Lake Somerset Lake Study Review

In the fall of 2004 the Board hired Kieser & Associates to do a lake study, the main purpose of the study was to evaluate Lake Somerset's water quality conditions and make best management recommendations.

On March 18, 2006 at our regular monthly meeting, Mark Kieser presented the board a copy of the study and gave a summary of their findings.

The study focused on two areas:

Items the Board could and should address.
Areas that association property owners should address

The following is a summary of items that property owners can do to help maintain and improve our lake water quality.

Septic Systems
It is estimated in this study that over 394 pounds of phosphorus enter Lake Somerset annually via septic systems. This accounts for 41% of the predicted annual "Total Phosphorus Load". Strategies to reduce phosphorus load entering the lake.
(a) Septic tank clean out and maintenance every two to five years depending on the number of occupants.
(b) Use of low or no phosphorus dishwashing detergent. Brands that meet this criteria are, Shakee; Bi-O-Kleen; Earth friendly Products; Ecover; Enviro-Rite; Life Tree; Presidents Choise; Seventh Generation and Ultra Citra Dish
Lawns & Landscaping
(a) The use of no phosphorus fertilizer. This product can be purchased at several local outlets. Howard Feed & Grain -- Jackson, Onsted Hardware -- Onsted, Ace Hardware -- Brooklyn, and D&C Hardware -- Somerset Center.
(b) Waterfront properties 25 foot NO FERTILIZER buffer zone from shoreline.
(c) Deep rooted grasses along shoreline this would filter out some nutrients before reaching the water.
(d) Shoreline fire pits or burners should be at least 25 feet from the lake.