Water clarity is an important indicator of a lake’s health. Since 1973, almost 2,000 water clarity tests have been performed on Bear Lake. Water clarity is negatively influenced by nutrients in the lake. To learn more about Bear Lake’s water clarity, visit the Seminole County Water Atlas.
How can I help keep my lake clear?
- Greener lawns cause greener lakes. Fertilizer is our #1 enemy.
- Never use fertilizers or insecticides near any ditch that flows to the lakes
- Never put grass clippings in drains, ditches, streets and lakes.
- Pump your septic tanks every 3 years and minimize use of garbage disposals.
- When enjoying the lake, take all garbage with you. If you see float- ing garbage or debris, pick it up.
- Stormwater flows across hard materials, such as concrete and asphalt, into storm drains. This brings nutrients and pollutants into the lake. Stop these pollution streams on your own property by using gravel, paver stones, wood,
or other porous materials. If a hard surface is unavoidable (say with a driveway), dig a shallow trench along the border and add plants or gravel to catch the runoff before it travels too far. Consider creating a natural landscape berm/swale on your property. - Pick up after your pets. You’re not just being a good neighbor. Scooping up pet waste keeps bacteria from running into storm drains and into water supplies.
How is water clarity measured?
Secchi disk depth is used by the Bear Lake Preservation Association to measure for water clarity and transparency in Bear Lake, Little Bear Lake, Cub Lake, and Lake Asher. The device generally consists of a white disk 20-centimeters in diameter, painted with alternating black and white quadrants, with a light chain or non-stretching rope attached through the center. The chain or rope is lowered slowly into the water until it just disappears from view. This depth is referred to as the Secchi disk depth.