The following charts and observations have been taken from a static dataset maintained by Steve (Thanks Steve). The charts show phosphorus concentrations, turbidity, and observations over the years when samples were taken for Troy lake.
Phosphorus
Note: Charts are interactive, and series data can be removed from each chart by clicking on the month to disable/enable each data series.
Turbidity
The Secchi Disk is a plain white, circular disk 30 cm (12 in) in diameter used to measure water transparency or turbidity in bodies of water. The disc is mounted on a pole or line, and lowered slowly down in the water. The depth at which the disk is no longer visible is taken as a measure of the transparency of the water. This measure is known as the Secchi depth and is related to water turbidity.
The following chart is the measurement of turbidity over the years, shown in negatives for better visualization.
Combined Measurements
Physical Observations
| Year | Observations |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Onset of significant algae bloom following Township draining the beaver pond along the Township road in the Spring |
| 2012 | Significant algae bloom is evident again |
| 2013 | Still discoloration but not as severe as previous 2 summers |
| 2014 | Lake is closer to normal for the summer season. Lake data suggests we are closer to longer term average conditions (still enriched but okay for a shallow spring-fed lake with low turnover) |
| 2015 | The positive trends of the past couple years have been sustained. |
| 2016 | We are on the right track |
| 2017 | We are lower on Phosphorous than the 10 year average-GOOD |
| 2018 | Our data is going in the wrong direction again |
| 2019 | Significant algae bloom is evident again in August, later confirmed as Blue-Green Algae |
| 2020 | A short-lived Blue-Green Algae bloom was evident in early June, water remained green from late June until October. Lowest Phosphorous concentration we have recorded. |
| 2021 | Average Phosphorous data does not include August (looks like an error) |
| 2022 | Water was green most of the summer, Phosphorous results were lower than recent past |
| 2023 | Lake water was relatively clear for our shallow lake |