Evaluation of Pollution Sources to Lake Glenville
by Kimberlee K Hall, PhD, Environmental Health Program
Western Carolina University
Summary: Nitrate concentrations are reduced and despite the slight increase in orthophosphate concentrations since December, all continues to look good.
Chemical and microbial analysis of water samples collected at Lake Glenville area sites helps to characterize water quality in relation to potential sources of water pollution. Overall water quality, as evidenced by data collected on March 19, 2019, is acceptable but there is evidence to suggest the influence of soil erosion and runoff events on nutrient concentrations. Water quality was comparable to that observed in December 2018 with the exception of orthophosphate and nitrate concentrations. Specifically, orthophosphate concentrations increased while nitrate concentrations decreased from December 2018 to March 2019. The next quarterly monitoring event will take place in June 2019. Results from that monitoring event will be evaluated individually and in relation to the results presented in this report to evaluate temporal changes in water quality and evaluate sources of pollution.