow was not running, a test was taken in the main Browns Brook stream just above the junction at the LKQ outflow point. This stream area tested at a high of 238uSem which would reflect influences above LKQ. Mine Brook tested the lowest at 20 uSem (100+ suggests human influence). All other streams tested between 20 and 125 uSem.
Aquatic life observations included mostly water bugs which seemed to be more plentiful than usual.
Lake Testing Summary
The air temperature at the time of lake testing was in the low 60s with sunny weather. The water temperature of the lake measured in the 66-67 degree range which is more than 10 degrees higher than the streams. The water had a dark brownish-green appearance to it and the suds patches associate with algae was also observed on the surface. The lake appeared to be in the process of turning over. This observation is also supported by Dissolved Oxygen readings from the Troll that show the oxygen levels from top to bottom all are in the 7-8mg/L range.
No thermocline layer was found in South and Middle pond which is normally happens this time of year. North pond did show a thermocline at 31-32ft and low Dissolved Oxygen levels were seen below the thermocline. Due to an equipment failure of the Van Dorn sample grabber, we were unable to capture a Colorimeter sample of the thermocline.
Secchi disk measurements were lower than usual, ranging from 8.6ft for South Pond, 17ft for Middle Pond, and 14.8ft for North Pond. These lower readings are also reflected in the Troll Turbidity readings which show lower water clarity than normal especially in South Pond. The change in water color and lower visibility are likely due to water turning over and bringing up algae which due to climate conditions for much of this summer, has been more prevalent than in past years.
Phosphors, Nitrates, from the Colorimeter tests, and pH, and Conductivity (Salinity) from the Troll readings, all tested in the normal range.
Summary
This season has seen much cooler and wet weather than normal. This different weather led to much more algae being seen and increased the number of reports and questions as a result. A new aquatic plant was discovered this summer. It is named Bryozoan, but is more often referred to as “white coral”. This plant requires very clean water to grow. It is not a threat to the lake and is a sign of the water quality in the lake. A picture and write up about this plant can be seen by going to the following URL: https://lakeside.homeserver.com/ and click on “Lake Data and Information” and on the next screen, select “aquatic plants identification” It is number 11 in the list.
While this has been a difficult season for the lake, the good news is that it is quickly starting to get back to normal. My concern about elevated levels of Chlorophyll and bacteria is past. The lake is starting to clear up and will likely be completely back to normal when we do the October tests.
All of the raw data and forms created during this testing event, with the exception of the Microbac external lab tests for the September Chlorophyll test results are now available on line and can be viewed by going to the following URL: https://lakeside.homeserver.com/ and click on “Lake Data and Information” and on the next screen click on “2009 Water Test Data”. The next screen lists all test data collected in 2009. Just click on the name of the information you want to look at and that document will open.
Al Huefner
Streams Testing Summary
The streams showed visually clear water. Some scum was observed in a couple of areas. The troll readings showed slightly elevated turbidity readings in the 1-2 NTU range but well below the visible level of 5 NTU. Visual sightings of suds like floating patches suggest that some algae levels were present at the test sites.
The Colorimeter tests showed slightly elevated Nitrate levels which were also confirmed by the troll readings. pH levels were normal, and Dissolved oxygen levels were very good in the 9-10mg/L range.
Air temperature at the time of test was in the low 60 deg F range. Stream water temperatures were in the 51-55 deg F range. Conductivity (measure of salinity) was normal for most areas except the test point by LKQ. Since the LKQ outflow was not running, a test was taken in the main Browns Brook stream just above the junction at the LKQ outflow point. This stream area tested at a high of 238uSem which would reflect influences above LKQ. Mine Brook tested the lowest at 20 uSem (100+ suggests human influence). All other streams tested between 20 and 125 uSem.
Aquatic life observations included mostly water bugs which seemed to be more plentiful than usual.
Lake Testing Summary
The air temperature at the time of lake testing was in the low 60s with sunny weather. The water temperature of the lake measured in the 66-67 degree range which is more than 10 degrees higher than the streams. The water had a dark brownish-green appearance to it and the suds patches associate with algae was also observed on the surface. The lake appeared to be in the process of turning over. This observation is also supported by Dissolved Oxygen readings from the Troll that show the oxygen levels from top to bottom all are in the 7-8mg/L range.
