Lake Waccabuc
| Lake Waccabuc 2022 | Three Lakes Council | Town(s) of Lewisboro | Westchester County |
| Trophic State | HABs Susceptibility | Invasive Vulnerability | PWL Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesotrophic | Periodic Blooms, Low susceptibility | Invasives present, High vulnerability | Download Assessment Here |
2022 Sampling Results
Lake Waccabuc – 2022 Sampling Season Results
Red shaded results indicate eutrophic water quality conditions. In these columns, ‘No’ indicates there was no significant trend, ‘↑’ indicates there was a significant positive trend (p<0.05), ‘↑↑’ indicates there was a strong significant positive trend (p<0.01), ‘↓’ indicates there was a significant negative trend (p<0.05), ‘↓↓’ indicates there was a strong significant negative trend (p<0.01), and blank indicates there was insufficient data to identify a trend. In this report, seasonal trend analyses for individual sampling years and long term trend analyses show changes in key water quality indicators over a consistent index period (mid-June thru mid-September).
| Open Water Indicators | 2022 Sampling Results | Seasonal Change | Season Median | Decadal Median | Decadal Trend | Longterm Median | Longterm Trend | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06-12 | 06-26 | 07-10 | 07-24 | 08-07 | 08-21 | 09-04 | 09-18 | |||||||
| Clarity (m) | 1.9 | 1 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 
|
1.8 | 2.4 |  |
2.6 | |
| Deep Temp (degC) | 8.5 | 8.6 | 8.6 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.9 | 
|
8.9 | 8.9 |  |
8.9 | |
| Upper Temp (degC) | 22.9 | 24.2 | 26.1 | 29.1 | 29.1 | 25.9 | 25 | 22.5 | 
|
25.4 | 25.4 | |
25 |  |
| Surface TP (mg/L) | 0.039 | 0.041 | 0.021 | 0.019 | 0.02 | 0.016 | 0.011 | 
|
0.02 | 0.022 |  |
0.019 | | |
| Deep TP (mg/L) | 0.343 | 0.396 | 0.443 | 0.463 | 0.499 | 0.529 | 0.472 | 0.583 | 
|
0.467 | 0.425 | |
0.409 | |
| TN (mg/L) | 0.461 | 0.846 | 0.739 | 0.832 | 0.61 | 0.661 | 0.506 | 
|
0.661 | 0.561 | |
0.528 | | |
| TN:TP | 11.9 | 20.6 | 34.5 | 44.5 | 30.1 | 40.2 | 47.8 | 
|
34.5 | 25.7 | |
24.1 | | |
| Surface NH3 (mg/L) | 0.039 | 0.04 | 0.034 | 0.021 | 0 | 0 | 0.034 | 0.021 | 
|
0.028 | 0.023 | |
0.021 | |
| Deep NH3 (mg/L) | 1.571 | 2.123 | 2.516 | 2.735 | 3.196 | 3.634 | 3.319 | 4.133 | 
|
2.966 | 2.18 | |
2.123 | |
| Chl.a (ug/L) | 12.3 | 14 | 19.5 | 10.5 | 6.8 | 5 | 2.7 | 
|
10.5 | 6.7 | |
7 | | |
| pH | 9 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.1 | 8.3 | 7.2 | 
|
9.3 | 8.3 | |
7.9 | |
| Surface Chloride (mg/L) | 31.1 | 30.8 | 
|
31 | 32.7 |  |
32.7 | | ||||||
| True Color (ptu) | 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 
|
10 | 11 | |
11 | |
| Cond (uS/cm) | 172 | 166.5 | 201.4 | 205 | 126.9 | 116.2 | 119.6 | 
|
166.5 | 202.3 | |
167.2 | | |
| FP BG Chl.a (ug/L) | 17.7 | 54.7 | 13.6 | 9.7 | 4.8 | 3.5 | 1 | 0.6 | 
|
7.3 | 4.9 | |
4.9 | |
Lake Scorecard
Lake Waccabuc – Lake Scorecard
| Water Quality Indicators | Average Year | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus | Mesotrophic | Eutrophic |
| Chlorophyll A | Mesotrophic | Eutrophic |
| Secchi | Mesotrophic | Eutrophic |
| Lake Perception | Fair | Poor |
| Harmful Algal Blooms | Poor | Fair |
| Aquatic Invasive Species | Present |
Lake Summary
Lake Waccabuc – 2022 Lake Summary
Q. What is the condition of the lake?
- Lake Waccabuc continues to be mesotrophic, or moderately productive, based on moderate water clarity, moderate algae levels (chlorophyll a), and moderate nutrient (phosphorous) levels. Soluble nutrients were analyzed in 2022. The waterbody is highly alkaline or basic, with intermediate hardness water, low water color, and moderately high nitrogen levels.
