TheWashingtonLake Book

A handbook for lake users

Publication #97-10 (rev 1/07)

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Lake Characteristics . . . . . . . . . 2

Lake Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Watershed Management . . . . . . 12

Shoreline Management . . . . . . . 16

Lake Management . . . . . . . . . 22

Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Lake Organizations . . . . . . . . . 28

Sources of Money . . . . . . . . . . 30

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

TheWashingtonLake Book

A handbook for lake users

Credits

Originally published by theWashington State Lake Protection Association, June 1995

Reprinted by theWashington State Department of Ecology, 1997Third printing, 2007

Written by:Joanne Davis, Bob Storer, Rob Zisette

Photographs on cover, pages 10, 15 (background), 23, 29, 30 and back cover by BrianWalsh; inside back cover by Carol Jolly; drawings on page 9 by Mike Crayton

Funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology’sAquatic Weeds Program

The Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity agency and does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, creed, color, disability, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disabled veteran’sstatus, Vietnam Era veteran’s status or sexual orientation.

If you have special accommodation needs or require this document in alternative format,please contact Kathy Hamel at (360) 407-6562 (voice) or (360) 407-6006 (TDD).

R Printed on recycled paper

Introduction

WASHINGTON IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MORE THAN 7,800 LAKES, which provide avariety of recreational opportunities as well as a diversity of ecological habitats. ManyWashington residents recognize those opportunities and live close to a lake. Yet lakes facean uncertain future. You or your friends may have witnessed the decline of a good fishinglake, the takeover of a lake by invasive aquatic plants, development of a lake’s shoreline,or the decreased clarity of a favorite swimming lake. Shoreline clearing, watersheddevelopment, and discharge of pollutants are among the problems causing thedegradation of our lakes.

These problems, which have been building for years, come at a time of increased publicawareness of the importance of lakes and also at a time of reduced government resources.Degradation of our lakes cannot be only a concern of government. Lakes and theirbeneficial uses can be protected, and citizens must become part of the solution.

This booklet offers a starting point for people who are concerned about their lake’s future.It will help you understand lakes and their watersheds, and the causes, effects, andsolutions to water quality problems. It also will help you recognize the warning signs oflake problems and tell you how you can help protect and manage your lake and who canhelp you.

The Washington Lake Book: Page 1

Lake

users

must

become

part

of the

solution

1Lake Characteristics

Formation:Geologic and human events

MOST LAKES were created by geologicevents. The vast lake-dotted and marshylandscapes found in North America wereformed by glacier action 10,000 to 20,000years ago. Glaciers formed lake basins bygouging holes in loose soil or bedrock, bydepositing material across stream beds, orby leaving buried chunks of ice whosemelting shaped lake basins. More recently,humans and other animals have createdlakes and reservoirs by damming riversand streams.

Lakes constantly undergo evolutionarychange, reflecting the changes that occur intheir watersheds. Most are destined to fillin with remains of lake organisms and withsilt and soil washed in by floods andstreams. These gradual changes in thephysical and chemical components of a

lake affect the development and successionof plant and animal communities.

This natural process takes thousands ofyears. Human activities, however, candramatically change lakes—for better orworse—in just a few years.

Hydrologic Cycle:How the water comes and goes

In Washington, about three-fourths of theprecipitation that falls reenters theatmosphere by transpiration from plantsand evaporation from the earth’s surface.Much of the remaining water seeps orsoaks into the ground water and movesunderground toward lakes and rivers.Water that runs off the land surface alsoenters rivers and lakes.

Lake levels vary from season to seasonand year to year. Precipitation is theprincipal cause of lake level fluctuation. Ifrainfall decreases, the lake level falls; ifrainfall increases, lake level rises. However,

Page 2 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Characteristics

the lag between precipitation and lake levelchange varies from days to years,depending on the lake. Dams can modifysome fluctuations, but varying lake levelsare normal. (See diagram on page 4.)

Stratification:Layers of a lake

Water in lakes in temperate climates tendsto stratify or form layers, especially duringsummer, because the density (weight) ofwater changes as its temperature changes.Water is most dense at 39 degreesFahrenheit. Above and below thattemperature, water expands and becomesless dense. Many lakes stratify in winterbecause ice covers the lake surface. Lakesin areas with milder winters do not stratifyduring the winter. In spring, as the icemelts, the surface waters warm; sink; andmix with the deeper water, a process calledspring turnover.

As summer progresses, the temperaturedifference (and density difference) betweensurface and bottom water becomes moredistinct, and most lakes form three layers.The upper layer, the epilimnion, ischaracterized by warmer (less dense) waterand is the zone of light penetration, wherethe bulk of productivity or biologicalgrowth occurs.

The next layer, the metalimnion orthermocline, is a narrow band—colder thanthe upper and warmer than the lowerwaters—which helps to prevent mixingbetween the upper and lower layers.

The (third) bottom layer, thehypolimnion, has much colder water. Plantmaterial either decays or sinks to thebottom and accumulates in this stagnantlayer. (See diagram on page 5.)

