Maine Lakefront Property Owners Recognize Value of Water Quality Testing

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Maine Lakefront Property Owners Recognize Value of Water Quality Testing

Pristine Panther Pond in Raymond, Maine

As Maine lakefront property owners, we’re pleased that lake monitors test many bodies of water in the Lakes Regions from May through September. Biweekly, they collect samples, record data and educate local residents about ways to help maintain healthy lakes. Testing is not only important to properly identify current or potential issues, but also to establish data for future comparisons. This data allows waterfront property owners and all lake users to make informed decisions regarding lake management.



With a depth finder and map indicating water depths, lake monitors locate the deepest section. Water quality testing takes place at the same pre-determined spot each time.



First, the Secchi disk is used to measure the clarity of the water. The Secchi disk is a metal or plastic disk with two black and two white quadrants painted on top. It’s attached to a calibrated metric tape. The monitor slowly lowers the disk into the water, while simultaneously looking through an aquascope to note when the white quadrants are no longer visible. The disk is raised a bit and lowered again to make sure it’s at the right depth. The clearer the water, the deeper the disk is lowered. The metric reading of the tape at the surface of the water is recorded.
The next test involves a dissolved oxygen meter and sensing probe. The probe is attached to the instrument via a long cord. Since the monitor knows the depth of the water, the probe is lowered meter by meter to one meter above the floor of the pond. This prevents it from getting ruined or stuck at the bottom.  At every meter the probe is jigged and the monitor records an accurate digital reading of the water temperature and oxygen level. This data is double-checked at two or three readings.
Cold water contains more oxygen than warm water. Fish, like salmon and trout, need the oxygen in the deeper, cooler water to survive. Too much algae growing in the warmer surface water may prevent that from happening.
After getting an oxygen and temperature profile, the monitor takes water samples to measure phosphorus and chlorophyll. Though phosphorus is a natural element in soil, it is a significant threat to water quality because algae thrive on it. As algae grow, water clarity decreases.  Chlorophyll, the green plant pigment, is measured to determine the size of the algae population.
For these tests, the monitor collects water to be evaluated in a laboratory. First, the bottles and beakers are labeled with information about the individual pond or lake. After rinsing hands, bottles and beakers to remove any contaminates, the core tube is lowered to the thermocline, clamped and quickly pulled to the surface. It fills with water during this process. The end is placed in a mixing jug and the clamp released, allowing the water to flow. It is poured into several bottles and vials to be tested in a laboratory for pH, color, alkalinity and conductivity, phosphorus analysis and chlorophyll content.
Testing water quality is a wet job, but an important one. As lakefront property owners, we can improve the quality of the waterbodies in Maine by identifying pollution sources and helping to correct them. Water quality protection practices implemented on the landscape can reduce or eliminate overland runoff water. Your lake association or the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program  offer programs to help lakefront real estate owners properly address these water quality issues and make necessary changes.
To learn more about lakefront property listings for sale on pristine Panther Pond and Megunticook Lake, just click on the green boxes above.
To learn more about these lakes and their lake associations, just click on the blog links below:
Classic Maine Cottages For Sale on Panther Pond in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine
Megunticook Lake in Camden and Lincolnville, Maine: Gem for Lakefront Property Owners

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