Water quality study
The Radnor Lake ranger staff and the Friends of Radnor Lake established the Radnor Lake Watershed Initiative in the fall of 2005. This water-quality study serves the purpose of collecting longterm biological data to more effectively research and protect Radnor Lake.
There are 12 water-sampling sites. The data collected from these sites helps the Radnor Lake ranger staff monitor the overall health of the lake and the water that drains into Otter Creek. The Radnor Lake watershed is defined as all areas that drain into Radnor Lake.
This past June, Dennis Gibson and I took water samples at each of the 12 sampling sites. We tested each site for Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Nitrates (N), Phosphates (P) and temperature. Based on the data we collected, the Radnor Lake watershed appears to be in good health, and the data is within a normal range for a body of water so close in proximity to human communities.
The Radnor Lake watershed supports a wide diversity of micro invertebrate to macro vertebrates; they are all biological indicators, or barometers, of a healthy ecosystem.
Based on this ongoing study, several suggestions can be made for neighbors and visitors to help keep Radnor Lake clean and healthy:
- Land acquisition in the watershed is the best way to protect the watershed. Due to increased suburban development surrounding the lake, there is an increased potential to greatly affect the health of this ecosystem. Any property within the Radnor Lake watershed should be monitored or carefully maintained in order to prevent contamination.
- Proper and timely disposal of excess pet waste on property by homeowners. Pet waste can contribute to a rapid and unnatural explosion of the algae population, also called an “algae bloom.”
- No discarding of trash, mulch, grass clippings, leaves, or hazardous materials such as gasoline, paint and motor oil down storm drains. These materials are collected by the rainwater and ultimately flow into Radnor Lake, causing detrimental effects to the water quality.
- Use of native plants on property. Native plants grow well in the weather conditions of our region, thereby requiring less water and eliminating the need for lawn chemicals.
This study was funded by grants from CSX and Audubon/Together Green.