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Surface Water Management Division
Lake Management Program: Common Lake Concerns
Listed below are the most common lake conerns/problems with links to helpful resources. If you do not see your problem listed please contact the lake management program for help (contact information below).
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| Severe algae blooms can be unsightly and in some cases toxic. Blooms impair swimming, fishing, and boating. Algae problems are often caused by excess nutrients from fertilizers, faulty septic systems, polluted runoff from paved areas, soil erosion, and animal wastes. | |
Photo Courtesy of Bob Arnold |
Excessive Aquatic Plants
Aquatic plants are a valuable part of a lake ecosystem, providing fish and wildlife habitat and protecting the shoreline. Sometimes, however, excess aquatic plants, particularly invasive plants, clog shallow water and diminish enjoyment of the lake. |
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Filamentous algae are a specific type of algae that clings to plants, rocks, pilings, and swimmers. Filamentous algae is not toxic, but can be unsightly and make swimming and other activities difficult. |
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High Lake Levels
In winter, high water levels can cause flooding problems around some lakes. Beavers and drainage problems - particularly at lake outlets may contribute to these problems. |
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Foam can be a natural phenomonon caused by the breakdown of organic matter. However, foam can also be an indicator of water pollution. |
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Geese and other waterfowl are a beautiful and important component to aquatic systems. However, excessive geese can create unsanitary and unsightly conditions at a lake. Waterfowl also produce nutrients that cause blooms of algae in the water. |
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(external link to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
If you have concerns related to the fish community in your lake such as reporting a fish kill, please contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Photo Courtesy of Chuck VanBelle |
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Water pollution can be caused by many sources such as oil, sediment, and paint. Find out how what to do if you spot a water pollution problem |
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Contact
Gene Williams, Senior Planner, 425-388-3464 extension 4563
Marisa Burghdoff, Water Quality Specialist, 425-388-3464 extension 4639
Jen Oden, Water Quality Specialist, 425-388-3464 extension 4352
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