Lake Wawasee
Press Release
WAWASEE — Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams’ usual lake sampling occurs on 14 local lakes once a week between June and August, a process instrumental for its research. But what if there were a way to look at the lake between samplings or a way that could show us patterns we may not have seen otherwise?
During the summer of 2022, the center is implementing a solution. It will be using a lake buoy to get a “temporal profile” of Lake Wawasee as it changes over time. Seeing 24/7 data helps identify trends, patterns or variables that could be correlated to blue-green algae blooms.
How does it work?
If the current lake buoy monitoring is successful, the center may expand it to other locations or lakes. For now, this pilot project will remain only in Lake Wawasee. Researchers plan to publish results from its findings in the 2022 Beneath the Surface report, available this October.
Who made it?
It is a two-part project. The buoy itself was made in collaboration with the Department of Engineering at Grace College. It was designed, manufactured and tested by a group of engineering students under the instruction of Dr. Fred Wentorf. Besides being a useful piece of scientific equipment, it also gave those students some real-world experience with the design process and some of the challenges that can occur in open-water environments.
The sensor array beneath the buoy (the part that gathers data) is a specialized piece of monitoring equipment similar to the one used for the center’s normal lake sampling. It measures parameters such as pH, temperature and oxygen levels every hour. It also uses light to measure relative amounts of chlorophyll A and phycocyanin, which are both pigments present in blue-green algae. The Lilly Center is grateful for the local supporters who generously funded this portion of the project.
What happens if a boat hits the buoy?
Hopefully this will not happen — and the center relies on the public to help spread the word. If a boat hits the buoy, chances are either the buoy or sensor may be damaged. That will temporarily stop the continuous monitoring, leaving a gap in data.
Is the sensor harmful to fish?
Not at all. The sensor is harmless to all aquatic life. It is also not interesting enough to nibble on — no bright colors and very little movement.
Can I see the data for myself?
Unlike the stream sensors, the lake buoy data will be gathered and analyzed behind-the-scenes for now. That said, keep an eye out for the 2022 Beneath the Surface report in October. More information will be available in that publication.