Kiera Jefferson
Lake Champlain, a 120-mile-long lake with 587 miles of shoreline, is a source of safe drinking water, fishing, and swimming for the communities it serves. However, the lake faces significant pollution challenges, with contaminants posing risks to human health and wildlife. Phosphorus pollution, largely from Vermont farms, is a major concern, leading to cyanobacteria blooms and elevated mercury concentrations. While the lake generally meets water quality standards, recent flooding, climate change, and agricultural runoff have exacerbated pollution levels, requiring long-term cleanup efforts and water quality improvement projects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phosphorus pollution | High levels, especially in tributaries like Black Creek |
| Mercury concentration | Elevated levels, with health advisories for fish consumption |
| Water quality | Generally meets standards for fishable, swimmable, and drinkable waters |
| Invasive species | Presence of cyanobacteria blooms and invasive species |
| Pollution sources | Agricultural runoff, sewage, and debris from flooding |
| Climate change impact | More intense rainfall and warmer surface waters contributing to cyanobacteria blooms |
| Water clarity | Low water clarity due to sediment from recent flooding |
| E. coli bacteria | High levels detected, leading to temporary beach closures |
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What You'll Learn
Phosphorus pollution
The lake receives approximately 921 metric tons (2 million pounds) of phosphorus annually through its tributaries. The amount of phosphorus entering the lake varies depending on rainfall and runoff levels in the watershed. Climate change-induced intense rainstorms can increase phosphorus levels, potentially undoing the progress made through pollution reduction initiatives.
Developed lands, including impervious surfaces like parking lots and rooftops, contribute significantly to the phosphorus load. These surfaces rapidly shed rainwater, increasing erosion and sending large amounts of sediment and nutrients downstream into the lake. Agriculture is another major source of phosphorus pollution, with fertilizers, additives, and manure from farms washing into nearby waterways. Residential areas also play a role, with phosphorus entering the lake through municipal wastewater discharges and failing septic systems.
The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) has been actively working to address phosphorus pollution. They have advocated for improved agricultural policies, better stormwater management, and stricter enforcement of water regulations. LCC also played a role in passing the first ban on phosphorus in laundry detergents and closing a loophole that allowed phosphorus in automatic dishwasher detergents. Additionally, they have promoted climate-smart lawn practices through initiatives like the "Don't P on Your Lawn" campaign to reduce phosphorus-laden runoff from lawns.
The International Joint Commission (IJC) has also made recommendations to tackle phosphorus pollution in the lake. They have emphasized the need for a binational mass balance model to address the excess phosphorus in Missisquoi Bay, which has consistently exceeded established limits. The IJC's project aims to stem the flow of excess nutrients, including phosphorus, that fuel cyanobacterial blooms.
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Invasive species
Lake Champlain has around fifty known invasive species. Most of these were introduced by humans, but some arrived via natural forces. Invasive species can outcompete native species, take over recreational areas, and cost millions of dollars to control.
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are one of the most well-known invasive species in Lake Champlain. They are small, freshwater, bivalve shellfish that are native to the Caspian and Black Seas, south of Russia and Ukraine. They entered the lake in 1993 and have since proliferated. Zebra mussels can attach themselves to almost any surface, including rocks, docks, and native species, using root-like proteins called byssal threads. This can lead to clogged pipes and scratched feet for swimmers. They also reproduce quickly and can smother native mussel species.
Another invasive species in Lake Champlain is the spiny waterflea, which was first discovered in the lake in 2014. This species is native to Northeast Europe and first appeared in North America in 1984. The spiny waterflea competes with native zooplankton and is a poorer food source for fish due to its long spines, which can also hook onto anglers' lines.
The Eurasian watermilfoil is another invasive plant species that has spread throughout the lake. It forms dense plant mats that restrict light and lead to reduced ecosystem diversity.
Other invasive species in Lake Champlain include the sea lamprey, koi, and various fish species that were introduced as pets or bait. These species can degrade native spawning grounds and put local populations at risk.
To combat the spread of invasive species, the Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) has implemented the Champlain Aquatic Invasive Monitoring Program (CHAMP). This program recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to survey for aquatic invasive species at sites throughout the lake. With the data gathered, management professionals can identify populations for rapid response and build a database to inform future decisions.
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Climate change
Lake Champlain is a 120-mile-long lake with 587 miles of shoreline shared by New York, Vermont, and Quebec. It provides safe drinking water, fishing, and swimming for the communities it supports. However, the lake is impaired by excess nutrients and is susceptible to the impacts of climate change.
