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Informational Links & Oxbow Lake Monitoring and Testing Results

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Lake water quality metrics have remained consistently stable since testing began in 1999. To track these conditions, the Water Quality Committee monitors three key indicators: phosphorus levels, chlorophyll, and clarity (measured via Secchi depth).

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The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) are separate agencies. They both deal with the outdoors and ecology, but they focus on completely different responsibilities.

In Michigan, the DEQ has even been renamed to EGLE (Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy).

Here is a quick breakdown of how their roles differ:

DNR (Department of Natural Resources)

  • Focus: Natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.

  • What they do: They manage state parks, forests, trails, hunting, and fishing. They oversee conservation efforts, protect endangered species, and provide licenses for outdoor recreation.

  • https://www.michigan.gov/dnr

DEQ / EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)

  • Focus: Environmental regulations, permits, and pollution control.

  • What they do: They are the regulatory watchdogs. They enforce laws regarding air quality, water pollution, waste management, and toxic cleanups. They also issue permits for industrial operations, landfills, and wetland construction.

  • https://www.michigan.gov/egle

To put it simply: The DNR manages your ability to enjoy the outdoors (like hiking and fishing), while the DEQ (EGLE) regulates the environment to protect public health and prevent pollution.

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The OLHA actively participates in the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP), where water samples are regularly collected and analyzed by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Comprehensive lake evaluations are conducted to closely track the overall health of our water. If you are interested in reviewing the findings, the results of our latest evaluation are available upon request.

 

Water clarity measurements indicate the lower boundary for active aquatic life. Anglers can use this metric to guide their strategy, keeping in mind that fishing deeper than twice the recorded clarity depth is rarely productive.

  

Phosphorus Levels (Lower is Better):

Keeping phosphorus levels low is essential for preventing algae blooms and reducing the floating green, slimy plant matter that directly impacts water clarity. Waterfront riparian homeowners can do their part to protect the lake by following two simple guidelines:

  • Create a Buffer Zone: Refrain from fertilizing lawns within 30 feet of the shoreline to minimize chemical runoff.

  • Check Your Fertilizer: Always choose phosphorus-free fertilizers where the middle number is zero (for example, a 7-0-20 blend).

How Our Lake Ranks: Thanks to community efforts, Oxbow Lake successfully ranked in the bottom third (which is the goal!) of the 18 Oakland County lakes reporting Spring 2023 phosphorus data.

 

Chlorophyll (parts per billion, lower is better):

  • Chlorophyll is a key metric for monitoring our lake's ecosystem. High levels can negatively impact overall water quality by altering the water's color and odor, as well as reducing the dissolved oxygen available to fish and native aquatic plants. Keeping this number low ensures a healthier, more vibrant lake for everyone.

 

Do you know about the 2019 law to protect our waterways from hitchhiking invasive aquatic life here in Michigan? Here are simple ways to protect our lake:

  • REMOVE aquatic plants from boats, boating equipment, and boat trailers before launching or placing them in the water.

  • DRAIN live wells, bilges, and all water from boats before leaving the access site.

  • DISPOSE of unused bait in the trash. Do not release bait into the water.

  • DON'T TRANSFER fish to water bodies other than where they were caught.

 

Additional recommended actions to protect our lakes:

  • Inspect and remove plants and mud from boats, trailers, and equipment before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.

  • Power wash boats and trailers before leaving the access site. Alternatively, use a nearby car wash or wash at home.

  • Allow the boat to dry for at least 5 days before launching into a different body of water.

  • Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water)

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