Through research and water quality monitoring, the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed keeps up on what threats the lake is facing. Fortunately, the Watershed has one of the most extensive data sets in the Northeast to do just that. Since the sampling program began in 1980, it has transformed several times due to funding, sampling protocols, and changes in research projects. There are two locations where today’s program assesses water quality not only on the surface of the lake, but also on the bottom. These two sites give a representative evaluation of the whole lake. The Watershed takes samples once a month, May through October, so if you are enjoying the lake you might see them taking samples from their lab boat.
The Watershed looks first at the physical characteristics of the water, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH, and records their findings at one-meter periods all through the water column. In addition, by taking samples from one meter below the surface and one meter above the bottom, they can look at the chemistry of the water. Phosphorous, Nitrogen, Total Suspended Solids, and Alkalinity are analyzed at a laboratory where these samples are sent. The laboratory also samples Chlorophyll, which is a green pigment that is necessary for plants to photosynthesize. Phytoplankton and Zooplankton are also sampled and analyzed.
You can find all the details and information on the Watershed’s sampling program, along with Lake Wallenpaupack’s water quality, by checking out the Watershed’s annual reports.
“Water quality monitoring continues to be an integral part of our mission. We know what our pollutants are; we know from where in the watershed they originate; and we know what we have to do to address them.” –Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed
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