No thermocline layer was found in South and Middle pond which is normally happens this time of year. North pond did show a thermocline at 31-32ft and low Dissolved Oxygen levels were seen below the thermocline. Due to an equipment failure of the Van Dorn sample grabber, we were unable to capture a Colorimeter sample of the thermocline.
Secchi disk measurements were lower than usual, ranging from 8.6ft for South Pond, 17ft for Middle Pond, and 14.8ft for North Pond. These lower readings are also reflected in the Troll Turbidity readings which show lower water clarity than normal especially in South Pond. The change in water color and lower visibility are likely due to water turning over and bringing up algae which due to climate conditions for much of this summer, has been more prevalent than in past years.
Phosphors, Nitrates, from the Colorimeter tests, and pH, and Conductivity (Salinity) from the Troll readings, all tested in the normal range.
Summary
This season has seen much cooler and wet weather than normal. This different weather led to much more algae being seen and increased the number of reports and questions as a result. A new aquatic plant was discovered this summer. It is named Bryozoan, but is more often referred to as “white coral”. This plant requires very clean water to grow. It is not a threat to the lake and is a sign of the water quality in the lake. A picture and write up about this plant can be seen by going to the following URL: https://lakeside.homeserver.com/ and click on “Lake Data and Information” and on the next screen, select “aquatic plants identification” It is number 11 in the list.
While this has been a difficult season for the lake, the good news is that it is quickly starting to get back to normal. My concern about elevated levels of Chlorophyll and bacteria is past. The lake is starting to clear up and will likely be completely back to normal when we do the October tests.
All of the raw data and forms created during this testing event, with the exception of the Microbac external lab tests for the September Chlorophyll test results are now available on line and can be viewed by going to the following URL: https://lakeside.homeserver.com/ and click on “Lake Data and Information” and on the next screen click on “2009 Water Test Data”. The next screen lists all test data collected in 2009. Just click on the name of the information you want to look at and that document will open.
Al Huefner
Sunday, September 20, 2009
2009 AUGUST WATER TESTING SUMMARY
The testing of the streams for August was completed on Wednesday, August 12th. The testing of the lake was completed on Friday, August 14th.
We experienced an equipment issues with the In-Situ Troll 9500 MP this month. A valid but marginal calibration result on the RDO dissolved oxygen sensor is being worked with the manufacturers support team. Indications are that the sensor is calibrating correctly and the test results are accurate, but the reader has a software issue in converting and displaying the calibration data. In-Situ has committed to provide a software update for the hand held unit to correct this issue.
A second issue began showing up last month when the Conductivity sensor calibration returned marginal calibration parameters. This month, a new bottle of calibration solution was used and the sensor failed calibration. The cleaning procedure requested by In-Situ support also did not correct the problem. As a result, the Conductivity readings for this month are slightly lower than the correct reading. In-Situ estimates the results will be with 5% of their true value. In-Situ is sending a replacement sensor which will arrive next week. A test of the calibration solution will be done to validate the results.
This month showed some significantly different test results then have ever be observed. Clearly the unusual weather pattern we have experience this spring and summer is a major factor. Many people have raised issues of sightings of very unusual matter and objects in the water. Many of these observations seem to be related to elevated levels of algae that have existed in the lake for much of the summer.
Streams Testing
The streams testing on Wednesday showed that all streams and major runoff area continue to flow. In past years one or more of the streams would be dry at this point and the wet weather runoff flows would also be dried up. That has not been the case this year and the streams are still showing moderate flow rate levels.
Turbidity and Nitrate levels tested higher in the streams than has normally been seen. This is most likely due to the run off flushing more matter into the streams. The higher Nitrate levels are likely caused by the prolonged algae growth this season. A lot of extra sediment is being observed from algae in all stages of it life cycle resulting in reported odors and green and brown sediment that is decomposing. Most other readings in the streams reflect the norms for the season. Water temps are slightly lower this year again related to the cooler summer and higher flow rates.
An unusual condition was observed at testing location at LKQ20. The surface of the water contained a brown foam type matter most likely the result of algae but observer comments ranged from oil foam, sewage, and algae. LKQ was asked by the town to have it tested to verify what it is.
