Lake Studies

Water Quality

One measure of a lakes health is the trophic state, which relates to the amount of algae in the water. The average summer trophic state for the last 5 years was 52 (Eutrophic) and was determined using chlorophyll data. For a Shallow Seepage lake, this is considered Good. Shallow Seepage lakes do not stratify, or form separate layers of water, during the summer months and have no inlet or outlet.

Lake Julia has been monitored by volunteers since 1995. Volunteers monitor water clarity with a black and white Secchi disk. Some also collect water samples, which are sent to the State Lab of Hygiene to be analyzed. Volunteers are the source of the majority of Wisconsin's lake water quality data, and their dedication is greatly appreciated. Additional monitoring has been done through projects funded in part by DNR Lake Grants. Reports and graphs featuring data collected by volunteers, DNR staff and others can be viewed by clicking the link above.