Lake Mitchell HOBO
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Water Quality Monitoring

HOBO volunteer tests water quality on Lake Mitchell
HOBO volunteer tests water quality sample from Lake Mitchell
TEST MEASURES

PARAMETER:          Dissolved O2 
O.K. RANGE:                  5 - 9

PARAMETER:                  pH 
O.K. RANGE:                  6.5 - 8.2

PARAMETER:                  Alkalinity
O.K. RANGE:                  20+

PARAMETER:                  Hardness
O.K. RANGE:                  10 - 120
HOBO trains volunteers to periodically test the quality of the water in the lake at several locations for certain parameters.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the most important parameters measured by monitors. All fish and most other aquatic creatures depend upon oxygen from the water. Oxygen dissolves better in cold water, so its concentration tends to be higher in winter and lower in summer. Therefore, water temperature and DO have inverse seasonal cycles. An oxygen level of at least 5 parts per million (ppm) is required for streams that are classified as “Fish and Wildlife.” Levels below 5 ppm often stress fish and may result in fish kills and reduced aquatic biodiversity.

Water clarity is one measure of lake health. Pollution such as eroded soil reduces clarity and turns the water brown. This, in turn, reduces light penetration into the water and can upset the natural aquatic food cycles. Excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) caused by such things as faulty septic systems and runoff of lawn fertilizers or animal wastes reduce water clarity by stimulating algal blooms which turn the water green. A simple device called a Secchi disk, used by LMHOBO to measure water clarity, provides valuable data for lake management.
Become a Water Monitor
If you would like to be trained as a water monitor, contact Jim Woodrow at ajwking@aol.com
Some of the many advantages of local, citizen-based water monitoring are:
  • More frequent and consistent sampling that provides long-term, credible and useful data
  • “Eyes and ears” for water body changes and pollution…early warning system or first alert
  • Fast response to detect and measure polluted runoff, invasive aquatic plants and other changes
  • Neighbor-to-neighbor persuasion to reduce pollution
  • Increased local awareness and public outreach
  • Teaches the importance of water quality to youth
  • Important data supplement to agency and research studies
  • Science-based, citizen-involved action plans
Picture
Lake Mitchell HOBO, P.O. Box 1324, Clanton, AL 35046                              
  • Home
  • About
    • Officers
    • Area Representatives
  • Join
  • Activities
    • Lake Cleanups
    • Scholarships
    • Poker Run
    • Fire and Rescue Boat
    • Fish Habitat
    • Fourth of July Celebration
    • Picnic
  • General Info
    • Alabama Power Shoreline Permits
    • Boating and Water Safety
    • Environment
    • Fires and Burn Permits
    • Invasive Plants
    • Water Monitoring
  • Photos
  • History
  • Calendar
  • Newsletters
  • Partners and Resources
  • River Church