During the fall turnover, surface waterscool until they are as dense as the bottomwaters and wind action mixes the lake sothat water temperature from surface tobottom is the same.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Characteristics Page 3

Page 4 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Characteristics

Hydrologic

Cycle

Precipitation

becomes surface

runoff,

evaporates

directly, or

enters the

ground water.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Characteristics Page 5

Lake

Stratification

Most lakes

develop three

water layers of

differing

temperatures

during the warm

months.

Oxygen:Essential to lake life

The presence of oxygen in lake waterdetermines where organisms such as fishand zooplankton are found. In spring,when the lake water is well mixed, oxygenis usually present at all depths andorganisms may be distributed throughoutthe lake. In the summer, under stratifiedconditions, little or no oxygen is producedin the hypolimnion. Available oxygen thereis consumed through decomposition ofplant and animal material, and oxygenlevels become too low for fish which mustmove to the top layer, or epilimnion.

If these conditions are prolonged andthe upper waters become too warm,cold-water fish such as trout may becomestressed and eventually die. In the fall, thelake layers break down and turnoverreplenishes oxygen to the bottom waters.

The formation of ice in winter reducesthe supply of oxygen to the lake from theoverlying air. If oxygen levels fall too low,fish and other aquatic life may die.

Page 6 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Characteristics

Loss of

oxygen in

bottom

waters

restricts

habitat

areas.

Nutrients:Phosphorus and nitrogen

Plants require phosphorus and nitrogen forgrowth. The concentrations of thesesubstances in water and sediments controlthe total amount of plant matter that cangrow.

In most lakes, phosphorus is the leastavailable nutrient; so its abundance—orscarcity—controls the extent of algalgrowth. If more phosphorus is added to thelake from sewage treatment plants, urbanor farmland runoff, lawn or gardenfertilizers, septic tanks or other watershedor outside sources, or even if it is releasedfrom phosphorus-rich lake bottomsediments, more algae will grow.

Under certain conditions, especiallywhen oxygen is absent from bottom waters,phosphorus is released from bottomsediments into the overlying water.

In turn, algae cloud water clarity anddecrease the depth of light penetration. Bymeasuring the phosphorus concentration,algae abundance (by chlorophyll analysis),and water clarity (by Secchi diskmeasurement), the so-called trophic statusis identified.

A eutrophic, or nutrient-rich lake tendsto be cloudy or green with algae and mayhave limited oxygen in the hypolimnion.An oligotrophic lake is relativelynutrient-poor, is clear, and has adequatedissolved oxygen in the hypolimnion. Amesotrophic lake is between the two.Factors vary from lake to lake, anddesignations of lakes as eutrophic;mesotrophic; or oligotrophic tend to besubjective.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Characteristics Page 7

Levels of

phosphorus

and nitrogen

in the water

control the

growth of

algae and

aquatic

plants in a

lake.

2Lake Problems

Eutrophication:The aging process

OVER ITS LIFETIME a lake progressesfrom a more oligotrophic to a moreeutrophic state. When nutrients such asphosphorus and nitrogen wash into a lakewith stormwater or by soil erosion, theyfertilize the lake and encourage algae andlarger plants to grow. As plants and theanimals that feed on them die anddecompose, they accumulate on the lakebottom as organic sediment. Afterhundreds or thousands of years of plantgrowth and decomposition, the character ofa lake may more closely resemble a marshor a bog. This natural transition process iscalled eutrophication.

Lakes also obtain nutrients from varioushuman activities, which can literally make alake old before its time. This acceleratedtransition is called cultural eutrophication.

Nutrients from agricultural areas,stormwater runoff, urban development,fertilized yards and gardens, failing septicsystems, land clearing, municipal andindustrial wastewater, runoff fromconstruction projects, and recreationalactivities contribute to acceleratedenrichment or eutrophication.

Sedimentation:Soils wash into the lake

Sedimentation is closely associated witheutrophication. Wind and water move soilsfrom the watershed into a lake. The soilssettle on the bottom of the lake, and thelake becomes increasingly shallow as partof the natural filling of the lake.

Sedimentation is greatly accelerated,however, by human activities that leave thesoil exposed without vegetation forextended periods. Land development,construction and agricultural activities nearlakes and streams, or farming steep slopes

Page 8 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Problems

leaves soils vulnerable to erosion.Sedimentation is best controlled throughsoil and water conservation practices,maintaining vegetation on soils, and use ofbest management practices (BMPs) duringconstruction.

Algae:Microscopic aquatic organisms

Algae are a source of food and energy forfish and other lake organisms and a vitalpart of all lakes. Too many or nuisancetypes of algae, however, can interfere withlake uses by clogging the filters in watertreatment plants, inhibiting the growth ofother plants by clouding the water so that itshades them, contributing—as theydecay—to oxygen depletion and fish kills,and causing taste and odor problems inwater and fish. Some species of algaerelease toxins.

Excess algae can interfere with the simplepleasure of looking at a lake for its beauty.

