Bridgton’s Beaver Pond is sampled by LEA once per year in August. The long-term average and trend analysis reflect data from 1996 to 2023. The Secchi disk reading for 2023 was 3.4 meters, which falls into the moderately
clear range. The total phosphorus reading was higher than normal at 14.7 ppb, which falls into the high range. The average deep-water phosphorus value was less than 10 ppb than surface water phosphorus values. However,
because of elevated phosphorus concentrations in the surface waters when we sampled, it is difficult to evaluate the potential for phosphorus recycling in 2023. The chlorophyll-a average of 2.9 ppb falls into the moderate range. Long term trend analysis indicates chlorophyll-a concentrations in Beaver Pond are decreasing, total phosphorus concentrations are stable, and clarity readings are stable. Gloeotrichia echenulata colonies were not observed in Beaver Pond in 2023.
Beaver Pond’s surface water chlorophyll (ppb), phosphorus (ppb), and Secchi depth (meters) data comparison. Colored areas represent the long-term range of values, from minimum to maximum. Area thickness indicates frequency of measurements at that value. Area thickness increases as more measurements are reported at that value. The vertical black line represents the long-term average value. The large red dot represents 2023’s average value
Gloeotrichia echinulata (a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) commonly found in low-nutrient waters) can be seen with the naked eye. Gloeo density is reported as a value ranging from 0 – 6, based on the number of Gloeo colonies seen through a Secchi scope. Higher values indicate more Gloeo colonies. Gloeotrichia echenulata colonies were not observed in Beaver Pond in 2023.
