Greta Jimenez
Indiana's largest land-bound body of water, Lake Monroe, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting over a million visitors annually. The lake is used for flood control, as a drinking water source for Bloomington, and for recreational purposes such as fishing, boating, and camping. However, Lake Monroe faces significant environmental challenges, including nutrient pollution from farm fertilizers and stormwater runoff, threatening the health of the lake and the plants, fish, and wildlife that depend on it. With concerns about the lake's sustainability, groups like Friends of Lake Monroe are working to safeguard it and develop management plans to address pollution and other issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Water Source for | Bloomington |
| Watershed | Includes parts of five counties |
| Water Treatment Plant | Monroe Water Treatment Plant |
| Pollution Sources | Point sources, Non-point sources, Nutrient pollution, Stormwater |
| Pollution Prevention Measures | Proper septic system maintenance, Use of waste dumping stations, Controlled burning |
| Algae | Blue-green algae, Green algae, Brown algae |
| Depth | Average: 17 feet, Maximum: 54 feet |
| Visitors | Over 1 million annually |
| Activities | Boating, Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking |
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What You'll Learn
Lake Monroe's water treatment
Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, is the largest man-made body of water in the state, covering 10,750 acres. The lake was built in 1964 and filled with water in 1965. It is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The lake is used for flood control, as a drinking water source, and for recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and hiking.
The quality of the water in Lake Monroe is impacted by the watershed, which includes the surrounding land, creeks, and other water bodies that drain into the lake. The contaminants in the watershed will end up in the lake, so watershed management is crucial for protecting the lake's water quality.
The Monroe Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) is responsible for filtering and cleaning the lake water for public distribution. The plant is operated by the City of Bloomington Utilities Department (CBU) and has several stages of disinfection before sending the water out into the distribution system. The plant uses conventional rapid sand filtration and averages pumping 15 million gallons of water per day, with a high of 23 million gallons per day during warmer months.
To ensure the water is safe to drink, the CBU tests the water multiple times each day for various quality parameters. During warm and dry periods, the compounds methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin may be present in the drinking water, causing an earthy, musty taste and smell. While these compounds are not harmful to human health, the CBU uses methods to decrease their presence during water purification.
In addition to the efforts of the MWTP, a group called Friends of Lake Monroe is dedicated to safeguarding the lake and its watershed. They participate in hands-on lake cleanup events and are working towards developing a management plan to identify and prioritize areas of focus for protecting the lake's health.
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Stormwater pollution
Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, is a source of drinking water for the city. The lake is susceptible to pollution from logging and runoff from the five counties that drain into it. The Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs published a report in 1997 identifying issues with the lake, but there was little government follow-up on the recommendations.
Monroe County, Indiana, where Lake Monroe is located, has a karst topography with sinkholes that connect directly to the groundwater. Polluted stormwater flowing into these reservoirs can dramatically decrease groundwater quality and pose risks to public health. To prevent stormwater pollution, it is essential to control pollutants at their source. This can include proper waste management, reducing the use of fertilizers, maintaining vehicles to prevent fluid leaks, and using non-toxic products in outdoor spaces.
Additionally, implementing green infrastructure techniques can help address stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure, also known as low-impact development, involves slowing down and spreading out runoff over land, allowing it to infiltrate the ground and be naturally filtered by plants. Examples include rain gardens, pervious pavement, rain barrels, and green roofs. These practices can help remove pollutants from stormwater and reduce the risk of contamination.
By combining source control practices with green infrastructure solutions, the impact of stormwater pollution on water sources like Lake Monroe can be significantly reduced, protecting both human health and the environment.
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Logging and runoff
The quality of water in a lake depends on its watershed—the area of land that drains into it. Lake Monroe in Indiana is no exception, with its watershed spanning five counties. Logging and runoff are two factors that can contribute to water pollution in Lake Monroe and other bodies of water.
Runoff is one of the primary sources of water pollution. It occurs naturally as soil is eroded and carried into bodies of water. Volcanic eruptions, for instance, release toxic gases that eventually return to the water or soil as precipitation. However, human activities have significantly contributed to water pollution through runoff.
Runoff from human activities comes from two places: point sources and non-point sources. Point sources are easily identifiable as they come from a specific pipe and can be traced back to a responsible party. Examples include pipes from sewage treatment plants, factories, or homes. On the other hand, non-point sources are harder to control as pollution comes from multiple sources, making it challenging to hold anyone accountable. Non-point source pollution includes rainwater and irrigation washing chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides into local streams and other bodies of water. Urban and suburban areas are major contributors to non-point source pollution due to their large number of impervious surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, and parking lots, that increase runoff. As a result, stormwater runoff in these areas can pick up antifreeze, gasoline, oil, heavy metals, and other contaminants, which eventually flow into lakes and rivers.
Logging can also impact water quality. Deforestation caused by logging reduces the amount of rainfall absorbed by the soil and plants, leading to increased runoff. This, in turn, can carry away the fertile layer of topsoil, which is essential for agriculture. Additionally, logging can alter the landscape of watersheds, reshaping waterways and endangering aquatic life.
