2014 Birch Lake Water Quality

VLAWMO has released the 2014 Water Quality Monitoring Program Report. It provides detailed monitoring data as well as an assessment of the water quality for 11 lakes, including Birch Lake, in the VLAWMO coverage area.  The data for Birch Lake are based on biweekly samples collected by Ron Auger and Jim Grisim.   

Birch Lake continues with a high water quality rating, receiving a B+ grade using the Metropolitan Council grading system.  The grade is based on secchi disk depth readings (water clarity), total phosphorous levels (nutrient level), and Chlorophyll A levels (algae level).  The B+ grade for Birch Lake is based on low total phosphorous and chlorophyll A levels as well as excellent water clarity.  Birch Lake’s shallow depth limits the maximum grade to B+!

                      VLAWMO Lake Grades

Lake	Grade	TSI Status
Amelia	B	Eutrophic
Birch	B+	Mesotrophic
Black	B+	Mesotrophic
Charlie	C	Eutrophic
Deep	C-	Eutrophic
Gem	B	Mesotrophic
Gilffilan	C+	Eutrophic
E. Goose	D-	Eutrophic - Hypereutrophic
W. Goose	D	Eutrophic
Tamarack	D	Eutrophic - Hypereutrophic
Wilkinson	C-	Eutrophic

The report indicates that Birch Lake has high chloride levels.  The chloride levels are the result of runoff from road salt on streets and parking lots for winter ice control.  While the chloride levels do not come close to exceeding regulatory standards, they will be closely monitored.  The impact of the use of road salt on urban lakes is an emerging environmental concern.

Click here to get a PDF of the full report.