Kiera Jefferson
Michigan's 11th largest inland lake, Higgins Lake, is cherished for its crystal-clear waters and sandy bottom. However, its popularity as a residential and recreational area has raised concerns about water quality. The lake's pristine condition is under threat from various sources of pollution, including leaky septic systems, fertilizers, and road runoff. These pollutants introduce excess nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, fostering the growth of algae and threatening the lake's delicate ecosystem. To address these issues, initiatives like the Love Your Lake: Skip the Fertilizer campaign and recommendations for a lake-wide sewer system have been proposed to preserve Higgins Lake for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lake size | 9,900 acres (4,000 ha) |
| Lake type | Morphometrically oligotrophic |
| Water source | 50% from submerged springs, 6% from incoming streams, remainder from direct rainfall and runoff |
| Water quality issues | Pharmaceuticals, zebra mussels, septic systems, fertilizers, road runoff, phosphorus, nitrogen, algae |
| Water clarity | Crystal clear, deep blue |
| Lake depth | Maximum: 135 feet (41 m), Mean: 30.4 feet (9.3 m) |
| Shoreline | 21 miles (34 km) |
| Lake usage | Fishing, swimming, boating, camping, residential |
| Lake management | Installation of a community wastewater treatment plant, lake-wide sewer system, Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) for invasive species removal |
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What You'll Learn
Pharmaceuticals and sewage disposal
Higgins Lake, located in Roscommon County, Michigan, is a popular recreational and fishing lake known for its deep, clear waters. The lake has become an increasingly popular residential and recreational area, which has raised concerns about its water quality. One of the primary sources of pollution in Higgins Lake is sewage disposal, with citizens and local governments concerned about the increased load of nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, from septic systems and fertilizers.
Pharmaceuticals are also a concern in the lake's pollution. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, hormones, and personal care products are among the pharmaceutical compounds found in municipal wastewater systems. These substances enter sewage systems through human and animal excretion, improper disposal of medications, and industrial waste and runoff. The improper disposal of unused medications is a significant contributor to the presence of pharmaceuticals in sewage treatment systems. When medications are flushed down the toilet or sink, they introduce a variety of pharmaceutical compounds directly into the wastewater system.
The presence of pharmaceuticals in sewage treatment is a growing concern due to its potential adverse effects on the environment and public health. These substances can contaminate water sources, leading to ecosystem disruption and health risks for humans and animals. They can also contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
To address this issue, it is crucial to promote responsible disposal practices and raise public awareness about the consequences of improper disposal. Public awareness and education campaigns are essential to inform individuals about the environmental and health risks associated with improper medication disposal. By providing guidelines for safe disposal methods, such as drug take-back programs and designated medication disposal drop-off locations, people can be encouraged to change their behavior and reduce the introduction of pharmaceuticals into wastewater systems.
In addition to public efforts, advancements in wastewater treatment technologies are also being explored. The complete removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater is challenging, and a hybrid approach combining conventional treatment methods with membrane reactors and advanced post-treatment methods appears to be the most effective.
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Zebra mussels
The mussels efficiently remove phytoplankton (free-floating algae) from the water column and excrete large amounts of nutrients and organic matter, promoting the overgrowth of periphyton (bottom-growing algae). This has led to concerns about the decline of native species and the alteration of aquatic ecosystems. In fact, one mussel can produce up to one million eggs during a single spawning season, and they can reach densities of more than 10,000 mussels per square meter in some places. They also grow on the shells of native mussels, clogging their intake filters and choking them out.
The invasion of zebra mussels has caused millions of dollars in economic losses and has dramatically impacted aquatic ecosystems. They have no known predators in U.S. waters and threaten the existence of native clams, resulting in more vegetation growing on the bottom of Higgins Lake. Residents have begun lobbying for laws to enforce the cleaning of boats before they are put into the lake to help combat the spread of zebra mussels and preserve the lake's natural ecology.
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Nutrient-rich stew
Higgins Lake, located in Roscommon County, Michigan, is cherished by locals and vacationers alike for its crystal-clear waters and sandy bottom. The lake, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, covers 9,900 acres and is the 10th largest in Michigan, with a shoreline of 21 miles. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities.
However, despite its pristine appearance, Higgins Lake faces significant environmental challenges due to increasing nutrient pollution. Decades of fertiliser use, leaky septic systems, and road runoff have created a "nutrient-rich stew" in the lake's depths, providing an ideal breeding ground for algae. This algae growth has the potential to muddy the waters, reduce oxygen levels, and lead to issues such as swimmer's itch.
The primary sources of excess nutrients in the lake are lawn fertilisers, septic system effluents, and road runoff. Citizens and local governments are concerned about the impact of increased nutrient loads, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, on the lake's water quality. The presence of pharmaceuticals and zebra mussels in the lake further complicates the issue.
To address these issues, local organisations and residents have proposed several solutions. The Higgins Lake Property Owners' Association (HLPOA) has retained the services of Restorative Lake Sciences, LLC (RLS), a scientific firm specialising in lake management and restoration. RLS has recommended the installation of a lake-wide sewer system and the use of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) to remove invasive plant species without the use of chemical herbicides. Additionally, residents have advocated for laws enforcing the cleaning of boats before they enter the lake to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and intruders, preserving the lake's natural ecology.