Unsightly scums are usually caused either bytangled masses of filamentous algae or by“blooms” of blue-green algae that float on thelake surface forming scums. Blue-green algaeare now classified as cyanobacteria, and theseorganisms can produce toxins. The regularoccurrence of visible algal blooms oftenindicates that nutrient levels, especiallyphosphorus, are too high.

Aquatic Plants:Large rooted or floating plants

Aquatic plants also limit many lake uses.Like algae, aquatic plants (macrophytes)are a vital part of the lake because theyprovide cover, habitat and sometimes foodfor fish, the organisms that fish eat, andother wildlife. However, too many rootedand floating plants can limit swimming,fishing, skiing, sailing, boating, andaesthetic appreciation. Excessive plantgrowth can physically prevent mixing ofoxygen through the water.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Problems Page 9

Algae

are the

base

of the

food

chain

and

essential

to the

life in

a lake.

When plants die back they canintroduce significant quantities of nutrientsand organic matter to the water,stimulating algal blooms and raisingdissolved oxygen consumption.Macrophytes are grouped into classescalled emergents (cattails and bulrushes),floating-leaved (water lilies and duckweed), and submersed (waterweed andpondweeds).

Submersed plants grow profusely onlywhere underwater light is sufficient.Steep-sided lakes have fewer commonnuisance weeds because most of thesediments are too far below the surface.Thick sediments can create a favorableweed habitat unless the sediment loadingalso creates severe water turbidity(cloudiness).

Most macrophytes obtain theirnutrients from lake sediments via roots.Therefore, they can grow abundantly evenin lakes in which the nutrient concentrationof the water has been reduced.

Page 10 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Problems

Macrophytes

are vital

to a lake -

but in

excess

can limit

uses.

Contamination:Pollution from toxic substances

Lakes can be contaminated by toxicsubstances including industrial chemicalssuch as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls),metals, and solvents; pesticides fromagricultural runoff; urban stormwaterrunoff containing petroleum hydrocarbons,metals and pesticides; and air-depositedchemicals.

Toxic contamination may causedramatic impacts such as fish kills. Lessobvious impacts include decreasedreproduction or slower growth rates in fishand reductions in invertebrate diversity.

One long-term danger of toxiccontamination is the bioaccumulation orbuild-up of toxic substances—mercury, forexample—in fish flesh. The toxic effectsmay be passed on to humans eating thefish.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Problems Page 11

Lakes

constantly

undergo

change,

reflecting

changes

in their

watersheds.

3Watershed Management

Watershed:Area draining to a lake

A WATERSHED is the area of land fromwhich water drains into a given lake orriver. A lake reflects its watershed becausethe watershed contributes both the waterrequired to maintain a lake and themajority of the pollutants that enter thelake. Effective lake management programsmust include watershed managementpractices. Lake problems cannot be solvedwithout controlling the sources in thewatershed.

Pollutant Sources:From pipes and run-off

Lake pollutants may originate from eitherpoint sources or nonpoint sources in thewatershed. Point sources dischargepollutants from a distinct source such as awastewater treatment plant or industrialfacility. Point sources are usually regulatedby state and federal permits.

Nonpoint pollutants include silt,nutrients, organic matter, and othersubstances originating over a relativelybroad area. Water running over the landpicks up these materials and transportsthem to the lake, either directly in runoff orthrough a tributary stream, drainagesystem, or ground water. Water running offa lawn or driveway during a heavy rain isnonpoint source runoff. Land uses such asagriculture, construction, and roadwayscontribute higher nonpoint pollutant loadsthan other land uses such as forests.Nonpoint pollution sources are usually

Page 12 The Washington Lake Book: Watershed Management

controlled by implementing bestmanagement practices.

Point sources were traditionallyconsidered to be the primary dischargers ofpollution to water bodies. However,nonpoint sources (harder to identify,isolate, and control) are now more likely tobe the principal contributors of nutrientand sediment loads to lakes.

Pollutant SourceAssessment:Where pollutants come from

Not all areas of the watershed are equalpollutant contributors. By identifying thosecritical areas that contribute excessiveamounts of soil and nutrients to the lake,the most effective controls can bedeveloped.

For example, agricultural runoffcarrying animal wastes, soil, and nutrientscan be a critical pollutant contributor.Urban runoff from lawns, gardens, streets,and rooftops may be significant sources ofsediment, oils and greases, nutrients, andheavy metals to lakes. Construction andforestry activities can provide significantquantities of sediments, especially duringrainstorms.

In large watersheds, the contributionsfrom urban, forestry, and agricultural areasare generally more significant than thosefrom lakeshore homes. In smallwatersheds, lakeside resident activitiesmay be more critical pollutant contributors.

The Washington Lake Book: Watershed Management Page 13

Not all

areas

of the

watershed

are equal

pollutant

contributors.

Best Management Practices:Methods to control pollutant sources

Managers of lakes and streams focuson best management practices to controlfour primary processes: erosion andsedimentation, stormwater runoff, nutrientinputs, and pesticides or toxic substances.These processes are highly interactive.For example, runoff control helps toreduce sediments, nutrients, and pesticidecontamination in streams and lakes.

