Keiser & Associates Phase II Report 2018
Keiser & Associates Phase II Attachment 2018
Keiser & Associates Phase I Report 2017
Oakland University Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Study Oakland University Algae Study 2017
The Lake Manitou Association contracted with Dr. Wallace E. Fusilier, Limnologist, from Water Quality Investigators from 1993 to 2002 to conduct a detailed assessment of our lake. In 2000 the report includes an algal study of the lake.
Lake Study 2000
The following report explains the science of lakes and the terms used in the Lake Study. It is written by Byron Shaw, Christine Mechenich and Lowell Klessig. Form RP-03/2004.
Understanding Lake Data
Fishery
2011 Fish Survey: Fish Survey 2011
Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP)
2019 Data Report for Lake Manitou, Shiawassee County
2018 Data Report for Lake Manitou, Shiawassee County
2017 Data Report for Lake Manitou, Shiawassee County
2016 Data Report for Lake Manitou, Shiawassee County
2015 Data Report for Lake Manitou, Shiawassee County
2014 Data Report for Lake Manitou, Shiawassee County
In summary, the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) reports inform us that between 1995 to 2018 lake Manitou has less water clarity when looking into the water.
The earlier lake studies and current lake water monitoring data confirm that Lake Manitou has elevated phosphorus levels, much higher than many other Michigan lakes that test for phosphorus. Phosphorus is the fuel for algae blooms and aquatic plant growth.
Algal blooms were noted in 2003 by Dr. Fusilier and many long time lake residents mention that algae blooms are fairly common, especially in the Spring and Fall. Blue Green algae, common in Lake Manitou, have the potential to produce microcystin, which, in high enough concentrations can be harmful to the health of humans and pets. Microcystin was identified in the lake since first tested in 2015 in low concentrations.
E. coli water testing began in 2016 at In-lake shorelines and at water inlets to Lake Manitou. In-lake E. coli numbers remain low. The Hardy Jennings drain inlet at Waugh road is identified as carrying concentrations of animal and human E. Coli. The concentrations are elevated during times of high volume water flow. The drain is also a source of high concentrations of phosphorus and soil sediment that enters the lake. Efforts are being undertaken to identify the sources and to mitigate these pollutants.
Goals for Lake Manitou residents: Discourage fertilizing of lakeside lawns. Consider buffer zones at the lake shore where there is no cutting of grass and planting native plants/flowers. Regular pumping and maintenance of lakeside home septic tanks. Continue lake and stream water quality monitoring to identify trends and contaminants. Partner with all stakeholders to improve the Upper Maple River Watershed water quality by reducing agribusiness nutrient runoff and identify and repair home septic system leaching into surface waters. Continue efforts to obtain remediation of Hardy Jennings Drain to eliminate or substantially reduce pollutants of soil sediment, nutrients and E. coli