The future of Higgins Lake depends on the timely implementation of these conservation measures. By reducing nutrient pollution, switching from septic to sewer systems, and promoting responsible environmental practices, it may be possible to restore and maintain the lake's pristine condition for future generations to enjoy.
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Septic systems and fertilizers
Higgins Lake is a large recreational and fishing lake in Roscommon County, Michigan. The lake is known for its deep, clear waters and sandy bottom. It is the 10th largest lake in Michigan, with a shoreline of 21 miles (34 km) and a maximum depth of 135 feet (41 m). The lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, with sportfish in the lake including yellow perch, trout, smelt, and pike.
However, the lake's water quality has been a growing concern for citizens and local governments. One of the main sources of pollution in Higgins Lake is septic systems. With the increasing development around the lake, thousands of vacation homes, cottages, condos, and mansions have been built along the shorelines. These homes rely on septic systems for wastewater management, and many of these systems are aging and faulty, leading to an overabundance of nutrient-tainted septic water contaminating the lake. The nutrients from human waste, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, breed algae, reducing the clarity of the water and leading to issues such as swimmer's itch.
Fertilizers are also contributing to the pollution in Higgins Lake. Lawn fertilizers, used by residents and vacation homeowners, contain nutrients that can wash into the lake, further fueling algae growth. Efforts have been made to encourage residents to reduce their use of fertilizers, with signs reading "Love Your Lake: Skip the Fertilizer" appearing around the lake.
To address the issue of septic system pollution, there have been proposals to install a lake-wide sewer system. However, this plan has faced opposition from some residents, particularly those with more modest back-lot properties, due to the high cost and questions about its necessity. The debate over the sewer project has led to public hearings, online discussions, and even legal actions.
The Higgins Lake Property Owners' Association (HLPOA) has also taken steps to improve the lake's health by retaining the expertise of Restorative Lake Sciences, LLC (RLS), a scientific firm specializing in lake management and restoration. RLS has made recommendations, including the installation of a sewer system and the removal of invasive species without the use of chemical herbicides.
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Water quality improvement
Higgins Lake, located in Roscommon County, Michigan, is a large recreational and fishing lake known for its deep, clear waters. The lake is a popular residential and recreational area, which has raised concerns about the lake's water quality due to increased nutrient loads, including phosphorus and nitrogen, from septic systems, fertilizers, and road runoff.
To improve the water quality of Higgins Lake, here are some detailed and focused strategies:
Install a Lake-Wide Sewer System: Implementing a centralized sewer system can effectively manage wastewater and reduce the impact of onsite sewage disposal on the lake's water quality. This will help prevent the leakage of pharmaceuticals and nitrates into the groundwater and the lake itself.
Invasive Species Removal: Invasive species, such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and Starry Stonewort, negatively impact the lake's ecosystem. By utilizing Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH), approximately 21 acres of Eurasian Watermilfoil and 2.5 acres of Starry Stonewort can be removed without the use of chemical herbicides. Proper management of the south state park launch lagoon, a significant source of these invasive species, is crucial to controlling their spread.
Natural Shoreline and Vegetation: Establishing a natural shoreline buffer zone with native plants and vegetation can effectively filter pollutants from stormwater runoff before it enters the lake. This approach helps reduce nutrient levels, preventing the growth of weeds and algae. Additionally, native vegetation helps prevent shoreline erosion by stabilizing sediments.
Aeration Systems: Installing aeration systems, such as floating fountains and surface aerators, can increase dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the lake. Well-oxygenated water promotes a healthier aquatic environment that is less conducive to the growth of nuisance weeds and algae.
Septic System Maintenance: Regular maintenance and evaluation of septic systems are crucial. Leaky septic systems can contribute to nutrient loading, impacting the lake's water quality. Homeowners should repair leaks, minimize the use of harsh cleaning chemicals, and avoid disposing of grease, food, and trash in septic systems. Regular pumping of septic tanks, at least once every three years, is essential for maintaining a functional system and protecting the lake's water quality.
By implementing these strategies, the Higgins Lake community can effectively improve and maintain the water quality of the lake, ensuring its pristine condition for future generations to enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
Higgins Lake is considered a morphometrically oligotrophic lake, meaning that it appears and functions as a nutrient-poor lake. However, in recent years, there has been an influx of nutrients from lawn fertilizers, septic systems, and road runoff, leading to a growth of algae and a decrease in water quality.
The primary cause of pollution in Higgins Lake is the increased load of nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen, from septic systems, fertilizers, and road runoff.
The introduction of zebra mussels, which have no known predators in U.S. waters, has threatened the existence of native clams and resulted in more vegetation growing on the lake bottom.
The Higgins Lake Property Owners' Association (HLPOA) has retained the expertise of Restorative Lake Sciences, LLC (RLS), a scientific firm specializing in lake management and restoration, to study the lake and make recommendations for improvement. The HLPOA has agreed to implement the RLS study recommendations, which include installing a lake-wide sewer system and removing invasive plant species without the use of chemical herbicides.
Individuals can play a role in reducing pollution by reducing or eliminating the use of fertilizers and supporting conservation efforts. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to clean their boats before putting them into the lake to prevent the spread of foreign pests and intruders, preserving the lake's natural ecology.
