October 2018 Newsletter

President’s Report

What wonderful, hot summer months we all enjoyed on Ballston Lake. Truly we saw many of our

residents and visitors enjoying the lake and all of it’s recreational activities. For the most part, our observations while enjoying our late afternoon rides were that boaters were aware of others, courteous,

and generally “following the rules of the road.” Obviously there is room for improvement, such as the necessity for spotters when tubing, skiing, and towing behind jet skis. It simply is not safe and we cannot emphasize that enough. Speed near our precious shorelines should be strictly adhered to for our residents.

I would like to make a sincere plea for not only your continued and new support of our membership in the Ballston Lake Improvement Association, but your participation in the efforts to improve the health of the lake. This organization, BLIA, continues to expand its efforts to maintain the Lake in the best possible condition. While this summer the lake was unusually clear, we would like to keep it that way. Come to a meeting and see what takes place We have many short term projects that can always use more support and people to work on them.

Due to the effort of 14 people who worked on cleaning the outlet of vegetation and other obstructions, the level of the lake has remained within acceptable limits. Thank you to all who shared their talents and time for this very worthwhile project. This was a job well done.

Thank you to all people who worked on BLIA projects this summer. We are fortunate to live in this special place and to have folks such as you whose efforts keep it special.

Peter Herman, President BLIA

BLIA Board Changes

The BLIA sadly bids farewell to three very dedicated and effective leaders. Sue Bishop, as membership chairperson, has been instrumental in building a strong base of members and a large group of business sponsors. Nick Trotta is taking over her duties. Judy Brodeur has exhibited outstanding professionalism, dedication and devotion to BLIA as treasurer. Larry Hausheer has agreed to take over the treasurer position. Dave Duglin was a superb board secretary for many years. He produced exacting and detailed minutes of all the meetings and was a valuable voice on the board. Joanne Devoe is the new secretary.

The entire membership owes these outgoing leaders a huge THANK YOU, and another thank you to Larry, Nick and Joanne for stepping up to fill these positions.

Lake Management Committee

Ballston Lake Water Quality Report October, 1, 2018 David Pierce

We received a preliminary report from NYDEC of the biweekly CSLAP water testing that BLIA conducted on Ballston lake during the summer of 2018.

In summary the lake was clearer in 2018 than in prior years. Some Secchi readings reached 3.5 meters in July. Normally the clarity in July is around 2.0 meters. We did see this clarity decrease in September which is normal but the readings were still deeper than in prior years.

We did not have a severe algae bloom in 2018. the algae started to develop in mid September but dissipated with the above average rain that fell that month. With this algae growth we saw a decrease in water clarity.

With clearer water we saw greater weed growth in waters less than 15 feet deep. This weed growth was denser and extended further from shore than in past years. We are seeing an increase in curly leafed pond weed in these weed beds. A water chestnut patch was found on the western side of the lake 200 yards north of the narrows. About 30 gallons of water chestnut weeds were removed in July prior to the nut formation.

Bacteria testing of the lake water was done in June and July. The fecal coliform level in these 14 samples was below the NYS Dept of Health criteria for concern so no warnings were issued. The highest levels of bacteria were found in locations of high duck populations.

The average surface water temperature in 2018 was higher than prior years with it reaching 83 degrees in July.

We want to thank the Town of Ballston and Villago for funding a portable toilet at the Villago boat launch this summer. Hopefully it was convenient or the boaters to use.

HELP!! Do you use lake water?

At present BLIA is looking at a grant to improve the health of the water in Ballston Lake. We need an accurate count of the number of residents who draw water directly from the lake for consumption as opposed to lawn care. If you do, this please email me at pep416@aol.com and include your address and any comments about your experience. Thank you.

David Pierce BLIA Water Quality Chairman