KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — This past June was the wettest June ever recorded for the county’s lakes. On average, before and during June, water clarity in local lakes was the highest, while later in the summer, the clarity decreased substantially. The Center for Lakes and Streams observed this trend in its research results from local lake samplings as well. Here are the results from just a few of the lakes in the county:

The nutrient data collected this summer reveals, on average, nutrient levels increased in lakes with heavy rainfall. From this research, data suggests storms with large amounts of rainfall are likely washing in nutrients to lakes from surrounding land, which are causing algae to grow and the water to look cloudy.

The Center for Lakes and Streams believes that ongoing scientific research is the best tool for developing and implementing strategies to ensure clean county lakes for future generations.