Water Quality

 

Overall water quality in Eastwood Lake is very good.  Please note that conditions may deteriorate after stormy weather or after a wastewater (sewage) spill.  You should suspect contamination from surface runoff after a heavy rain, if you notice the water is cloudier than usual, has changed colors, or has visible debris.  In the case of a wastewater spill, OWASA will announce spills on all of the local media and notify the LFA board.Text Box: The following precautions are recommended guidelines for staying out of the water: • After a heavy rain, it may be advisable to refrain from swimming for one or two days. Indicators of poor water quality and possible unhealthy conditions are high water turbidity and floating debris. • After a wastewater spill, stay out of the water as advised by the LFA board. The absence of turbidity and floating debris are not appropriate indicators of good water quality in this case. OWASA will test the water and notify us when the contamination has returned to safe levels. (Usually 2 - 5 days). contamination has returned to safe levels. (Usually 2 – 5 days).


Lake water is tested at the start, middle, and end of the swim season to verify good water quality under normal conditions. Samples are collected near the docks and near Booker and Cedar Fork Creeks and tested for fecal coliform bacteria. This is the standard water test for pathogenic microorganisms used for recreational lakes and municipal drinking supplies. Tests in 2003 have shown that the water quality is good. To get involved in our water-testing program please contact: Chuck Henage  CHENAGEMHT@aol.com  (967-4656) or Chip Chescheir cheschei@eos.ncsu.edu  929-2679 or any board member.

Text Box: • Microorganisms, chemicals, and other pollutants can be expected to increase after heavy rainfall when they are washed from the watershed into the lake by runoff. • The characteristics of rainfall events that cause significant runoff can vary depending on rainfall amount, how hard it rained, and how saturated the ground is. This varies by season and from year to year. Water turbidity (cloudiness, mud color) and debris content are simple and reliable indicators that significant runoff has occurred. Fortunately, natural processes return the lake to its normal balance in a matter of days. • Sewage spills have the potential of putting much more contamination in the lake and often have only smell or no noticeable indicator at all. In general bacteria from sewage dissipate in about the same time as surface runoff, unless the sewage continues to spill. • If someone is exposed to degraded water, shower at home with soap soon afterward and use over-the-counter drops to prevent swimmers ear. Health risks from giardia and other naturally occurring micro-organisms are of minor concern since ingestion or inhalation of water is required for infection. Do not drink lake water. Do not swim with open wounds. For future announcements visit the LFA website and become a subscriber.


A message from the Lake Forest Association Board                                                                                                                     August 27, 2003