Why do we measure clarity out in the middle of the lake, in the “deep hole” where the water is usually clearer and conditions are quite different than most swimming areas?
Secchi clarity monitoring is intended to give a general picture of the lake’s overall health. Algae flourish in warm, calm water, or can accumulate into dense blooms. Similarly, sediment flowing into a lake may not have a uniform distribution. Just as you measure your core body temperature when you are feverish, the best indicator of the lake health is measured in the central or deepest location of a lake. If you notice near-shore water quality conditions are markedly different than your Secchi monitoring site, feel free to add this observation to your data record, making sure to indicate the observation is from the near-shore area.
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