Water Quality
LAKE CLARITY READINGS:
Big Latoka, close to Fireman’s Lodge, reached a high clarityreading of 18′ on June 2. On a scale of 1 to 5, (1 beingthe best) the physical condition and recreationalsuitability was a 1-2, mostly clear. Since July 5 to thepresent time, it has been averaging right around 15′ with aphysical condition and recreational suitability reading of1-2, mostly clear.
Little Latoka, reached a high clarity reading of 19′ on June2. The physical condition & recreational suitability was 1,really clear. Since July 5 to the present time, it has beenaveraging right around 14 1/2 to 15′ with a physicalcondition & recreational suitability reading of 1-2, mostlyclear.
LAKE WATER LEVEL:
From the high spring level on April 20, it dropped as muchas 3 1/4″ by July 18. By August 24, it rebounded back tothe level it was on April 20.
LAKE LATOKA LAKE MONITORING (LAKE CLARITY READINGS)
What a year we’ve had on Lake Latoka!
For the first time since I’ve been taking the Secchi readings 
(lake clarity) starting in 1990, the clarity has been above 20 ft. On June 21, I was able to see down past 20 ft. I couldn’t read more as my rope was only 20 ft long. I was furnished with a longer rope, and on 9/5 the lake was clear down to 23.5 ft (all on the big lake). For some reason the little lake, which is historically clearer, was not as clear but still down to 18 ft. Whatever the reason, let’s keep it up.
In addition, for the record, ice over in 2007 was on 12/07/07. Ice off was the latest in over 10 years – 5/1/08.
Rich Braun
The following is an update on Water Clarity for the summer of 2009:
Date Big Latoka Little Latoka
June 1 24 Ft 24 Ft
July 26 17 Ft 17 Ft
Aug. 26 15 1/2 Ft 16 1/2 Ft
Overall, the readings in mid summer were good. Basically,
water had a green tint to it but no signs of excess algae.
In summary, the last two years have been a pleasant surprise
as far as water clarity is concerned.
Rich Braun