Best management practices for urbanareas would include flood storage andcontrol, street cleaning, and use of porouspavements. Such practices for constructionwould include stabilizing soils and limitingdisturbed areas. These practices are alsoimportant to agriculture and forestry. Thebest place for any lake resident to use bestmanagement practices is in their ownbackyard, as described in the next chapter.

Page 14 The Washington Lake Book: Watershed Management

The

watershed

contributes

both the

water

required to

maintain a

lake and the

majority of

pollutants

that enter the

lake.

The Washington Lake Book: Watershed Management Page 15

4Shoreline Management

Protecting the shoreline

HOMEOWNERS AND LAKE associationscan implement many practices that will helpto reduce lake pollution and protect waterquality. Appropriate landscaping, reduceduse of fertilizers and pesticides, propermaintenance of septic systems, andjudicious use of household products arediscussed below. Before beginning anyactivity, think about potential pathways andrisks to water quality from soil erosion,chemical amendments, and yard waste.

Shoreline Development:Lakeside Building

Shoreline development can hurt a lake. Theshorelines and wetlands act as a bufferbetween water and land as they trapnutrients, filter pollutants, retard erosion,and provide habitats for plants and animals.

Shoreline development directly affectslakes in two ways. First, wildlife habitatsand buffering capacity are lost throughdestruction of the natural vegetationaround lakes. Second, pollution fromincreased surface runoff and nutrientadditions from fertilized lawns and septicsystems can affect lake water quality.

Landscaping:Lawns and gardens

Lawns and gardens adjacent to lakes mustbe carefully planned and maintained toprevent contamination of surface andground waters. Consider native vegetationas a quality alternative to cultured lawnsand landscapes because it provides a morediverse and balanced plant community andhabitat. Contact a nursery that suppliesnative plants for species best adapted foryour needs.

Page 16 The Washington Lake Book: Shoreline Management

Shoreline Management Regulationsprohibit intensive removal of vegetationnear the shore or on steep slopes. Checkwith your local jurisdiction for specificregulations.

Take steps to offset problems which couldoccur under the following conditions:

� Areas of exposed soil or poorlyestablished vegetation.

� Coarse textured soils such as sands orsandy loams.

� Property sloping toward water.

� Impervious surface such as sidewalksand driveways.

� Lawn/landscape maintenance close towater.

� Application of fertilizers, pesticides, orsoil amendments.

A sample landscape plan that protectswater quality is illustrated on page 20.

A balanced approach to waterfrontlandscaping retains some natural habitatand reduces pollution and erosion whilealso meeting your aesthetic and accessneeds.

Fertilizers:Growth stimulators

Avoid the use of chemical fertilizers ifpossible. Native vegetation does notrequire the application of additionalfertilizer. Compost or manure is preferableto chemical fertilizers; however, they candegrade (damage) water quality if used inexcessive amounts.

If you apply fertilizers to lawns andgardens, adhere to the following guidelines:

� Have your soil tested to determine howmuch fertilizer is needed.

�Water your lawn after fertilizing, but donot allow excess water to run off intosurface waters.

The Washington Lake Book: Shoreline Management Page 17

� Sweep up any fertilizer which is spilledon hard surfaces such as walks anddriveways.

� Be careful when applying fertilizer nearsurface waters. Do not spread fertilizerwithin 75 feet of surface waters orwetlands. Use a “drop” spreader and nota “cyclone” spreader to reduce thechances of getting fertilizer in the water.

Pesticides:Insect and weed control

Avoid the use of chemical pesticides ifpossible. Consult a professional from theWashington State University CooperativeExtension Service to determine alternativemethods for pest controls if needed.

The following practices will minimize thepotential of contamination from pesticides:

� Properly identify whether an insect,disease, or other factor is causing theproblem.

� Determine whether there is an economicor aesthetic justification to initiatecontrol of the pest.

� Consider controlling the pest without apesticide.

� Use the least toxic and most readilydegradable pesticide.

� Read the pesticide label carefully. Payspecial attention to warnings about usenear water and safety precautions.

� Do not apply pesticides when it is windyto avoid the possibility of drift.

� Purchase only what is needed to controlthe problem (this season).

� Dispose of waste pesticides properly. Donot pour them on the ground or intostorm drains, surface waters, or sanitarytreatment systems. Consult with yourlocal solid waste office for properdisposal methods.

Page 18 The Washington Lake Book: Shoreline Management

Septic Systems:They need to be maintained

With routine maintenance a properlyinstalled septic system should not pollutethe lake. The following practices willreduce contamination from septic systems.

� Have your septic tank checked everyother year and pumped when necessary.

� Use nonphosphate detergents, wash fullloads of clothes, and use water-savingshowers and toilets to avoid stressingyour septic system.

� Do not use a garbage disposal.

� Do not use septic system additives. Keepsolvents, plastics, paper diapers, andother similar products out of your septicsystem.

� Do not pave over or park on your drainfield. The soil needs to breathe.

