For the past 30 or so years, Lake George, in Warren County, NY, has been continuously monitored as a part of a larger water quality and conservation study. Renowned for its surprisingly high water quality for a lake of its size and popularity, the study began in 1980 with support from the FUND for Lake George, a nonprofit organization on the lake dedicated to its conservation. The findings were that the lake is in “remarkably good condition,” and as such it has been nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes,” and is the subject of further research. 2013 marked the beginning of the Jefferson Project, a partnership between the FUND for Lake George, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and IBM.
The lake was chosen for this study because it is both conveniently located near RPI and there was seemingly much to learn regarding the conservation of other lakes given the success of Lake George. For example, beginning at the northern end of Lake George is the far more extensive Lake Champlain, which though much larger does not boast nearly the level of water quality. This project is far more advanced than the previous study, going far beyond the basic chemistry of the lake and rather studying the floor of the lake, food chains and ecosystems, as well as more accurately monitoring water quality and circulation. Sensors have been installed all down the 32 miles of the lake, which are seamlessly connected and report results to the researchers at RPI in real time.
Figure 1. An example of the data collected by the sensors on Lake George. Pictured here is a computer mapping of the floor of the lake.
Thus far, the results have been encouraging, though Lake George is clearly not immune to further pollution. Surprisingly, one of the larger threats to the lake is the amount of road salt that has trickled into the water. These deposits have increased the chloride concentration in the water by about 200%. However, arguably more concerning and difficult to control is the threat of algal blooms appearing in the lake. The sensors found that the amount of algae in the water has increased by 33%, and should they continue to spread they could wreak havoc on the lake much like they have in Lake Erie. Algal blooms cause a variety of problems from the smell and color of the water to harming the wildlife in the lake. Lake George is also a significant source of drinking water, and algal blooms have the potential to introduce various toxins into water supplies. Another area of concern is invasive species, which have also been devastating in bodies of water with limited regulations. Boats in Lake George undergo thorough inspection before entering the water because of this.
The Jefferson Project on Lake George will continue to serve as a model for conservation efforts on other bodies of water. The project has been so successful that IBM has expanded the project, investing 1 million dollars into a similar project on Chautauqua Lake. Meanwhile, the Jefferson Project on Lake George has provided vital information about a part of the state that is crucial to the tourism industry in New York.
Works Cited
“The Jefferson Project at Lake George.” Jefferson Project at Lake George |, jeffersonproject.rpi.edu/.
Adkalmanack. “Landmark Study of Lake George Water Quality Released -.” The Adirondack Almanack, 21 Aug. 2014, www.adirondackalmanack.com/2014/08/landmark-study-of-lake-george-water-quality-released.html.