Many communities within Lake County are built around lakes. The composition of these communities is dependent on the quality of the water and the lakeshore. However, increased lakeshore development, inadequate sewage disposal, polluted storm water runoff and other improper land use practices are degrading our water quality. Some lakes have become choked with plants while others have become green and murky.
As water quality continues to deteriorate, recreational activities such as fishing, boating and swimming are impaired, the local economy suffers and the general health of Lake County residents is threatened.
Protecting the quality of our lakes is an increasing concern of Lake County residents. Each lake is a valuable resource that must be properly managed if it is to be enjoyed by future generations. To assist with this endeavor, the Health Department has a Lakes Management Unit (LMU) that provides technical expertise essential to the management and protection of Lake County surface waters.
The goal of the LMU is to monitor the quality of the county’s surface water in order to:
- Maintain or improve water quality and alleviate nuisance conditions
- Promote healthy and safe lake conditions
- Protect and improve ecological diversity
Services provided are either of a technical or educational nature and are provided by a professional staff of scientists to government agencies (county, township and municipal), lake property owners’ associations and private individuals on all bodies of water within Lake County.
Cattail Chronicles Fall/Winter 2009 Can You Name This Lake: Deer Lake
