LCAA conducts water quality testing throughout the summer months. This information is provided to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The tests are then analyzed to identify phosphorus and sulfates. LCAA also tests water clarity (Secchi).
This chart shows that phosphorus and secchi have gone down while water clarity has increased. The readings suggest that zebra mussels may be having an impact on Lake Carlos. The long-term consequence of zebra mussels, and other factors that may influence lake environment, are the subject of the Sentinel Lake Study now being completed by MPCA (see article).
