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Trickey Pond Water Quality

LEA visits Trickey Pond twice a month in May through September. This year, the average total phosphorus concentration and the average chlorophyll concentration were near their long-term averages, while the average clarity reading was more shallow than the long-term average. The average deep-water phosphorus value was less than 10 ppb above surface water phosphorus values, which suggests phosphorus recycling was not problematic. Long-term trend analysis indicates chlorophyll-a concentrations and total phosphorus concentrations are stable, while clarity readings are decreasing. This year’s average surface water temperature was similar to last year’s average surface water temperature. Oxygen depletion was observed at the deepest parts of the pond beginning in late July. Gloeotrichia echenulata colonies were not observed this year.

2024 Water-testing Summary

Trickey 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 2024’s average value. The small red dots represent individual readings taken in 2024.

2024 average vs. long-term average

  • Clarity: Long-term trend analysis indicates clarity readings are decreasing.
  • Chlorophyll: Long-term trend analysis indicates chlorophyll-a concentrations in Trickey Pond are stable.
  • Phosphorous: Long-term trend analysis indicates total phosphorus concentrations are stable.

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 Trickey Pond in 2024.

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