WATER QUALITY | Len Klein

Our team is preparing for another season of monitoring the water quality of our lakes. This year, Rick Dahlstrom, Karen Baker, and intern Bercan Talty will be joining Phyllis Laine and me. Karen’s background includes degrees and experience in Natural Resource Development and Information Technology.

Calcium levels in Long and Mickey lakes remain at levels at which Zebra Mussels can reproduce.

Ruth Lake calcium levels are very low; as a result, Zebra Mussels are unlikely to flourish in Ruth. The mean transparency of both Mickey and Long Lakes decreased slightly last year as compared to that of recent years. This is likely due to the early spring and late summer nontoxic algae blooms last year. Most other chemical parameters have also remained relatively constant in our lakes; however, phosphorus levels continue to be a concern. Spring surface total phosphorus concentrations have remained high in Long Lake. High levels of phosphorus in the water can produce algae blooms and promote the growth of aquatic plants. Lawns adjacent to lakes, ponds, rivers, or other surface water bodies should be regarded as sensitive areas. Water run-off from rain and lawn irrigation and malfunctioning septic fields can contribute to these algae blooms. It is recommended to eliminate fertilizer near the water and establish native plant shoreline buffer zones. Always dispose of grass clippings, pet waste, Christmas trees, and fall leaf cleanup away from the lake. These are all critical factors in preserving the health of the Long Lake ecosystem, our property values, and recreational use.

This year I am working with Leelanau Clean Water to hopefully better address our similar concerns. The mission of LCW is “to restore, protect and sustain water resources, promote public awareness of environmental and economic importance, and provide accurate information to assist public participation in water resource decisions.”

ZEBRA MUSSEL UPDATE | Rick Dahlstrom

Before 2020, we had very few findings of Zebra Mussels in Long Lake. Based on reports from LLA members, 2021 showed a significant increase in Zebra Mussel findings.  Since then, reports from members indicate that the problem has worsened. The number of reports and the reported size of the colonies have increased.  Larger colonies are problematic because they can cause injury due to their sharp-edged shells. The picture shown is an example of a colony that was found along the shoreline off Crescent Shores.

The LLA has researched treatment options to eliminate or control the growing numbers of zebra mussels. One treatment method uses a product named Zequanox. Experiments using Zequanox were conducted in Lake Michigan and in Round Lake near Petoskey. The tests proved ineffective and expensive.  Currently, there is no effective remedy for Zebra Mussels.

Given that there is no magic remedy for eradicating Zebra Mussels, what can we do? The LLA suggests that as you come across them, cleanly remove them from their attachment and destroy them on dry land. Do not leave any part of the mussel body in the water.  PLEASE educate friends, relatives, and renters who may be bringing boats onto the Lake to wash their boats and clean out ballast or bilge tanks before launching. Put the new boat washing station at Long Lake Township to good use!  While Zebra Mussels have made it into our lakes, we can still prevent other invasive species from gaining access.

Thank you for all that you do to maintain the high quality of Long Lake.

This will be our second year of careful monitoring, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We hope to gain better clarity on the level of Zebra Mussel infestation, and your reports will be the key to that! Thank you for all that you do to maintain the high quality of Long Lake

PREVENTING WATER POLLUTION

In 2014, Long Lake monitoring was performed by Great Lakes Environmental Center of Traverse City.
This monitoring is undertaken every 3 to 6 years.  The report concluded that these long-term water assessments, starting back in 1997, allows any important emerging trends in water quality to become evident, and provides the opportunity for appropriate action to be taken to address any concerns.  Phosphorus concentrations are considered low and indicative of excellent water quality.  Sampling data indicates that Long Lake would continue to be considered oligotrophic, high quality lake based on total phosphorus in the water.  Oligotrophic is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “having a deficiency of plant nutrients that is usually accompanied by an abundance of dissolved oxygen”.  “Water quality conditions in Long Lake have potential to be vulnerable to deterioration.  It is recommended that Long Lake continue to have a comprehensive outreach and education component regarding nutrient use near the lake shore, as well as continuing efforts for surface water runoff control.  These will all help limit the introduction of additional phosphorus (such as using fertilizer containing phosphorus on lakeside lawns) to the lake ecosystem and help preserve the oligotrophic status.”

