Water Testing is a priority for WAPOA.
Ray Steffens takes a water sample.
Why do we test?
Good quality lake water is at the core of WAPOA’s efforts.
To know what water quality is, you have to take water samples and test the water.
WAPOA volunteers have been doing that for many years on over 30 lakes.
What do the numbers mean?
The TSI number combines measurements of water clearness (visibility) and chlorophyll-a.
The TSI number closely correlates with the amount of algae growing in the water.
A higher TSI (unfavorable) means more algae in the water. Water with a high TSI may be unsuitable for swimming, clogged with plants, and supportive of rough fish.
For every 1 point increase in the TSI, there is a 10% increase in algae in the water.
What can you do to help?
Keep phosphorus out of water by preventing run-off of driveway sediment and chemicals, by not using fertilizer with phosphorus, by maintaining septic systems, and by not mowing your lakeside lawn right up to the waters edge. Algae and other plants need phosphorus to grow.
Let the vegetation at water’s edge grow up to form a protective barrier.
2025 Water Testing
Water testing has wrapped up for 2024. We will have more information about the kick off and dates of water testing for 2025 in the spring. Thanks to all who helped out!
HOW IS THE QUALITY OF YOUR LAKE WATER?
Little rain fell in the Brainerd Lakes area in the summer of 2023, and we were at or in near extreme drought conditions. At first the lack of moisture was welcome, after nearly 100 inches of snow that fell in the winter of 2022-2023 in this area. Locals were weary of shoveling the driveways, sidewalks and their roofs. But then the heat and summer drought condition reduced lake levels; and the lack of rain took its toll on our trees, gardens, and yards. Yards went dormant, and newly planted trees and shrubs struggled.
The testing results of nearly all area lakes sampled by WAPOA in 2023 showed less algae (see the 2024 TSi map for data on your lake). This was perhaps due in part to the lack of run-off in 2023 into the lakes and the rivers and streams that feed them. Run off from lawns, shorelines, impervious surfaces, and agricultural sources feed the lakes with phosphorus and other chemicals and pollutants that support algae and other vegetation mats.
There are reports of increased surface vegetation mats on some of the lakes on the Whitefish Chain (WFC) this year. Perhaps, this is due to the early ice-out and heavy rains we had this spring. And then, there’s always climate change to consider. Water levels were quite high earlier this summer but have since decreased.
The GOOD NEWS is that the inspections by PLM of the 29 landings on the WFC this late spring showed no evidence of “new” AIS infestations. Yes, we still have zebra mussels – but WAPOA is so glad to report that no Starry Stonewort was found by PLM. But, it is on our doorstep so boat cleaning and inspections are imperative.
Click the Map for an enlarged version of 2024’s map as well as past maps! ———->
This 2024 map shows the most recent 3 full years (2021-2023) of data. The lower the TSI figure, the better the water quality. Note that Whitefish Lake has two figures for TSI. One is the 3-year average. But water quality can vary.
To see water quality testing data for the past several years, and other water quality testing information, click below. This PP was created by Sarah Fogderud, A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc., Client Services Manager - Owner. A.W. Research is currently testing the monthly water samples and is tabulating/analyzing the data for WAPOA.