Lake Testing
During the last few weeks, many reports of sightings were raised from around the lake. Sightings included:
1. Large white colored melon sized round objects that were hard, had a leathery looking surface with a lot of raised bumps on the surface.
2. Green balls which appear to be from the very hard rain and high winds knocking the nearly ripe heads off the lily pad stems.
3. Flakes in the water of various colors from grey, to green, and brown, and brown foam. These most likely are from the high levels of algae in the water.
The results for the July Chlorophyll-a samples tested by Microbac labs that come back a few weeks after the sample is taken, showed the Chlorophyll-a level in the water in mid July was nearly 3 mg/liter vs. the June results of .06 mg/liter. These significantly elevated levels of Chlorophyll-a, indicates high levels of algae in the water. The currently available results for August, also indicates that unlike prior years where an algae bloom was observed, lasting for 1-2 weeks and was gone. This year, the data suggests that the algae bloom formed in the early July timeframe and has lasted for the 6 week period through the tests this week. The colorimeter test person reported elevated nitrate levels and a foul smell to the water samples from the bottom on North Pond. This combination suggests that the some of the algae sediment is decomposing on the bottom resulting in higher nitrate readings and decomposition gas odors.
The troll instrument readings also indicate a very different water quality picture then has been seen in prior years. The nitrate sensor normally yields readings of .5-.8 ppm(parts per million). The readings this month are in the 1.5-7.0 ppm range which has never been seen before in the lake. The EPA safe limit is 10 ppm. It should be noted that the higher nitrate readings were from the surface down to the thermal barrier which was observed in the 18-20 ft depth range for all 3 ponds this month. This suggests the algae bloom is still active. Turbidity(clarity) readings, showed higher levels of turbidity at all depths with readings below the thermal barrier being higher than the readings above the thermal barrier. Turbidity readings above the thermal barrier were in the 1-1.5 NTU range for Middle and North Ponds vs. historic values of .1-.4 NTU. Values below the thermal barrier were in the 2.0 NTU range for Middle and North Ponds. South Pond readings were higher being in the 2-3 NTU range.
RDO(dissolved oxygen), and ORP(oxygen reduction potential), readings are also 10-20% lower than is normally seen. These lower values are likely due to the prolonged algae bloom which would tend to consume more oxygen.
The colorimeter tests showed normal phosphorous readings in all tests, but the bottom sample for North Pond and the sample from Sucker Brook showed elevated levels of Nitrates. The test person also indicated that the sample from the bottom of North Pond had a foul smell which was likely associated with decomposing algae sediment from the area near the bottom.
The continued significant flow rates of the streams are likely bringing more nutrients into the lake this season than would be the case in a normal year. Along with the weather, the extended flow of the streams may be supporting the prolonged algae bloom we are observing in the lake this season.
Conclusions
The test data results this month are very different than anything we have seen over the 5 years of testing. For the WLA test team, this is unchartered territory. We believe and hope that these conditions are temporary and that they do not produce long term impact to the lake. We will be talking with our expert contacts about these conditions and the short and long term impact they may have to the lake’s eco system and its marine life. The data might suggest that the Webster water supply be monitored closely for increases in bacteria, and nitrate levels.
We experienced an equipment issues with the In-Situ Troll 9500 MP this month. A valid but marginal calibration result on the RDO dissolved oxygen sensor is being worked with the manufacturers support team. Indications are that the sensor is calibrating correctly and the test results are accurate, but the reader has a software issue in converting and displaying the calibration data. In-Situ has committed to provide a software update for the hand held unit to correct this issue.
A second issue began showing up last month when the Conductivity sensor calibration returned marginal calibration parameters. This month, a new bottle of calibration solution was used and the sensor failed calibration. The cleaning procedure requested by In-Situ support also did not correct the problem. As a result, the Conductivity readings for this month are slightly lower than the correct reading. In-Situ estimates the results will be with 5% of their true value. In-Situ is sending a replacement sensor which will arrive next week. A test of the calibration solution will be done to validate the results.
This month showed some significantly different test results then have ever be observed. Clearly the unusual weather pattern we have experience this spring and summer is a major factor. Many people have raised issues of sightings of very unusual matter and objects in the water. Many of these observations seem to be related to elevated levels of algae that have existed in the lake for much of the summer.
