CSLAP

CSLAP info

About CSLAP

The Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) is a volunteer lake monitoring program run by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the NYS Federation of Lake Associations, Inc. (NYSFOLA). It was established by NYS Environmental Conservation Law Section 17-305. Initiated in 1985,

Why particpate?

CSLAP offers a wide range of benefits, in addition to current and historical data collection. Monitoring water quality and lake health trends is essential for identifying issues, mitigating sources of pollution, determining management strategies, and applying for supplemental funds in national and state-wide programs.

Schedule of testing

There will be FOUR (4) test samples taken during the summer - ONE (1) each month.

The sample site will be at a deep site location and must be performed at the same location each time.

To ensure the precise location for each sample, we will be anchoring a small buoy/surface marker to designate the location. Please be mindful of this buoy and do NOT disturb or move this marker!

SLPOA volunteers

Participants in the CSLAP program dedicate their time and energy every month to carefully gather lake water samples, properly process them and ensure timely shipping of all samples for testing. Our current volunteers are:

Brad Cole, Suzanne Lampl, Matt Liebhaber, and Christian Fekete

What will we test for?

Water Temperature (°C)

Water temperature affects the growth of plants and animals, the amount of oxygen in the water, and the length of the recreation season.

Water Clarity (m)

Water clarity is determined with a secchi disk to measure how far down into the water column you can see.

Conductivity (µmho/cm)

Conductivity measurers the amount of dissolved and suspended materials in the water, including salts and organic material. Conductivity may be related to geology or land use practices.

pH

pH means water acidity. A pH value between 6 and 9 supports most types of plant and animal life.

Color (true) (platinum color units)

Water color is affected by organic matter (decaying plants). The color of water can affect water clarity and impact plant growth by limiting the amount of sunlight that can pass through the water.

Phosphorus (total, mg/l)

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for the growth of aquatic plants and animals in lakes. Too much phosphorus can harm aquatic life, water supplies, and recreational uses.

Nitrogen (nitrate, ammonia, and total, mg/l)

Nitrogen is also an important nutrient for the growth of aquatic plants and animals in lakes. Too much nitrogen can harm aquatic life, water supplies and recreational uses.

Chlorophyll a (µg/l)

Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment in green plants and estimates the amount of algae in a lake. The amount of chlorophyll a may be influenced by phosphorus and can affect the water clarity.

Calcium (mg/l)

Calcium is an important nutrient for most aquatic organisms and is required for mussel shell growth. Calcium enters lakes through natural limestone deposits. Calcium concentration is related to lake conductivity and improves the lake's buffering capacity to acid rain.

Use Perception Surveys

Four question survey on the Field Observations Form that capture the user's observations of the quality of the lake for recreational use and determine other external influences on water quality.