How do we classify or rate our lakes and ponds water quality?

By Carl Sack
Posted Wednesday, May 28, 2014

tech &nbsp; What is the Water Quality of the local lakes.&nbsp; Simple if you know the classification for the lake, you can quickly determine water clarity, bottom structure and if weeds are abundant.&nbsp; The classification often also are related to fishing, water color and &nbsp;summer beach closures. What is an Oligotrophic Lake? &nbsp; <div class="img-caption alignright" id="attachment_4500" style="width: 300px"><a href="http://files.usmre.com/5832/blog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Eagle-www.nhlakesrealty.com_.jpg"> <img alt="nh lake homes for sale" class="featured size-medium wp-image-4500 featured" height="224" src="http://files.usmre.com/5832/blog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Eagle-www.nhlakesrealty.com_-300x224.jpg" width="300"></a> An Eagle Sitting on the Bank of a Mesotrophic Lake in NH </div> &nbsp; An oligotrophic lake is a lake with&nbsp; low nutrient content. These lakes have low algal production and consequently have very clear waters, sandy or rocky bottoms.&nbsp; The waters of such lakes typically have ample oxygen supporting &nbsp;many fish species, like salmon or &nbsp;trout which require cold, well-oxygenated&nbsp; waters. &nbsp;Normally no beach closures on these lakes and ponds. Mesotrophic Lakes? Mesotrophic lakes have an intermediate level of algal productivity. These lakes commonly have clear water, sandy, rocky or hardpan bottoms or with beds of submerged aquatic plants. There is a medium level of nutrients and aquatic plants possible along the shallow shorelines. Occasional beach closures. Eutrophic Lakes? A eutrophic body of water can be &nbsp;a lake or pond and &nbsp;has high biological productivity. Due to excessive nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, these water bodies are able to support an abundance of aquatic plants. Usually the water body will be dominated either by aquatic plants or algae. The algae engages in photosynthesis which supplies oxygen to the fish and biota which inhabit these waters. Occasionally an excessive algae bloom will occur and can ultimately result in fish kills and are not safe for any water activities. &nbsp;The process of eutrophication can occur naturally and by human impact on the environment. These lakes will be impacted by hot summer months and frequent Beach Closures! During the summer the NH&nbsp; Department of&nbsp; Environmental Sciences will test our beaches and if high bacteria counts are found will close them to the public. One of the determining factors is the nutrient content in the water that enables algae production to dangerous levels.&nbsp; Visit the NH website for updates on your favorite beaches condition.&nbsp; http://www2.des.state.nh.us/WaterShed_BeachMaps/WaterShed_BeachMaps.aspx For a list of local lakes and water classifications visit our website at <a href="http://www.nhlakesrealty.com/">www.nhlakesrealty.com</a> Information on lake homes in New Hampshire contact Lady of the Lake Realty at 888-737-5550 or info@nhlakesrealty.com or visit our comprehensive website http://www.nhlakesrealty.com&nbsp; Ask for Your Lady of the Lake Paula Hinckley #nhlakesrealty &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;