"Know Your Lake" is a periodic newspaper article from the Devils Lake Water Improvement District about our plans and decisions for the betterment of Devils Lake.  A summary of recent articles has been compiled below.

This Summer's Lake Level

       A man-made dam was installed 17 years ago (1997) between Devils Lake and the mouth of the D river. The District has a permit from the State of Oregon to use the dam to raise the summer lake level to as high as 9.53 feet through July of each summer. Please note that all measurements are in tenths of a foot above sea level. For instance, 8.5 feet means 8 � feet or 8'6" above sea level.

       The DLWID Board voted at its June 12, 2014 public meeting to raise the lake level to the allowed maximum of 9.53 feet above sea level for one week as required to maintain all of our water right options. Following the one week period we will resume the policy of a 9.0' established in 2012. After July our permit requires that inflows must equal the outflows. Evaporation naturally causes the lake level to decline a few inches in the August and September. Our permit does not allow us to make up for evaporation. 

The 9.0 feet summer level closely mimics "natural hydrology". The benefits of raising the summer level to 9.0 feet rather than 9.53 feet are:

• Less contact between lake water and dysfunctional septic drain fields surrounding the lake shore
• Water will flow faster through the lake, increasing the rate of flushing (desirable for reducing harmful algal blooms)
• More natural shoreline plant growth and more wetlands, both of which improve the natural filtering of nutrients in storm water runoff. This reduces weed growth and harmful algal blooms.
• Less flooding of facilities at the Devils lake State Park Campground
• Less wave energy and thus less erosion at the shoreline
• Calmer water, benefiting all recreational users, including fishermen, kayakers, paddle boarders, water skiers, wake-boarders, etc...

       All public boat ramps and the overwhelming majority of all docks were installed before the dam was constructed in 1997. Nevertheless, if some lake front owners have to extend their docks, or step down further into their boats, or adjust their own boat lifts, the DLWID regrets this inconvenience. However, we are committed to making decisions based on what is best for all of the citizens of the DLWID. We firmly believe that what is most beneficial for all the lake in the long-term is also best for our local economy, property values and all lake users.

Question: Does lower lake level increase harmful algae blooms? 

Answer: NO! 

        As explained above, the DLWID made the decision to not raise the lake level significantly over the past three summers.  Despite the benefits, a small group of primarily lakefront owners has repeatedly lobbied for the maximum summer lake level.  They argue, without any supporting evidence, that the lower volume makes lake water warmer, and that warmer water causes more severe harmful algae blooms (HABs).

      All available evidence supports keeping the lake water level lower. First, holding back water to create a higher lake level would provide larger surface area for warming and more time for the water to warm. Second, HABs require only three things: 1. Nitrogen, 2. Phosphorous, and 3. Sunlight for photosynthesis. HABs do not require heat. Scientists proved over ten years ago that warming of lake water, without additional sunlight, does not increase harmful algae blooms (Moss et al, 2003). 

          Devils Lake itself tells us that warmer water is not necessary to cause or worsen HABs.  Sadly, Devils Lake had one of its worst harmful algae blooms from January to April of this year in cold (45� - 55� F) water. And the Washington Dept. of Ecology has also noted that lakes in Western Washington have HABs at water temperatures of 45� to 50� F.

          In short, a lower lake level does not cause lake water to warm and, even if it did, warmer water would not increase harmful algae blooms.       

          We must move on to finding solutions to the major challenges facing Devils Lake: controlling harmful algae blooms and limiting the return of invasive weeds. Stay tuned.  Next, we will begin a series of articles to discuss the possible solutions. There is hope!

          THANKS FOR SUPPORTING A HEALTHY DEVILS LAKE!  

Look for all "Know Your Lake" articles at our website, www.DLWID.org (Where you can also find much more information about the DLWID)

Water Quality Information  

       Our recreational water quality monitoring program has begun and runs through Labor Day. The District's water quality program has two main components when it comes to recreational water use. The first concern for the District is bacteria (E. coli) monitoring, and the second is the Harmful Algal Bloom Surveillance, commonly referred to as HABs.

       The District conducts weekly bacteria monitoring of the lake's public access points and major tributaries. Results are posted online and in areas of high-use around the lake, stay informed and check them out!

       The Harmful Algal Bloom Surveillance program replaced Cyano-Watch in 2012. This program seeks to evaluate the risks associated with blue-green algae (scientifically referred to as cyanobacteria). HABs education is provided year-round on the District website and at public access points around the lake. Please take note of these postings. To learn more about HABs programs across Oregon visit the Oregon Health Authority's website. 

       If a bloom has been identified the District then proceeds to take water samples and test those samples for toxicity. The District will sample the water on a biweekly basis during the bloom and post that information on the website, at public access points, and through the emailing list to those who have signed up to receive Devils Lake water quality information. If you have not signed up to receive this information, you may do so here or text WATER to 42828 to enroll.

 

Devils Lake OCCC Lab Video

For more information view the District's website or contact DLWID staff.      

       This past spring quarter we explained some of the science behind natural algaecides that can help combat HABS. We learned that some wetland species release algaecides naturally upon decomposition (a normal part of their life cycle).  In summary, this means that we can fight HABS by just getting the wetland species back along our shorelines! As they decompose they provide a natural defense against HABs.

       For this summer E-newsletter we wanted to give a brief overview of the E. coli monitoring program now being conducted at the Oregon Coast Community College science lab (shared between OCCC and DLWID). 

       E. coli are a species of bacteria normally found in the small intestine of warm-blooded animals. While it is a single species, there are different strains of the bacteria, each strain with different slight modifications to their DNA. Most strains are not harmful, and actually benefit the host organism they live inside by provided a source of vitamin K2. However, when some strains are found in an unnatural environment outside of their host, they can be indicative of fecal contamination of this environment. 

Image credit: Tamil Eelam News

       When found outside of the host, it is common to find other organisms including pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria and protozoa in the same general region of the E. coli. These organisms are often found together because they were all present inside of the host, and thus discharged at the same time in the form of fecal material. 

In addition to our website, www.DLWID.org you can get updates from the District on Facebook and Twitter.  Help us spread the word that you can now become a fan on Facebook and a follower on Twitter.