The Results of LEA’s Testing

Water Quality Update 

by Bill Monroe  • MPA Board Member

Each year, the Moose Pond Association pays the LEA team to monitor Moose Pond’s water quality. This is done twice a year:  samples are taken and analyzed throughout the summer and the process is then repeated a few times during the winter months. Below you can find key information and a “report card,” if you will, from sample results Moose Pond sample results. This data was published by LEA in August 2024. All three basins’ mean surface water temperatures were warmer than last year, and oxygen depletion has been observed at the deepest parts of the pond since mid-June. Oxygen depletion, if too extreme, can impact the health of fish and other aquatic life.

What are the key attributes of a healthy lake, and what is LEA monitoring? Firstly, phosphorus levels; with phosphorus, a lower reading is a better reading. High phosphorus can cause explosive growth of aquatic plants and algae. Second is water clarity, where higher clarity is better. Lastly is chlorophyll levels, where lower is better because high chlorophyll levels can promote algae blooms.

• Moose Pond, North Basin
  Phosphorus to date: 10.0 ppb (higher than average, moderate amounts
  Clarity to date: 5.1 meters (near average, moderate clarity) 
  Chlorophyll-a to date: 3.7 ppb (near average, moderate amounts)  
• Moose Pond, Middle Basin
  Phosphorus to date: 5.2 ppb (better than average, moderate amounts) 
  Clarity to date: 6.6 meters (below average, moderate clarity)
  Chlorophyll-a to date: 2.2 ppb (better than average, moderate amounts)  
• Moose Pond, South Basin
  Phosphorus to date: 7.5 ppb (higher than average, moderate amounts) 
  Clarity to date: 6.2 meters (near average, moderate clarity) 
  Chlorophyll-a to date: 2.2 ppb (better than average, moderate amounts)  

In general, the phosphorus levels in Moose Pond are higher than we would like, while the level of chlorophyll is better (lower). The clarity of Moose Pond’s waters is about average. Higher water temperatures don’t help the lake. Limiting run-off from fertilized lawns has a positive impact on its health. Ideally, lawns would be replaced by natural filtering systems such as native plants and shrubs. Any fertilizer use, even the use of so-called natural fertilizers, is detrimental to Moose Pond.

If you want to help the long-term health of Moose Pond, become an annual paying member of the association and sign up for a free LakeSmart inspection of your property.