Posted by Kelly Stevens on Friday, 11 December 1998, at 11:00 p.m.
Final Report From St. Joseph School, Crescent Springs, Kentucky
The water tested was from Franzen Lake, Villa Hills, Kentucky. This lake, which covers about one acre, is near a playground and sports complex, and is close to a number of homes. There is no debris in the lake and there is no obvious source of pollution. Many local residents fish in this lake, but there is no swimming allowed in the lake.
The dissolved oxygen level was 8ppm and the temperature was 14 degrees Celsius. This means that the dissolved oxygen saturation was 78%. This result indicates that the lake is capable of supporting a diversity of aquatic organisms.
The pH results were 8pH. Normal water has a pH of 7 and most natural water has a ph of 6.5 to 8.2. Therefore, Franzen Lake has a bit less acid than normal water, but it is still in the normal range. It is important to remember, however, that if the pH level changes even slightly, which could happen because of all of the new homes in the area, the aquatic organisms could die very easily.
The nitrate results were 5ppm. This means that the water had nitrates to supply plants and animals with nutrients, but at the same time it did not contain an excessive level of nitrates so that the level of oxygen would decrease. Apparently, even though there are homes near the lake there is not significant runoff of fertilizers into the lake.
The phosphate result was 1ppm. This level could be higher to aid plants and animals in their growth. I think this level will increase over the next few years due to additional people in the area and because more animals will inhabit the forest area near the lake since other wooded areas are being developed for houses. Also there might be more industrial pollution around the lake. If the level of phosphates rises too high it could cause a loss of oxygen in the water which would harm the fish and other organisms in the lake.
While the other tests indicate that the water is generally of good quality, the lake water did show the presence of coliform bacteria. This is an obvious concern. When water tests positive for coliform bacteria, this is an indication of sewage or fecal contamination.
Overall, the test of the water from Franzen Lake showed that water quality is about average. However, the presence of coliform bacteria is troublesome. Clearly, there has been some pollution of this lake. Since our community is becoming more and more populated, area residents must be careful to protect our community lake.
Sincerely,
Kelly Stevens
8th grade student
St. Joseph School