The increase in intense rainfall events can also impact water clarity in the lake. After the July 2024 storm, the lake's water was described as turbid, with low water clarity due to the high levels of sediment suspended in the water. This reduction in clarity can disrupt natural processes such as photosynthesis for plants and the ability of aquatic predators to catch their prey.
Efforts are being made to address the impacts of climate change and improve the lake's resilience. The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates research and protection efforts, and states like Vermont and New York are investing in water quality improvement projects. However, the legacy of pollution and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change mean that maintaining the health of Lake Champlain will be a long-term endeavour.
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Bacteria and toxins
Lake Champlain is a source of safe drinking water, fishing, and swimming for the communities it serves. However, the lake is not immune to pollution. The lake is among the 25% of lakes in the United States that are impaired by excess nutrients, and among the 40% of lakes with health advisories for fish consumption due to elevated mercury concentrations.
The lake's pollution comes from various sources, including debris from flooding, agricultural runoff, and sewage overflow. While the lake generally meets standards for fishable, swimmable, and drinkable waters, there are concerns about the presence of bacteria and toxins.
Flooding events can introduce large amounts of phosphorus into the lake, which can drive cyanobacteria blooms. These blooms can be dangerous to swimmers and animals if they contain toxins. In addition, flooding can reduce water clarity and impact the health of the lake's ecosystem.
The presence of E. coli bacteria in the lake has also been a cause for concern. Several beaches in Burlington were closed due to high E. coli counts following a flood. While the lake typically provides safe swimming conditions, swimmers are advised to exercise caution and stick to areas that are consistently monitored for bacteria.
Agricultural runoff, particularly from dairy farms, is a major source of phosphorus pollution in the lake. This has led to the growth of cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins harmful to both animals and humans. In addition, sewage overflow and wastewater treatment plants can contribute to the presence of bacteria and toxins in the lake.
Efforts are being made to address the pollution in Lake Champlain. Vermont has set aside funding for water quality improvement projects, and New York is also spending millions to curb cyanobacteria blooms. However, it may take a significant amount of time for the lake to recover from the effects of pollution.
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Mercury concentrations
Lake Champlain is among the 40% of lakes in the United States that have health advisories for fish consumption due to elevated mercury concentrations. The lake generally meets standards for fishable, swimmable, and drinkable waters, but challenges to clean water remain.
The lake's mercury levels are a concern for human health and wildlife. The high mercury concentrations are due to contaminants that have been found in the lake, which can be attributed to human activities and agricultural practices. For example, in the past, the U.S. Department of Agriculture subsidized farmers who imported phosphorus fertilizer and dumped it on their fields. This has led to high levels of phosphorus in the lake, which can drive cyanobacteria blooms. While phosphorus is an essential nutrient for cyanobacteria, too much phosphorus can lead to excessive growth, causing blooms that can be harmful to both swimmers and animals.
In addition to phosphorus, agricultural runoff from nearby dairy farms is a major source of pollution in Lake Champlain. Dairy farms in the area have been dumping large amounts of manure and other waste into the lake, which can contaminate the water with harmful bacteria and high levels of nutrients. This has led to an increase in invasive species and algae blooms, which can further contribute to the high mercury concentrations in the lake.
Efforts are being made to reduce the pollution in Lake Champlain. For example, in 2019, Vermont lawmakers set aside millions toward a $50 million-a-year fund for water quality projects. Additionally, the Lake Champlain Basin Program helps monitor and improve the lake's health, and researchers from the University of Vermont and other organizations are using a hybrid research vessel, the R/V Marcelle Melosira, to study and protect the lake.
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Frequently asked questions
Lake Champlain is among the 25% of lakes in the United States that are impaired by excess nutrients, and among the 40% of lakes with health advisories for fish consumption due to elevated mercury concentrations. The lake generally meets standards for fishable, swimmable, and drinkable waters, but there are some warning signs.
The lake's phosphorus pollution comes from Vermont farms, with Adirondack Park rivers also contributing. Phosphorus pollution is also driven by heavy rainfall, which washes pollutants into the lake.
In 2019, Vermont lawmakers set aside funds toward a $50 million-a-year fund for water quality projects. New York is also spending millions to curb blooms, and Vermont has made progress in reducing phosphorus runoff. The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates research and protection efforts and releases regular reports on the lake's health.