Q. How did this year compare to previous years?
- Compared to previous years, pH was higher in 2022 and water quality evaluation was less favorable in 2022. Compared to previous years, conductivity and chloride were lower in 2022. Water clarity (secchi), chlorophyll a, total phosphorus, color, surface water temperature, deep water temperature, aquatic plant coverage and recreational evaluation in 2022 were similar to previous years. There is insufficient data to identify trends in the remaining water quality parameters.
Q. How does this lake compare to other New York lakes?
- Compared to other New York lakes, this lake usually has higher chloride. Compared to other New York lakes, this lake usually has lower deep water temperature.
Q. Are there any (statistically significant) trends?
- Over the past 37 years, chlorophyll a, conductivity, deep NH3, deep total phosphorus, pH, surface total phosphorus, surface water temperature and total nitrogen have increased significantly. Over the past 37 years, clarity and surface chloride have decreased significantly. Over the past ten years, conductivity, deep NH3, deep total phosphorus, pH and total nitrogen have increased significantly. Over the past ten years, clarity, surface chloride and true color have decreased significantly.
Q. Has the lake experienced open water or shoreline harmful algal blooms (HABs)?
Water quality conditions generally indicate a low susceptibility to blooms, with frequent blooms along the shoreline or in the open water.
The open water algal community in the lake is usually comprised of intermediate cyanobacteria levels. This community is dominated by Dolichospermum. Typically, overall open water algae levels are high. Overall open water toxin levels are at times above recreational levels of concern.
This year, overall algae levels were high, with green algae the most common taxa in open water samples, and with low cyanobacteria levels. Open water toxin levels were undetectable this year.
Shoreline blooms were documented in the lake this year, and comprised primarily of cyanobacteria with at times low but detectable toxin levels. The most common taxa were Dolichospermum, Microcystis and Planktothrix.
Q. Have any aquatic invasive species (AIS) been reported?
- Invasive species have been reported in this waterbody. Aquatic invasive plant and/or animal species reported include: Eurasian watermilfoil, Brazilian elodea, Curly leafed pondweed, water chestnut, brittle naiad. This waterbody has high vulnerability for introduction of new invasive species due to invasive species already being present. This waterbody has low vulnerability for establishment of invasive bivalves based on calcium levels. For more information about invasive species in the area, or to report an invasive species observation, visit NY iMapInvasives at https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/.
Harmful Algal Blooms
Lake Waccabuc 2022 NYHABs notifications
Were there any reported HABs this season? Yes.
| Date of First Listing | Date of Last Listing | Number of Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-06-26 | 2022-06-26 | 2 |
Shoreline HAB Samples 2022
| HAB Indicators | Criteria | 06-26 |
|---|---|---|
| FP BGA Chl. a | 25 ug/L | 590.74 |
| Microcystin | 20 ug/L | 3 |
| Microscopy | Dominant | Dolichospermum, Microcystis, Planktothrix |
Open Water Algae
Shoreline Algae
In Season Trends
Lake Waccabuc - In-Season Trend Analysis
In Season Water Clarity
In Season Water Temperature
Longterm Trends
Lake Waccabuc Long-Term Trend Analysis
Depth Profiles
Lake Waccabuc Depth Profiles
There is no depth profile data for this site.
Resources
Water Quality Assessments
The Waterbody Inventory/Priority Waterbodies List (WI/PWL) is a statewide inventory of New York’s water resources that is used to track a waters ability to support its’ best use(s), identify pollutant(s) causing impairment of best use(s), and follow the status of restoration, protection and other water quality activities and efforts. Data collected through CSLAP contributes to the WI/PWL. In order to be included as an assessment unit in the WI/PWL, a lake, pond, or reservoir must be at least 6.4 acres in size.
