Why is the Shoreline White?

Have you been wondering what that white stuff is on the lakeshore this time of year? Well, it's Filamentous Algae that has been bleached white by the sun as the water level dropped and the algae died off.

"Filamentous algae (and any plant material growing in the lake for that matter) reproduces and spreads based on the availability of nutrients and the physical characteristics of the water. Things like temperature, precipitation, sunlight, rainfall, and nutrient levels in the water can all impact populations of a particular plant, fish species, or any other organism. Some of our Pennsylvania rivers are seeing increases in populations of filamentous algae. In those cases it has been attributed to abnormal weather years. Like many of you, we've also noticed an increase in the presence of this algae and are keeping an eye on it. We can't provide any definitive answers on why it's increasing in presence, but we can assure you it's on our radar. In many cases, filamentous algae are a natural part of the ecosystem and provide food, habitat, and value to the aquatic community living there. We'll keep you posted in the future if we find out more about the algae in Lake Wallenpaupack." -Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District

Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed

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