August 2006

Did you know that the dishwasher detergent you use contributes to the phosphates being introduced into Lake Somerset? Run-off continues to be a large part of the problem with lawn fertilizers and septic field leaching.

Check the labels -- LIQUIDS: Cascade (4.5%, Cascade Complete 5.0%, Sunlight (4.3%) Electrosol (3.7%), Palmolive (3.3%). The powdered detergents go up as much as 2 points, and the "gel-packs" are a whopping 8.7%! And as always -- use phosphate-free fertilizers on your lawn (or just use the lake to water your lawn!).

Thanks to Al Hoffmanner for acting as the liaison between Lake Somerset and Aquatic Technologies for the chemical applications again this year.

For those who had questions about timing: the "Herbicide Application Soon" signs go up at all the entrances to the subdivisions about 1 week before the chemicals are applied. Aquatic Technologies usually arrives on the following Monday or Tuesday, and bright, neon posters are put up at the parks, the message board at the Main Park, and along the waterfront on properties where the chemicals are put in. The posters give residents the information about swimming, pets, and watering lawns, for example. Watch for the signs!

All in all, the water quality of Lake Somerset continues to be pretty good, thanks to the combined efforts of our harvester operators and the residents who are diligent about raking and keeping their septic tanks cleaned out regularly (every 3-5 years is recommended for lakefront properties).

Larry Wright

Lake Studies

Water Quality Investigators
Wallace E. Fusilier, Ph.D has furnished LSPOA with his updated 1992-2006 Water Quality Studies.

Available as a
Microsoft Word document
or an
Adobe PDF file.

Somerset Township Lakes Study -- Progressive AE
In September of 2005, Somerset Township retained Progressive AE to conduct a study of five lakes within the township. The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate baseline water quality conditions in each of the lakes and the impact of septic systems.

In October 2006 Progressive AE furnished the results of their study in the following report.

Available as a
Adobe PDF file.

Kieser & Associates
In the spring of 2006 the firm Kieser & Associates, presented their Lake Study report to the board.

The report is summarized here.