Why Dissolved Oxygen Matters

Dissolved oxygen is a key sign of a healthy lake. Fish, insects, and other aquatic life depend on oxygen in the water to survive. When oxygen levels drop, it can stress or kill fish and trigger a chain reaction that releases nutrients from lake sediments, fueling more algae growth. This cycle can happen even when the water looks clear at the surface. Monitoring dissolved oxygen helps us understand what’s happening beneath the surface and why protecting the lake from excess nutrients matters year-round.

Why Secchi Disk and Zebra Mussel Monitoring Matters

Secchi disk monitoring helps track changes in water clarity over time, giving us an early signal of increasing algae, or other water quality issues. Zebra mussel monitoring helps us understand whether these invasive species are spreading, or impacting the lake’s ecosystem. Together, these simple monitoring tools reveal long-term trends that aren’t always obvious day to day and provide valuable information to local leaders and partners as they make decisions about lake protection and management.

If you are intesrted in volunteering for this program contact us to learn more at: waubesa.org@gmail.com