Water Quality
The following is a report prepared for us by AW Research, the Brainerd-based lab that conducts our water quality testing. Take a minute to read through it. Though technical, the information is good and supports the excellent quality of our lake, and the importance of continuing to mitigate all runoff and pollution possible.
We had an inquiry about weeds washing ashore on property lakefronts and we did some research by contacting the MN DNR. They identified the plant as Water Celery. This is a naturally occurring water species, and it breaks off periodically and floats to the surface. It provides good habitat for fish and is a favorite food of our diving ducks.
Water Celery
Swimmer’s Itch
This rash tends to occur in Lake Hubert from time to time. Swimmer’s Itch, also known as Cercarial Dermatitis, is caused by a microscopic larval phase of a water fluke that lives part of its life in snail hosts and waterfowl hosts. It can be found in lake water in June and July, particularly near shore in shallow areas. It causes an itchy, allergic rash in humans when it enters our skin. The rash tends to occur only on areas that are not covered by a bathing suit. Some people are minimally affected, and some can develop a moderate, very itchy, rash. The best way to prevent rash is to swim in deeper water off shore, and towel off well, immediately after swimming.
Thank you volunteers!
End of the dock program
40 property-owners volunteered to test the water quality at the end of their docks twice during the summer of 2021…early and late! The data was difficult to interpret, or to draw conclusions from. We gathered another set of data in the summer of 2022, to see if consistencies could be found in phosphorous level variations around the lake. In 2023 the project will continue, and we have a speaker from AW Research planning to discuss the value of water quality testing and how it can help us continue to keep our water quality at its very best.