Clean water: We can't take it for granted

As we watch the loons and trumpeter swans rear their young, it is easy to believe that the waters in the Clearwater Valley remains relatively pristine. And yes, compared to many other areas of the country we continue to enjoy relatively clean waters. However, multiple indicators demonstrate our waters are at risk. Reports of septic contamination in groundwater testing wells are routine in Seeley Lake. Blue-green algae blooms are becoming an increasing common occurrence in the early fall. Invasive lilies trap sediment that makes wading and swimming along many shorelines nearly impossible.

Last year, the Clearwater Resource Council (CRC) embarked upon a new monitoring protocol to better track water quality trends on our lakes. Past efforts were often piecemeal and transitory in nature and did not sufficiently allow for a definitive analysis of trends over time. That said, the previous data indicated a potential for eutrophication existed in many of our lakes.

Eutrophication is defined as excessive nutrient loading often due to runoff from overland flows and septic systems which cause excessive plant growth and the death of animal life due to a lack of oxygen. In the latter part of the summer, our sampling has already shown that dissolved oxygen levels can be reduced to near zero, establishing zones in our lakes that are uninhabitable for fish species.

CRC is working on many of our lakes and with the Seeley Lake Sewer District to better understand water quality trends and the decisions that can be made to assist us in protecting water quality. If our lakes tip to a eutrophic state, it is likely that it will be very difficult, if not impossible to correct these trends.

So what can we do to protect the waters that makes the chain-of-lakes so unique?

First, we need to better understand water quality trends to show how the nutrient inputs adversely impact water quality. The data CRC collected in 2021 is in the process of being analyzed and this will be a starting point for a comprehensive baseline of information that can be used over time to better understand water quality trends.

In addition, this year, for the first time, CRC is using a fluorometer to detect the whitening agents found in detergents which enter our waters via septic systems. This data will enable us to better understand the impacts of septic systems not just on Seeley Lake but on all of our lakes. And with financial support from the Seeley Lake Sewer District, this year CRC will be taking eDNA samples to better understand the sources of E Coli – and whether the E Coli in our waters come from septics/humans, deer, dogs, geese or other sources.

But why collect all of this data? We cannot hope to make sound decisions without knowing the source and extent of water quality trends in our lakes. This data will enable decision-makers and residents alike to take proactive steps to ameliorate non-point sources of pollution. In some instances, reducing pollution may be addressed by restoring an eroding lakeshore area. In other instances, it may be shifting to alternative wastewater disposal systems. The first step is knowing what the issues are, then we can figure out how to best address them.

However, the monitoring work CRC undertakes can be expensive and many grantors will no longer fund water quality monitoring work. On average, the minimum cost of lake monitoring, per lake, totals $5,000 per year. This cost can increase depending upon the sampling being undertaken. For instance, eDNA samples cost $480 per sample – this is only for the lab analysis and does not include staffing and associated costs – and can drive annual costs much higher than the average.

CRC is the only environmental non-profit located in the Clearwater working directly to protect water quality. However, as we move forward, we will need help and assistance from the community to ensure that our waters remain clean and clear for present and future generations.