ISU CLear Lake Diagnostic and Feasibility Study Results

The results of a two year, $600,000 Clear Lake water quality study are in. The purpose of this research was to study Clear Lake, its watershed and community to assess water-quality related problems and their likely causes. Additionally, the report suggests a list of potential remedial measures. The project was funded primarily by the IDNR, the City of Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County, Hancock County and the Hancock and Cerro Gordo County SWCD and NRCS offices. Iowa State University also provided substantial cost-share. The first part of this project, the diagnostic study, is a description of the principal findings of the analysis of the lake, its watershed, and the social landscape. The second (feasibility) portion of the study is a list of suggested restoration alternatives for Clear Lake and the watershed. A special thanks to the many volunteers who helped with this study. Source: Iowa State University Draft Clear Lake Diagnostic Study Report (Downing J. A., J. Kopaska, and D. Bonneau 2001), Iowa State University Draft Clear Lake Feasibility Study Report (Downing J. A., J. Kopaska, and D. Bonneau

One of the primary goals of this study was to determine the current condition of Clear Lake’s water quality. Of special interest were nutrient, algal and bacteria levels, and sediment loading. Volunteers and researchers collected water samples from 38 sites in the watershed on a bi-weekly basis and after each heavy rain event to determine which areas were contributing the most nutrients to Clear Lake. Many other samples were also taken from the lake, groundwater, and rainfall. Read about the results on pages 2-3.

Can Clear Lake be improved? Is it even necessary to improve Clear Lake? Researchers used current water quality conditions in Clear Lake to answer these questions and predict what the lake will be like in the future depending on whether or not restoration actions are taken. Their conclusions are presented on page 4.

Researchers are currently preparing the final part of the Clear Lake study, which is the “feasibility” portion. This aspect of the report is designed to provide potential restoration alternatives to improve Clear Lake. Water quality experts and local citizens are currently discussing these restoration options for Clear Lake and it’s watershed. The first draft of the feasibility report is summarized on pages 5-6.