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
A TMDL is a type of regulatory clean water plan that calculates the maximum amount of a single pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards. Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act also requires states to identify impaired waters, where designated uses are not fully supported. These waterbodies are then listed on the Clean Water Act 303(d) “impaired waters” list. Waterbodies may have been identified as impaired due to fish consumption advisories, shellfishing closures, public bathing beach closures, or sampling results (high nutrient levels, turbidity, toxic sediments). The Clean Water Act also requires states to develop TMDLs for impaired waterbodies on the 303(d) list to reduce the amount of pollutants entering impaired waterbodies to meet water quality standards. TMDL plans may also be developed to protect waterbodies from becoming impaired - for example, protecting public drinking water supplies to protect human health. DEC develops TMDLs and EPA approves them.
Harmful Algal Bloom Action Plans
New York State’s Water Quality Rapid Response Team, national experts and local stakeholders collaboratively developed Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Action Plans for twelve priority lakes that are vulnerable to HABs, are critical sources of drinking water, and are vital tourism drivers. These twelve lakes were chosen as part of New York State’s HAB initiative because they represent a wide range of conditions and vulnerabilities, and the lessons learned will be applied to other impacted waterbodies moving forward. Each action plan identifies contributing factors fueling HABs and immediate actions that can be taken to reduce the sources of pollution that spark algal blooms.
Lake Stewardship Actions
Individual stewardship activities can help improve water quality: maintain your septic system, reduce fertilizer use, grow a buffer of native plants next to the lake shore, and reduce shoreline erosion and runoff into the lake. Visiting boats should be inspected to prevent the spread of invasive species, and continued community education about and monitoring for invasive species is recommended. Routine education about algae and harmful algal blooms (HABs) within your lake community is recommended; to learn more about HABs and see examples of HABs visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/81962.html. Occurrences of HABs can be reported to NYSDEC. For more information on keeping New York waters clean, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/43661.html.
How to Read Report
How to Read the Report
This guide provides a description of the CSLAP report by section and a glossary. The sampling site is indicated in the header for lakes with more than one routine sampling site.
Physical Characteristics influence lake quality:
Surface area is the lake’s surface in acres and hectares.
Max depth is the water depth measured at the deepest part of the lake in feet and meters.
Mean depth is either known from lake bathymetry or is 0.46 of the maximum depth.
Retention time is the time it takes for water to pass through a lake in years. This indicates the influence of the watershed on lake conditions.
Lake classification describes the “best uses” for this lake. Class AA, AAspec, and A lakes may be used as sources of potable water. Class B lakes are suitable for contact recreational activities, like swimming. Class C lakes are suitable for non-contact recreational activities, including fishing, although they may still support swimming. The addition of a T or TS to any of these classes indicates the ability of a lake to support trout populations and/or trout spawning.
Dam classification defines the hazard class of a dam. Class A, B, C, and D dams are defined as low, intermediate, high, or negligible/no hazard dams in that order. “0” indicates that no class has been assigned to a particular dam, or that no dam exists.
Watershed characteristics influence lake water quality:
Watershed area in acres and hectares
Land use data come from the most recent (2011) US Geological Survey National Land Use Cover dataset
CSLAP Participation lists the sampling years and the current year volunteers.
Key lake status indicators summarize lake conditions:
Trophic state of a lake refers to its nutrient loading and productivity, measured by phosphorus, algae, and clarity. An oligotrophic lake has low nutrient and algae levels (low productivity) and high clarity while a eutrophic lake has high nutrient and algae levels (high productivity) and low clarity. Mesotrophic lakes fall in the middle.
Harmful algal bloom susceptibility summarizes the available historical HAB data and indicates the potential for future HAB events.
Invasive vulnerability indicates whether aquatic invasive species are found in this lake or in nearby lakes, indicating the potential for further introductions.
Priority waterbody list (PWL) assessment is based on the assessment of use categories and summarized as fully supported, threatened, stressed, impaired, or precluded. Aesthetics and habitat are evaluated as good, fair, or poor. The cited PWL assessment reflects the “worst” assessment for the lake.
Current year sampling results shows results for each of the sampling sessions in the year are in tabular form. The seasonal change graphically shows the current year results. Red shading indicates eutrophic readings.
- If there are more than ten shoreline bloom samples collected in a year, bloom sample information is instead summarized by month (May-Oct.) as minimum, average, and maximum values for blue-green algae and microcystin.
