Choctaw Lake

A Living Legacy

What is that clear blob substances along your dock or boat lift…?

Below is a past article from the Lake Water Quality team.  Recently, these “blobs” have been spotted in our lake.  Please read below to learn about it.  Unfortunately, these aerobic animal can cause an issue with your boat intake.  On the other hand, it’s a sign of good water quality.  Hope you find this article helpful.

 

Blob Sightings

A few residents reported “blobs” growing underwater on their docks and boat lifts late last summer. They looked something like the blob in this picture. Yikes!

Source: http://eol.org/pages/601031/overview

As is turns out, this strange thing is not so bad. Eugene C. Braig, Program Director, Aquatic Ecosystems at The Ohio State University says it’s bryozoan colonies. His summary is that “freshwater bryozoans are generally harmless.  Colonies’ ability to clog the intake of equipment that needs to draw water (pumps, etc.) is probably the biggest associated concern.  If anything, freshwater bryozoans imply at least something good about water quality: as aerobic animals, they can only persist in oxygenated water; as filter feeders, they can help to improve water clarity if they occur in relatively high density.” On the other hand, he says that bryozoan colonies don’t put up much defense against being colonized by other organisms. He advises no one deliberately eat bryozoan colonies. Good advice if this crossed anyone’s mind!

Chip Seal Driveways

Research and discussions on chip seal driveways has been completed by the Building Review Committee. There will be no change to the driveway guidelines in the CLPOA building code. Chip Seal driveways will not be added as an approved driveway surface.

Two main reasons for not allowing this surface:

  • Exposed aggregate driveway appearance goes against the current code for new driveway surfaces.
  • Loose gravel issues during the first couple of months after installation. The contractor stated this concern would reduce to non-issue after several months, but said there will be some stone that gets dragged onto the roads after installation.

As a group, there were a few other “cons” that we discussed. We did also discuss “pros” for chip seal. When it came time to make a final decision, the “cons” outweighed the “pros”.

Thank you for your patience as we worked through the decision making process on this.

Lake Water Quality Update

Lake water samples were taken on June 29th.  The samples were sent into the lab to test for microcystin levels.  The samples were pulled prior to the treatment on the 29th.

We took samples at the beach and in George’s Fork cove.

Results:

  • Beach
    • 6/29/2020   .813 ug/L
      6/22/2020   .280 ug/L 
      6/15/2020   .271 ug/L
  • George’s Fork:
    • 6/29/2020   1.795 ug/L          
    • 6/22/2020   .340 ug/L
    • 6/15/2020   .280 ug/L

Summary:

We experienced an increase in Microcystin over the prior week. The positive news is that we are still well below the level required for the first advisory. Based on observations taken on July 1st, the lake seemed to have responded well to the treatment on Monday. At this point, it appears that water will be in good shape for the holiday weekend! We will continue to keep a close eye on the conditions. The upcoming forecast is very conducive to algae growth. Keep an eye on the conditions each time you enter. When in doubt stay out.

Thank you,

LWQ Committee

Ohio Health Department Advisory Requirements. 

  • Recreational Public Health Advisory: 6 Ug/L
    • A sign is posted on beaches warning that an algal bloom is present and/or algal toxins have been detected. Swimming or wading is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, those with certain medical conditions, and pets. 
  • Elevated Recreational Public Health Advisory: 20 Ug/L
    • A sign is posted on beaches warning algal toxins at unsafe levels have been detected and that all contact with the water should be avoided.

Algae Awareness: Pets, young children, and adults.

The previous article stated that overall our toxin levels are well below the first advisory. It is still very important that you are aware of what to look for and what to avoid.

The above sign is posted at the beach, the dam, and at the marina. Be sure you and your guest review. If you live on the water, be sure to become familiar with the pictures. It is advised to avoid playing in the water where you see algae growth similar to the pictures above. It is also advised to prevent your dogs from playing in the lake or drinking from the lake when these conditions are present.

Even if our toxins are low for the entire lake, they can be higher, and hazardous, in the isolated areas where heavy accumulations happen.

Be safe, be aware, and have fun. If you have any questions, please feel free to give your Property Manager Mike Casimir a call. 740-837-0833

Lake Water Observations and Testing

The Lake Water Quality Committee has begun monitoring the lake water conditions and algae activity. This past week, we did observe algae growth starting. We will continue to monitor and respond accordingly.

Please take time to read the signs posted at the beach, marina, and the dam. These signs provide information on what to look for when using the lake water.

Not all algae are bad. However, there are types of algae that produce toxins that can be harmful when at a certain limit. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce a toxin called Microcystin. This is the toxin we test for when we send water samples into the lab.

If you are in doubt about the water conditions that you see, it is advised that you stay out.

The Lake Water Committee will do our best to keep you up to date on conditions. We will share the Microcystin test results when they are taken.

Thank you

Trick or Treat!
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