Hazardous HouseholdProducts:Cleaners can be toxic

Many common household cleaners andproducts contain ingredients that arecorrosive, toxic, or flammable. When usedor disposed of improperly, these productscan affect personal health and safety andcan also contaminate ground water andsoil, eventually polluting our lakes.

Think before buying householdcleaning and maintenance products.General purpose products may work aswell as products developed for a specificsurface or appliance. Purchase water-basednontoxic or less toxic products rather thansolvent-based paints and cleaners.Alternatives to hazardous cleaningproducts are cheaper and some are equallyeffective. Information on these alternativesis available from the Washington StateDepartment of Ecology.

The Washington Lake Book: Shoreline Management Page 19

Protecting

the

shoreline

can

make an

effective

buffer

around

the lake.

Page 20 The Washington Lake Book: Shoreline Management

Landscaping

Example of a lake-friendlylandscape plan:Riparian Zone:Lady fern, sedges (many species), flag iris

Lower BankShrubs: redosier dogwood, red elderberry,evergreen huckleberry; Ground Covers: lady fern,bunchberry, sword fern; Shade trees: chokeberry,Oregon ash, western hemlock; Shade & Cover:vine maple, western crabapple, hazelnut

Upper Bank:Shrubs: serviceberry, mock orange, red floweringcurrant; Ground Covers: salal, sword fern,pig-a-back; Shade Trees: Chokeberry, Oregon ash,western hemlock; Shade & cover: Vine Maple,western crabapple, hazelnut

conifer trees

deciduous trees

large understory shrubs

medium-sized shrubs

ground covers

Fern

If you must use a hazardous product, read thelabel carefully before purchasing. Make sure theproduct will do what you want it to. Buy only theamount you need. If you cannot use it all, give it tosomeone who can.

Invasive Exotic Species:Foreign invasion

Invasive exotic species, organismsintroduced into habitats where they are notnative, are considered to be severe threatsto our lakes. They are a major cause of thecontinuing loss of biological diversitythroughout the world and have causedextinction of some native species.

In the absence of predators, parasites,pathogens, and competitors from theirnative habitat, species introduced into newhabitats can overrun their new home andcrowd out native species. Once established,invasive exotics rarely can be eliminated.Examples of invasive exotic species arecommon cordgrass (Spartina angelica),

purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) andEurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllumspicatum). State law prohibits the sale,distribution, or planting of these and otherinvasive species.

You can take the following actions tominimize the spread of exotic plants andanimals:

� Learn what these species look like andmonitor for their presence. Report a newinfestation to the Washington StateDepartment of Ecology or the NoxiousWeed Control Board.

� Do not introduce exotic species —especially don’t dump unwantedaquarium contents into a lake.

� Remove plants and animals from yourboat, trailer, and accessory equipmentbefore leaving the water access area.Then wash all equipment with hot water.If possible, let everything dry for threedays before transporting your boat toanother body of water.

The Washington Lake Book: Shoreline Management Page 21

Exotics

can

destroy

native

habitat

and

drive out

native

species.

5Lake Management

EVERY LAKE is unique. Specific strategiesto address a lake’s water quality problemsshould focus on activities in the watershedand/or in-lake restoration techniques,depending on the nature and extent of theproblem.

Lake management approaches fall intotwo categories, the “quick-fix” andlong-term management. The quick-fixoffers a short-term solution such as theapplication of herbicides to controlunwanted algae or macrophytes (largeplants). It treats the biological symptoms ofa lake problem, but does not address theunderlying causes. Plant and fishproductivity are dependent on the chemicaland physical processes going on in andaround the lake, and these must beconsidered in any plan to change thebiology of a lake.

Long-term lake management considersall of the environmental, cultural, andbiological factors affecting the lake and setsa priority on finding lasting solutions. Ifimmediate in-lake restoration techniquesare necessary, they should be followed byappropriate long-term management actionsto control sediment, nutrient, and toxicinputs.

Lake management is a complicated joband likely will be a joint effort ofcommunity groups, individuals,landowners, and government. To beeffective, lake management is a long-termcommitment and investment. This andfollowing sections briefly summarizevarious methods to improve a lake’s waterquality and indicate necessary permits andpossible grants and loans.

Page 22 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Management

In-Lake Restoration:Cleaning up problems

Controlling pollution sources will notimprove lake water quality immediately inmany cases. Years may pass before lakescleanse themselves of accumulated nutrientloads and wastes. For this reason, in-lakerestoration techniques have been developedto accelerate recovery. In-lake restorationtechniques are briefly described in Table 1on page 24. Consult the references at the endof this booklet for more details on thesetechniques.

Aquatic Plant Control

Many techniques have been developedfor controlling aquatic plants and arebriefly described in Table 2 on page 25.Additional information on advantages,disadvantages, permits, costs, and contactsfor each technique are available from theWashington State Department of Ecologyand in references provided at the end ofthis handbook. See this website formanagement methods: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/management/index.html

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Management Page 23

Appropriate

long-term

management

actions

to control

nonpoint

pollutant

sources

must also

be taken.

