SUMMARY:1999 LWRMA LAKE REPORT

By Rick Lundstedt

Tripp Lake water quality is tested by TLIA Volunteer Lake Monitor, John Laskey, bi-monthly from May until October and every two years (twice during the summer) by Scott Williams of Lake and Watershed Resource Management Associates. The data from 1999 shows no substantial changes from previous years. Tripp Lake continues to exhibit above average water quality relative to other Maine lakes. However, the total phosphorous concentrations may be increasing. Phosphorous levels measured during the past decade have been consistently moderate to high. The loss of dissolved oxygen in the deepest area of the lake is also an indication of the potential for water quality decline in our lake.

Lakes are extremely sensitive and Tripp is more sensitive than most. The prevention of new sources of stormwater runoff from the watershed and the elimination of existing problems is an effective strategy for long term protection of the lake. Our Demonstration Grant is an example of this effort.

The full report from LWWRMA is available for any member to view. See Babs for the original.

Additionally, we are contacting several experts in the area regarding the water level in the lake and its potential effect on the water quality. The beaver dams affect the level of our lake and we’re attempting to find out if the beavers are helping or hurting water quality. There’s a lot of conjecture on this subject and people have varying ideas. We hope to have some solid information to share in time for our annual meeting.