Maryland DNR Secretary John Griffin visited Garrett County on November 14 and presented a “State of the Lake” report to the County Commissioners and members of the public in attendance. Overall the Deep Creek Lake water quality was described to be in “good shape”. Below are some high points of the DNR presentation.
- Deep Creek Lake continues to be a healthy reservoir and it meets Federal and State Clean Water Act Standards. Secretary Griffin said that “the water quality is in good shape and we want to keep it that way.”
- The lake has recovered from the 2010 fish kill which was caused by heat stress. A summer of unnaturally high air temperatures probably caused the problem. Recent fishery studies now show good reproductive rates in fish and there has been a remedial bass stocking to build that population back up.
- Overall algae levels are limited by low phosphorous levels and this helps to keep the lake under thresholds. Oxygen levels in the upper layers of the lake are good.
- No toxic compounds or other contaminants have been found in any sampled bottom sediments.
- Some coves have experienced sedimentation. DNR is studying how that sedimentation occurred, and when, before recommending any solutions. In 2013 DNR hopes to have some cost estimates for dredging should it be feasible to do so.
- Submerged vegetation (SAVs) are an indicator of a healthy lake environment but are perceived to be a problem for recreational boaters. In 2013 DNR will be doing some test eradication projects to see what techniques work best in the lake.
- Some chemical indicators show the impact of increased land development in the watershed but are not considered to have an impact on overall lake water quality at this time.
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