Table 1 In-Lake Restoration TechniquesMethod Advantages DrawbacksDilution:Flush with low nutrient water

Reduces nutrient levels.Washes out surface algae.

Requires large volumes of water.Does not eliminate sources of phosphorus fromsediments or watershed.

Aluminate sulfate (alum) treatment Lowers lake phosphorus content.Inhibits release of phosphorus from sediment.Increases water column transparency.

Temporary measure (may last 5 or more years.)Potential toxic impacts during application.Increased macrophyte growth due to water clarity.

Artificial circulation Disrupts or prevents stratification.Provides aeration and oxygenation.Increases aerobic habitat.

Does not decrease algal biomass.May decrease water clarity.Adverse impact on cold-water fish.No effect on macrophytes.

Hypolimnetic aeration Maintains oxygen in hypolimnion.Limits release of phosphorus from sediments.Increases habitat and food supply.

Difficult to supply adequate oxygen.Potential for destratification and subsequent algal blooms.No effect on macrophytes.High cost

Dredging Controls aquatic vegetation, deepens lake.Increases lake volume.May improve water quality.

Temporary resuspension of sediments.Temporary destruction of habitat.Disposal concerns.Very high cost.

Water level drawdown Controls macrophytes.Consolidates sediments.Facilitates dredging or excavation.Facilitates dock repairs.

Poor effectiveness in mild, wet climates.Short-term benefit.Intensifies algal blooms.Temporary adverse impacts on fish and invertebrates.May leave docks high and dry.

Biomanipulation:Adjust fish species composition

Encourages growth of zooplankton, which eat algae. Considered experimental.Not effective where blue-green algae dominate.

Page 24 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Management

Table 2 Aquatic Plant Control TechniquesMethod Advantages Drawbacks

Manual Methods: Hand-pulling, raking and cutting

Inexpensive. Flexible.Easy to use around docks, swim areas.

Not practical for large areas. Stirs up sediment.Disturbs bottom-dwellers.

Sediment Covers(Bottom barriers)

Inhibits or prevents macrophyte growth. Nontoxic.Low environmental impact in small applications.Ability to target problem areas. Can be installedin areas that are inaccessible to harvesters.

High cost. Prone to damage, displacement, and plant regrowth.Must be correctly installed to prevent flotation.Maintenance required.

Weed Rolling: Rolls plantsflat or detaches them frombottom sediment

Inexpensive, easy to operate.Can give season-long control.

Detached plants need to be removed from water.Good only for limited area around dock.

Mechanical Cutting:Cutters clip plants severalfeet below surface

Hand-held cutters easily maneuvered.Fish habitat retained.Low cost for individuals/associations.

Plant fragments must be removed to prevent rerooting.Several cuts required in growing season.

Mechanical Harvesting Removes plant material from lake.Requires no toxic substances.Vegetation may be composted.

Labor intensive, seasonally dependent. Access constraints.May facilitate colonization of new areas due to fragmentation.High costs. Repeat treatments needed. Depth restriction (.5m - 5 ft).Plant disposal needed.

Rotovation: “Roto-tilling” todislodge plants and roots

2-3 acres can be rotovated daily.Removes roots.

Large equipment, high costs. Disrupts sediment, causing turbidity, nutrientand toxics release. Disturbs bottom dwellers. For milfoil control.

Sterile Grass Carp Controls some aquatic vegetation.Requires no toxic substances.

Potential impacts on other organisms. May increase nutrient cyclingand stimulate algal blooms due to grazing and digestive activities.Possible escape and infestation of nontarget areas. Introduction of parasites.May prefer native plant species over exotics.

Herbicides:Apply chemicals tokill or control plants.

Inexpensive to expensive.Easy to apply around obstructions.May control macrophyte and algae growth.

Potential toxic effects. Decomposing plant material releases nutrients towater column. Short-term benefit may require temporary restriction onrecreational activities. Dissolved oxygen depletion due to decomposingplants. Repeat applications needed.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Management Page 25

6Permits

ANY LAKE MANAGEMENT activity orconstruction work near any water bodymay require one or more of the followingpermits. Contact the permitting agencieslisted early in the planning stages of yourproject. The landowner, agent, orcontractor must obtain the requiredpermits to avoid violation of local, state,and federal laws.

See “The Permit Handbook”www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/9029.pdf

Page 26 The Washington Lake Book: Permits

Table 3 PermitsPermit NameShoreline Substantial Development Permit

Flood Plain Development Permit

Hydraulic Project Approval Permit(www.wdfw.wa.gov/hab/hpapage.htm)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permitor similar permit

Fish Planting Permit (grass carp)(www.wdfw.wa.gov/fish/trnsport.htm)

Natural Heritage Program Letter

Aquatic Lands Lease and/or Authorization(www.dnr.wa.gov/htdocs/agr)

Forest Practice Approval

United States Army Corps ofEngineers Permit (Sec. 10 and 404)

The Washington Lake Book: Permits Page 27

Purpose Example ContactRequired for activities within the 100-year flood plain or within 200 feet ofthe shoreline of certain lakes (20 acres or more), rivers (flowing at 20 cubicfeet per second or greater), and other water bodies.

