One of 12 sensors is pictured at one of the locations in Kosciusko County by Lilly Center For Lakes and Streams.

WINONA LAKE – With the 12 stream sensors recently installed by the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, Kosciusko County residents are invited to make lake science part of their daily lives. Not only can residents see the data that is being gathered, but they can also more closely follow the Lilly Center’s work as the team interprets the data and uses it to inform research on important topics, including cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. 

The state-of-the-art water monitoring equipment is installed at 12 inflowing and outflowing stream sites around Winona, Wawasee, Syracuse, Tippecanoe, Oswego and James lakes. These solar-powered sensors gather and transmit data hourly, every day, year-round. They consist of two main parts: the sensor that sits in the bottom of the stream and the data logger, the box mounted outside of the stream, that receives and sends out the data.

Among other benefits, the stream sensors identify increased water flow. Knowing when and where spikes in rainfall and runoff occur allows the Lilly Center to determine what may have washed into the streams (and subsequently the lakes) and how to address it in the future. This data is especially important for cyanobacteria research. When coupled with nutrient sampling (completed bi-weekly, year-round by the Lilly Center’s team) the Lilly Center can monitor the “diet” of the lake: what nutrients enter, leave, and get stored up, and in what amounts.

Nutrients contribute heavily to algae composition and growth, including cyanobacteria. Based on previous studies, cyanobacteria growth is an issue that is unique to each lake. The ratio of algae to toxin, the composition of the algae communities, and the nutrient issues each lake experiences are all specific to an individual lake and its watershed.

With these stream sensors, the Lilly Center has an eye on the county’s major lakes. The team can more quickly find potential patterns between the presence of cyanobacteria and its toxin on the lakes, and identify where more unique strategies may be required.

To learn more, and see the live data stream, visit lakes.grace.edu/live-data or call 574-372-5100, ext. 6446. 

Key Points

• As of October 2019, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams has finished installing 12 stream sensors from YSI, Inc., in 12 inflowing and outflowing stream sites around Winona, Wawasee, Syracuse, Tippecanoe, Oswego and James lakes.

• Not only can residents and visitors see the data that is being gathered, but they can also more closely follow the Lilly Center’s work as we interpret the data and use it to inform research on important topics, like blue-green algae.

• The solar-powered stream sensors gather and transmit data hourly, every day, year-round. They consist of two main parts: the sensor that sits in the stream and the data logger, the box mounted outside of the stream, that receives and sends out the data.

• The live data is accessible on the Lilly Center’s website. This multi-lake system of sensors is the first of its kind in the region.

• Knowing when and where spikes in rainfall and runoff occur will help the Lilly Center determine what may have washed into the streams (and subsequently the lakes) and how to address it in the future.

• Multiple sensors on multiple lakes allow the Lilly Center to compare the differences/similarities between what the lakes are receiving and experiencing. The Lilly Center can look at each lake’s health individually and as part of a greater region.

The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe and beautiful. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.  

The map provided by Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams highlights the location of 12 sensors.