Choctaw Lake

A Living Legacy

Lake Water Testing Update

Hello,

Two weeks ago, the Lake Water Committee began performing weekly observations. Overall, the lake water is in good condition. There is algae growth as evidenced by the green tint in the water. This is normal during the summer months.

Our focus is primarily on the growth of Blue-Green algae and the level of the toxin called Microcystin. Although we believe our current levels are very low, we did send in a sample this week to measure our Microcystin levels. The results of this sample will provide a baseline for future testing throughout the summer. The results will be shared with the community as we receive them.

If you are not familiar with Blue-Green Algae, please take a few minutes to read the picture below and visit the website posted on the sign. This sign is posted at the beach, the Marina launch ramp, and at the Dam.

Ask the candidates!

Property Owners,


Due to current COVID restrictions, we are unable to hold the usual Meet the Candidates event.  In lieu of this event, we are asking that if you have any questions for the current candidates please submit at clpoa@choctawlake.com by midnight Tuesday, December 15th.  We will have each of the candidates answer the questions and publish them in future Choctaw Weekly emails.  


In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us by phone or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


Nominating Committee

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.

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