Bottom barriers, rotovation, harvesting,and herbicide application may require thislocal permit.

Your local planning department

Required for all activity within the 100-year flood plain. Buildings, mining, filling, dredging,grading, paving, drilling operations, andstoring equipment or materials.

Your local planning or public worksdepartment

Required for activities that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flowor bed of any fresh or salt water of the state.

Bottom barriers, rotovation, drawdown,dredging., harvesting, and cutting.

Washington State Department ofFish and Wildlife at 360/902-2534

Required for chemical applications in any state waters.(www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/index.html).

Herbicides, handpulling,algaecides, alum, microbial products

Washington State Department ofEcology’s Water Quality Program at360/407-6400

Required to stock triploid (sterile) grass carp to control aquatic plants. Grass carp planting Washington State Department ofFish and Wildlife at 360/902-2820

Program is state’s bank of data on endangered, threatened, & sensitive plantspecies; native wetland plant communities, & aquatic & non-vegetated wetlandsystems. Should get letter confirming search of critical plant species before anyplant control activity. Program has limited data for lakes; specialist shouldsurvey for critical plant species.

Aquatic plant control Washington State Department ofNatural Resources, Natural HeritageProgram at 360/902-1667(www.dnr.wa.gov/nhp)

May be needed for proposed actions involving construction, filling, dredging,drilling, mining, road construction, utility installation, or other activities withinthe beds or shorelines of certain waters.

Dredging, rotovation Washington State Department ofNatural Resources, Aquatic ResourcesDivision at 360/902-1100

Required for forest activities relating to growing, harvesting or processing timber,road construction and maintenance, brush clearing, slash disposal, as well asforest chemical applications undertaken around water bodies or other areas.

Forest activities(www.dnr.wa.gov/forestpractices)

Washington State Department ofNatural Resources, Division of ForestPractices at 360/902-1400

Required for placing dredged or fill material in the waters and/or wetlands,as well as work in navigable waters of the United States. Navigable watersinclude major rivers and Lakes Washington, Sammamish, Chelan, and Vancouver.

Dredging, rotovation U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at206/764-3495

7Lake Organizations

PEOPLE WHO live on lake shores enjoyadvantages not available to other citizens.They also share responsibilities which maybe difficult for them to deal with asindividuals. Working with others canstimulate problem solving and offerremedies to lake and watershed problems.Outlined below are four types oforganizations of lake property ownerswhich conduct various activities to addresslake problems.

Lake Association:Concerned volunteers

A lake association is a volunteerorganization consisting of interestedproperty owners. There are more than 200lake associations in Washington state, most

of which are organized as non-profitorganizations. A lake association is anappropriate organization for promotingstewardship and bringing a communitytogether to form consensus on commongoals and objectives. Lake associations areflexible and voluntary. As a result, solutionsto lake problems which require largeamounts of money usually are notimplemented. Membership dues andfund-raisers are the principal means ofraising money to fund association activities.

Homeowners’ Association:Membership required

A homeowners’ association is usuallymandatory, established by a developerthrough recorded deed covenants. Thecovenants require each lot buyer to be amember of the association and pay dues.

Page 28 The Washington Lake Book: Lake Organizations

Special Purpose Government:Electing board, paying taxes

A special purpose government allowsproperty owners in unincorporated areas todevelop solutions to problems. Examplesinclude water, sewer, stormwater drainage,and conservation districts. The district isrun by an elected board and funds areraised by property taxes. A special purposegovernment can apply for grants but itsactivities are generally limited by statute.

Lake Management Districts:Assessing property for funds

The process for forming Lake ManagementDistricts (LMD) is established under statelaw [Title 36 Revised Code of Washington(RCW) Chapter 36.61] and allows propertyowners to assess property to finance lakemanagement activities. An LMD mayinclude all or part of one or several lakes.Private and public lake front property,

upland lots with access to a communitybeach area, and any other property withinthe watershed which benefits frommanagement activities can be included.

Unlike special purpose governmentswhich have their own board of directors,LMDs operate under the authority of thecounty or city officials, but lake propertyowner involvement is crucial to a successfulprogram. Owners of at least 15 percent ofthe acreage in the proposed district mustsign a petition to the jurisdiction. A countyor city also has the authority to initiateformation of an LMD on its own.

Property may be assessed based onvarious factors including benefit, use, frontfootage, acreage, improvements, or serviceto be provided. The process includes apublic hearing and vote. LMD funds maybe used to match state or federal grants andcan finance a broad range of activities.

The Washington Lake Book: Lake Organizations Page 29

8Sources of Money

SOURCES OF GRANTS are available inWashington State for lake managementactivities and are outlined in the table onpage 31. The state also provides low-costloans for projects under the State RevolvingFund for Water Pollution Control.Additional information is available fromthe Washington State Department ofEcology, Water Quality Program at360/407-6400.