The Lake Scorecard represents key water quality indicator results for this lake in an easy-to-read format, comparing information from the current year and historical average of the CSLAP data. Indicators include (1) trophic status of phosphorus, chlorophyll (or algae) and secchi (or clarity); (2) presence or absence of aquatic invasive plants or animals; (3) lake user perception based on perceived physical condition and recreational suitability of the lake; (4) harmful algal bloom samples or reports; and (5) algae levels in the open water of routinely sampled sites.
The Lake Summary reviews and encapsulates the data in the lake report, including comparisons to historical data from this lake, and results from nearby lakes.
Harmful Algal Blooms:
HAB notification periods on the DEC website http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html
Shoreline HAB sample dates and results. Samples are collected from the area that appears to have the worst bloom. Red shading indicates a confirmed HAB.
HAB sample algae analysis. Algae types typically change during the season. These charts show the amount of the different types of algae found in each mid-lake or shoreline sample. Samples with high levels of BGA are HABs. The second set of charts show the level of toxins found in open water and shoreline samples compared to NYSDOH and NYSDEC guidelines.
In-Season Trend Analysis shows water temperature and water clarity during the sampling season. These indicate seasonal changes and show the sample year results compared to the typical historical readings for those dates.
Long-Term Trend Analysis puts the current year findings in context. Summer averages (mid-June thru mid-September) for each of the CSLAP years show trends in key water quality indicators. The graphs include relevant criteria (trophic categories, water quality standards, etc.) and boundaries separating these criteria.
Glossary
Glossary of Water Quality and HAB Indicators
Clarity (m): The depth to which a Secchi disk lowered into the water is visible, measured in meters. Water clarity is one of the trophic indicators for each lake.
TP (mg/L): Total phosphorus, measured in milligrams per liter at the lake surface (1.5 meters below the surface). TP includes all dissolved and particulate forms of phosphorus.
Deep TP: Total phosphorus measured in milligrams per liter at depth (1-2 meters above the lake bottom at the deepest part of the lake or a fixed depth in the hypolimnion of very deep lakes).
TN: Total nitrogen, measured in milligrams per liter at the lake surface. TN includes all forms of nitrogen, including NOx (nitrite and nitrate) and NH4 (ammonia).
N:P Ratio: The ratio of total nitrogen to total phosphorus, unitless (mass ratio). This ratio helps determine if a lake is phosphorous or nitrogen limited.
Chl.a (μg/L): Chlorophyll a, measured in micrograms per liter. Indicates the amount of algae in the water column. This is an extracted chlorophyll measurement.
pH: A range from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most basic or alkaline. A healthy lake generally ranges between 6.5 and 8.5.
Cond (μmho/cm): Specific conductance is a measure of the conductivity of water. A higher value indicates the presence of more dissolved ions. High ion concentrations (> 250) usually indicate hardwater, and low readings (< 125) usually show softwater.
Calcium (mg/L): Calcium, a component of lake buffering capacity (the ability to neutralize acid inputs), as measured in milligrams per liter at the lake surface (1.5 meters below the surface).
Chloride (mg/L): Chloride, or chloride ions, as measured in milligrams per liter at the lake surface (1.5 meters below the surface).
Upper Temp (°C): Surface temperature, measured in degrees Celsius.
Deep Temp (°C): Deep water temperature, measured in degrees Celsius.
BG Chl.a (μg/L): Chlorophyll a from blue-green algae, measured in micrograms per liter. This is an “unextracted” estimate using a fluoroprobe. This result is different from the extracted chlorophyll measurement described above.
HABs: Harmful Algal Blooms. Algal blooms that have the appearance of cyanobacteria (BGA).
BGA: Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria.
Microcystin (μg/L): The most common HAB liver toxin; total microcystin above 20 micrograms per liter indicates a “high toxin” bloom. However, ALL BGA blooms pose a potential health risk and should be avoided.
Sampling Season Results Information:
Seasonal Change: Shows the current year variability
Season Median: The middle value(or average of the middle two values) of the current year’s data
Decadal Median: The median of the most recent ten years of water quality data
Longterm Median: The median of all years of water quality data
Decadal & Longterm Trends: Indicate whether there was a statistically significant change in water quality data over the most recent or all years