|
Water Quality & Turbidity
As we discussed in the last article, high water pH in golf course irrigation lakes can lead to problems with soil permeability and clogged sprinkler heads. This chemical characteristic of water is one of those important water quality parameters that seldom receive attention as the "passer by" views a lake or pond on the golf course. However, the one major water quality parameter that does receive a lot of attention is water clarity, or turbidity.
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity and is determined by the amount of suspended particles in the water column. Typically, turbidity is measured using a secchi disk which is a standardized method used by aquatic biologists to determine water clarity. Good water clarity will have secchi disk readings in the three to six feet range.
The particles that contribute to low water clarity can be fine soil particulates (i.e., silt or clay) that are suspended in the water column, or organic particulates such as planktonic algae that turns the water to a "pea green" color. Turbidity can become problematic in that it can severely decrease lake aesthetics, and also decrease photopenetration into the water column. As turbidity increases, water clarity decreases, and light is unable to penetrate to the pond or lake's deeper depths. This can become problematic in that it can shade out some beneficial aquatic plants that actually help to increase water clarity (e.g., Chara) and also produce oxygen. Conversely, increased photopenetration can spur unwanted aquatic vegetation and algae growth, so there is a fine line biologists must walk in order to maintain aquatic vegetation growth and water clarity at desired levels.
The bottom line is that turbidity decreases the overall aesthetics of a golf course lake or pond. Fortunately, steps can be taken to prevent or control turbidity. The first step is to identify the source and what is keeping the particles in suspension. In the case of sediment turbidity, the source can be the bottom substrate of the lake or the surrounding landscape. These soil particles can be kept in suspension by wind action, rainstorm activity, or too many bottom feeding fish. Organic turbidity can be driven by nutrient loading, warm water temperatures, and the decomposition of dead plant material on the lake bottom which gives the lake a brownish tint. Once the source is identified, treatments ranging from flocculating agents to settle soil particles, to chelated copper to reduce phytoplankton can be used to decrease turbidity. Either way, turbidity issues can be solved, and water clarity can be maintained to meet expectations of those who pass by the lakes and ponds on our local golf courses.
|
|
|