For more information aboutEcology grants and loans, seehttp://www.ecy.wa.gov/fap.html

Page 30 The Washington Lake Book: Sources of Money

Table 4 Available Washington State Department of Ecology GrantsAquatic Weed Management Fund Centennial Clean Water Fund Algae Control Program

Purpose Supports local aquatic weed projects. Supports water quality planning andimplementation projects.

Supports freshwater algae andnutrient-reduction projects.

Eligibility Local, state governments, and Tribes and specialpurpose districts are eligible.For lakes with public boat ramp.Lakes with noxious weeds get funding priority.

Local, state governments, tribes, conservationand special districts eligible. For lakes withpublic access.

Local, state governments, tribes andspecial purpose districts are eligible.

Match Provides 75 percent matching funds.Projects limits of $30,000 to $75,000.

50-75 percent matching funds. Provides 75 percent matching funds.

Project Funds start-up costs only; not ongoingoperations & maintenance.

Funds start-up costs only; not ongoingoperations & maintenance.

Education, control,equipment purchase.

Deadline Applications due November 1. Applications due October. Applications due November 1

Budget $400,000 available each year. Future availability uncertain. Approximatley $150,000 per year

See Ecology’s website for more details about these programs athttp://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/links/plants.html

The Washington Lake Book: Sources of Money Page 31

9References

Alliance for Environmental Education.1992. Compendium of Educational Materialson the Water Environment. The Plains, VA.185 pp.

Cooke, G.D., E.B. Welch, S.A. Peterson, andP.R. Newroth. 1993. Restoration andManagement of Lakes and Reservoirs. 2nd Ed.Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL. 548 pp.

Edmiston, H.L. and V.B. Meyers. 1993.Florida Lakes: A Description of Lakes, TheirProcesses, and Means of Protection. WaterQuality Management and Restoration, FloridaDepartment of Environmental Regulation,Tallahassee, FL. 29 pp.

Gibbons, M.V., H.L. Gibbons, and M.D.Sytsma. 1994. A Citizens’ Manual forDeveloping Integrated Aquatic VegetationManagement Plans.* First Ed. Prepared forWashington Department of Ecology WaterQuality Program.

King County Department of Public Works.1994. Lake Twelve Management Plan, Phase IFinal Report. Surface Water ManagementDivision. Seattle, WA.

Michaud, J.P. 1991. A Citizen’s Guide toUnderstanding and Monitoring Lakes andStreams.* Prepared for Puget Sound WaterQuality Authority. 66 pp.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 1985.A Citizens Guide to Lake Protection.Published by the Freshwater Foundation,Navarre, MN. 16 pp.

North American Lake Management Society.1989. NALMS Management Guide for Lakesand Reservoirs. Alachua, FL. 42 pp.

North American Lake Management Society.1994. List of Documents for thePrint Resource Room, NALMS 14th AnnualInternational Symposium, Orlando, FL.Prepared by B. Haynes, Office ofWatershed Management, Massachusetts

Page 32 The Washington Lake Book: References

Department of Environmental Protection,Boston, MA.Terrene Institute. 1991. Organizing LakeUsers: A Practical Guide. Washington, D.C.78 pp.

Terrene Institute. 1993. Lake Smarts: TheFirst Lake Maintenance Handbook.Washington, DC. 215 pp.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.1990. The Lake and Reservoir RestorationGuidance Manual. 2nd Ed. and MonitoringLake and Reservoir Restoration (TechnicalSupplement). Prepared by North AmericanLake Management Society. EPA440/4-90-006 and EPA 440/4-90-007.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.1991. Volunteer Lake Monitoring: A MethodsManual. EPA 440/4-91-002.

University of Wisconsin CooperativeExtension Service. 1986. The Lake in YourCommunity. Stevens Point, WI. 24 pp.

Washington State Department of Ecology.1989. Nonpoint Source Pollution Assessmentand Management Program. No. 8817.

Wetzel, R.G. 1983. Limnology. 2nd Ed. W.B.Saunders Company, New York, NY.

The Washington Lake Book: References Page 33

* Available on Ecology’s web site athttp://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/links/plants.html

The Washington State

Lake Protection Association

THE WASHINGTON LAKE BOOK waswritten by WALPA volunteers and wasreprinted by the Washington StateDepartment of Ecology with the permissionof the WALPA board.

Who is WALPA?THE WASHINGTON STATE LAKEProtection Association (WALPA) is anonprofit, all-volunteer organizationworking with all lake users andgovernment agencies to achieve effectivemanagement of our lakes and watersheds.

�WALPA is working with individuals,organizations, and agencies to helpensure that Washington’s lakes arehealthy and usable for today andtomorrow.

�WALPA has a diverse membership: lakefront owners and associations; anglers;boaters and other recreationists;educators; scientists; legislators; andstaffs of Native American tribes, andlocal, state and federal agencies.

�WALPA is a state chapter of the NorthAmerican Lake Management Society(NALMS), an international organizationcommitted to protecting our nation’slakes.

�WALPA’s website ishttp://www.nalms.org/walpa