This photo is from July 28, 2024. It is being shared so you know what to look for. If you see this kind of persistent scum, please report it to the water quality committee of the Webber Pond Association, with photos, please, so they can determine if a toxin test is needed. Notify Susan Traylor at birchpt@aol.com. (contributed photo)
Webber water quality update, as of August 9, shows the good news to be that this year’s water quality has been better than last year’s. The August 4 reading of 1.9m/6.2′, is the first time we have been below the 2m that signifies an algae bloom. Last year the reading this week was 0.79m/2.6′, which is a severe algae bloom.
Last year we saw light green scums as early as June 3, but they tended to dissipate after a few hours, These dissipating scums continued through the end of July, when they started to last.
We have only started to see dissipating scums this week.
Strangely, part of the reason for better water clarity this year is the drought, since rain causes runoff, which increases phosphorus in the water, which feeds algae and cyanobacteria. The higher temps in the 90s forecast for this past week could offset that.
Please let the water quality committee know if you have any questions. You can contact Susan Traylor at birchpt@aol.com.
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