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Living on the Edge Shoreline Stewardship for Brighton Lake. Jo Latimore, Watershed Ecologist Huron River Watershed Council. Huron River Watershed. 900 square miles • 63 communities 7 counties • >525,000 people. South Ore Creek Subwatershed. Brighton Lake Subwatershed.
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Living on the Edge Shoreline Stewardship for Brighton Lake Jo Latimore, Watershed Ecologist Huron River Watershed Council
Huron River Watershed • 900 square miles • 63 communities • 7 counties • >525,000 people
How healthy is the Huron? The Huron is the “cleanest urban river in Michigan,” However. . .
Areas of the Huron not meeting water quality standards In Michigan, 400 lakes & rivers in violation
Brighton Lake Water Quality • “Threatened” due to Phosphorus inputs from land use changes • MDEQ study in ‘98-’99: • 34 g Phosphorus/L • Load: 973 lbs/yr Phosphorus • 100% from Non-Point Source Pollution
Why is excess phosphorous bad? • Lake productivity in this region is naturally limited by phosphorus • Excess phosphorus acts as a fertilizer, leading to: • Excess algal and plant growth • Low dissolved oxygen levels • Decreased clarity • Water taste and odor problems
Source: SFWMD Source: Roger Bannerman
For more information… www.hrwc.org 734-769-5123 Jo Latimore, Watershed Ecologist Chris Riggs, Upper Huron Coordinator