Here are some ways you can help:

  • Do not feed ducks, geese, swans or sea gulls.
  • Do not bathe, wash hair or bathe your pets while in the lake.
  • Do not clean boats or lift covers with soap or chemicals, and rinse in lake.
  • Use necessary precautions to avoid accidental spills of gas or motor oils. Remember: one quart of motor oil can potentially contaminate 250,000 gallons of water.
  • Rake leaves away from the lake. Do not burn leaves or have bonfires close to the shoreline. Ashes contain soluble nutrients which quickly leach into the water.
  • Do not dump fish cleanings or any refuse into the lakes.
  • REMEMBER – DO NOT LITTER!
  • Advise children and/or adults to not defecate in the lake.
You Can Help
Since 1921 dedicated citizens comprising the Long Lake Association have significantly contributed to its welfare and preservation.Today, as the watershed’s population continues to swell, life issues like water quality and resource preservation and protection loom even larger. By 2025, Long Lake Township’s population is forecast to grow by 5,200 persons. The result is 1,900 additional housing units and three square miles of added housing area.

That’s why we need you!
Long prized among the state’s cleanest and clearest inland lakes, spring-fed Long Lake’s reputation and continued health has never been more dependent on the efforts of organizations like the nonprofit Long Lake Association and its collaborative partnerships.Citizens are encouraged to become involved by joining us and becoming an active member. Please contact Membership Chairman, Long Lake Association Inc., P.O. Box 257, Interlochen, Michigan 49643 to join.

A spring discussion meeting is held annually on a Saturday in June, and an annual membership meeting is hosted on a Saturday in August. Association newsletters are published before each meeting as reminders.

Won’t you do your part?

LAWN FERTILIZATION, GREENBELT AREAS ON LAKE LOTS

The most prevalent causes of excessive lake plant and algae growth are fertilizers and faulty septic system wastes that seep into the water system.

The dense vegetation that results threatens the natural balance of lake plant and aquatic life, thus accelerating the aging process of the lake.

Here are some important and helpful facts to remember:

  • Phosphorus from septic tanks and/or systems can travel as far as 300 ft. through soil to the lake. Soils already saturated with phosphorus from fertilizers cannot efficiently remove this chemical from septage tanks. The result is nutrient pollution. DO NOT use a fertilizer containing any phosphorus or potash unless a soil test indicates a need for these nutrients. Look into using “0″ phosphorus fertilizers. Remember that eutrophication is the process of nutrient enrichment of lake waters. Phosphorus is usually the key ingredient in this process.
  • Use fescue grass, rather than bluegrass, for establishing your lawn. This type of grass requires less than half the nitrogen of a bluegrass lawn. Water lawns sparingly to reduce lawn nutrient run-off to the lake.
  • Avoid fertilizer-herbicide mixtures. If weeds become a problem, apply herbicide treatment in the fall.
  • Whenever possible, rake and remove fall leaves from your lawn. This precludes leaves blowing into the lake and increasing nutrients.
  • Waterfront property ownership affords riparians an obligation to do what is right for the lake and provides it protection. Planting greenbelts (strips of ground cover with shrubs and trees) can help preserve the cleanliness and clarity of our lakes. Greenbelt buffers can limit nutrient leaching caused by excessive lawn fertilization and faulty septic systems. Greenbelts also control erosion on sloping banks as vegetation roots help prevent soil erosion caused by water run-off, wind and wave action.

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Septic systems are an efficient form of wastewater treatment when properly maintained. When overloaded, neglected or incorrectly maintained, these systems are likely to fail and cause accelerated lake eutrophication.

Know the layout of your septic system in relationship to your home, installation, service and service dates, etc. Use the folder WQ-39 available from the Michigan State University Extension Office for recording relevant information about your septic system.

Tips for keeping your septic system operating properly:

  • Inspect tank every two to five years for sludge level.
  • Pump tank when sludge level exceeds one third volume.
  • Never build, drive on, pave over, or fertilize around your drainfield.
  • Consult your septic system pumper to establish how often your particular usage requires service. Follow this schedule.
  • Plant shallow rooted plants around drainfield.
  • DO NOT dispose of poisons, drain cleaners, bleach, paints, chemicals, disinfectants, grease, cigarette butts, hair, facial tissues, paper towels, sanitary napkins, motor oils, water softener waste, or band-aids into sinks or toilets.

Signs of septic system problems:

  • Clogged drains and toilets backing up.
  • Foul odors around septic tank or drainfield.
  • Wastewater surfacing around drainfield.
  • Dark green algae growth on rocks along shoreline.
  • Conserving water is a key ingredient to a properly functioning septic system. Heavy water use forces solids and soil particles to clump and pack together. In turn, these clumps will clog drainfields, necessitating replacement of the entire septic system.

REDUCING WATER USE

  • Repair dripping faucets and toilet leaks.
  • Add a brick to your toilet tank(s) to save a half to one gallon of water per flush. (Each flush will use five to seven gallons of water.)
  • Install water conservation devices on shower heads.
  • Only use dishwashers and washing machines when fully loaded.
  • Minimize use of garbage disposals. Begin a composting program for waste materials and yard leaves.