Streams Testing
The streams testing on Wednesday showed that all streams and major runoff area continue to flow. In past years one or more of the streams would be dry at this point and the wet weather runoff flows would also be dried up. That has not been the case this year and the streams are still showing moderate flow rate levels.
Turbidity and Nitrate levels tested higher in the streams than has normally been seen. This is most likely due to the run off flushing more matter into the streams. The higher Nitrate levels are likely caused by the prolonged algae growth this season. A lot of extra sediment is being observed from algae in all stages of it life cycle resulting in reported odors and green and brown sediment that is decomposing. Most other readings in the streams reflect the norms for the season. Water temps are slightly lower this year again related to the cooler summer and higher flow rates.
An unusual condition was observed at testing location at LKQ20. The surface of the water contained a brown foam type matter most likely the result of algae but observer comments ranged from oil foam, sewage, and algae. LKQ was asked by the town to have it tested to verify what it is.
Lake Testing
During the last few weeks, many reports of sightings were raised from around the lake. Sightings included:
1. Large white colored melon sized round objects that were hard, had a leathery looking surface with a lot of raised bumps on the surface.
2. Green balls which appear to be from the very hard rain and high winds knocking the nearly ripe heads off the lily pad stems.
3. Flakes in the water of various colors from grey, to green, and brown, and brown foam. These most likely are from the high levels of algae in the water.
The results for the July Chlorophyll-a samples tested by Microbac labs that come back a few weeks after the sample is taken, showed the Chlorophyll-a level in the water in mid July was nearly 3 mg/liter vs. the June results of .06 mg/liter. These significantly elevated levels of Chlorophyll-a, indicates high levels of algae in the water. The currently available results for August, also indicates that unlike prior years where an algae bloom was observed, lasting for 1-2 weeks and was gone. This year, the data suggests that the algae bloom formed in the early July timeframe and has lasted for the 6 week period through the tests this week. The colorimeter test person reported elevated nitrate levels and a foul smell to the water samples from the bottom on North Pond. This combination suggests that the some of the algae sediment is decomposing on the bottom resulting in higher nitrate readings and decomposition gas odors.
The troll instrument readings also indicate a very different water quality picture then has been seen in prior years. The nitrate sensor normally yields readings of .5-.8 ppm(parts per million). The readings this month are in the 1.5-7.0 ppm range which has never been seen before in the lake. The EPA safe limit is 10 ppm. It should be noted that the higher nitrate readings were from the surface down to the thermal barrier which was observed in the 18-20 ft depth range for all 3 ponds this month. This suggests the algae bloom is still active. Turbidity(clarity) readings, showed higher levels of turbidity at all depths with readings below the thermal barrier being higher than the readings above the thermal barrier. Turbidity readings above the thermal barrier were in the 1-1.5 NTU range for Middle and North Ponds vs. historic values of .1-.4 NTU. Values below the thermal barrier were in the 2.0 NTU range for Middle and North Ponds. South Pond readings were higher being in the 2-3 NTU range.
RDO(dissolved oxygen), and ORP(oxygen reduction potential), readings are also 10-20% lower than is normally seen. These lower values are likely due to the prolonged algae bloom which would tend to consume more oxygen.
The colorimeter tests showed normal phosphorous readings in all tests, but the bottom sample for North Pond and the sample from Sucker Brook showed elevated levels of Nitrates. The test person also indicated that the sample from the bottom of North Pond had a foul smell which was likely associated with decomposing algae sediment from the area near the bottom.
The continued significant flow rates of the streams are likely bringing more nutrients into the lake this season than would be the case in a normal year. Along with the weather, the extended flow of the streams may be supporting the prolonged algae bloom we are observing in the lake this season.
Conclusions
The test data results this month are very different than anything we have seen over the 5 years of testing. For the WLA test team, this is unchartered territory. We believe and hope that these conditions are temporary and that they do not produce long term impact to the lake. We will be talking with our expert contacts about these conditions and the short and long term impact they may have to the lake’s eco system and its marine life. The data might suggest that the Webster water supply be monitored closely for increases in bacteria, and nitrate levels.
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