| Weeds, Algae & Drawdown |
| Weeds and Algae If you have been out on the lake, you will have undoubtedly noticed a change in the weeds. This year has been more challenging than ever due to a variety of opposing, but interconnected factors. Put simply, in order to help prevent a Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) that would shut down the lake, the natural growth of weeds must be allowed to occur. They act as a filter of algae and cutting down or over treating them with chemicals would only serve to make more phosphorus available, which would then fuel the algae and potentially lead to a Harmful Algae Bloom with significant restrictions on lake use, including swimming. Weeds can act as a biological filter and can improve water quality. Different species seem to thrive each year. We rely on our water quality company, Tigris, and their extensive 25 years of experience on UGL to advise us and perform chemical applications at the correct times in the year. Weed treatments were performed in the spring and have been ongoing until recently. We have already spent more on weed and algae treatment than many years past. Every year brings a different set of parameters. For example this year has been vastly different from last year with heat advisories, lack of rain and water levels 5 inches below crest, compared to 5 inches above last year. Volunteers from the Board have performed more tests than ever before and we have also had more cell counts performed this year than in previous years, so the Board is keeping a closer eye on the algae counts than ever before. We have also performed a record number of microcystin (one of the algae toxins) and each test has been recorded as “barely discernible”. So, at this time of the season the water remains safe to swim in. Drawdown Update The Board will apply for a lake lowering permit and, if granted, the drawdown would be 24 inches and commence on or about October 1st. Please make the necessary arrangements to have all watercraft removed by October 1st. Dredging will not occur this year, but planning for 2026 is well underway. Dock and Bulkhead Work If you plan to work on your dock or bulkhead you must first file online applications on our brand new website. Wait for Board approval before starting any projects. Docks: https://uglpoa.org/dock-application-acquisition-or-repair/ Bulkhead: https://uglpoa.org/703-2/ |