Preventing Logging and Runoff Pollution
To protect Lake Monroe and other water sources from the adverse effects of logging and runoff, several preventive measures can be implemented:
- Reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in lawns, gardens, and agricultural areas.
- Properly maintaining septic systems and waste disposal, especially in boats with waste tanks.
- Creating "green infrastructure" by planting native vegetation, such as trees, grasses, and flowering perennials, to absorb rainfall and reduce runoff.
- Implementing permeable pavements and green roofs in urban areas to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff.
- Offering incentives, such as grants or tax breaks, to farmers who plant grass strips near streams and creeks to trap runoff from their fields.
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Nutrient pollution
Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, is a source of drinking water for the city and is used for recreational purposes. The lake is Indiana's largest land-bound body of water, spanning nearly 11,000 surface acres with a maximum depth of 54 feet. It is a popular destination for fishing, camping, hiking, and boating, attracting over one million visitors annually.
However, Lake Monroe faces several environmental challenges that threaten its health and sustainability. One of the primary concerns is nutrient pollution, specifically the impact of phosphorous- and nitrogen-based fertilizers from farm fields washing into the lake. This type of pollution is a significant issue, as it can lead to excessive algae growth, including blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). While the native algae species in Lake Monroe are not currently considered a major worry, the presence of blue-green algae can affect water quality and taste and may require additional treatment processes.
Friends of Lake Monroe, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations, is actively working to safeguard the lake and address these environmental concerns. They are studying the health of the lake and its watershed to develop a comprehensive management plan. Their efforts include collaborating with various agencies, such as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to identify and prioritize areas of focus. Additionally, they advocate for sustainable practices, such as offering incentives to farmers to implement runoff-reducing measures, like planting grass strips near water sources.
The impact of nutrient pollution in Lake Monroe underscores the importance of proactive watershed management and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. By addressing the sources of pollution and implementing preventive measures, it is possible to mitigate the effects and ensure the long-term health and viability of the lake as a vital water source and recreational hub for the community.
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Algae blooms
Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, is a source of drinking water for the city and its university. However, the lake has been facing issues with algae blooms, which have been worsening over the years.
Indiana State Parks’ Deputy Director of Stewardship, Ginger Murphy, stated that blue-green algae thrive in Lake Monroe when nutrient-rich fertilizer and waste are washed into the lake. This algae can produce toxins that are dangerous to both people and animals. While the lake is generally safe for visitors, it is recommended that they shower after swimming to remove any toxins. Dogs, in particular, are advised to stay out of Indiana lakes as they are highly susceptible to blue-green algae poisoning. The scum can attach to their coats and be ingested while self-cleaning, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, weakness, seizures, and even sudden death.
Climate change further exacerbates the problem, as hotter and drier summers create warmer and more stagnant water conditions, which are ideal for blue-green algae growth. Additionally, the lake's watershed, spanning 440 square miles, includes areas that may not directly benefit from a healthier Lake Monroe. This makes it challenging to implement uniform practices to reduce nutrient runoff into the lake.
To address the issue, the Friends of Lake Monroe group was formed in 2016. They aim to study the lake's health and develop a management plan to identify and prioritize areas of concern. The group is working with various organizations, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, to protect the lake and its surrounding ecosystem.
Preventative measures are crucial, as it is easier to keep pollutants out of the water than to remove them later. Residents within the Lake Monroe watershed are advised to use fertilizer sparingly and ensure proper maintenance of septic systems. By taking collective action, individuals can play a significant role in reducing pollution and protecting the lake's water quality.
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Frequently asked questions
Lake Monroe is Indiana's largest land-bound body of water, spanning nearly 11,000 surface acres with a maximum depth of 54 feet. While the lake is used for flood control, as a drinking water source, and for recreational purposes, it faces several threats of pollution. Every year, more than 35,000 tons of new sediment remain in the lake, slowly filling up the lake bed. The greatest pollution threat to Lake Monroe's water quality is nutrient pollution, specifically phosphorus- and nitrogen-based fertilizers washing off farm fields. During the summer months, Lake Monroe is also home to blooms of blue-green algae, which is actually cyanobacteria.
A group called Friends of Lake Monroe was formed in 2016 to study the health of the lake and its watershed and develop a management plan. They are working with various agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Bloomington Utilities. Additionally, individuals can take actions such as properly maintaining septic systems and using waste dumping stations to prevent pollutants from entering the lake.
Lake Monroe's watershed, the area of land and creeks that drain into the lake, includes parts of five counties. Polluted stormwater, which can pick up contaminants like antifreeze, gasoline, oil, and heavy metals, is a significant contributor to water pollution. Non-point source pollution, such as water flowing over fertilized lawns and parking lots, is particularly challenging to regulate because it comes from multiple sources. Agricultural runoff and logging in the surrounding Hoosier National Forest also pose risks to the lake's health.
