Scott Williams, from Lake and Watershed Resource Management Associates in Turner, Maine, is the person who evaluates and documents Worthley Pond’s water quality every year. Bruce Paster, Certified Volunteer Lake Monitor and FWP member, provides Scott with monthly water clarity data (June-September) which is included in the 2022 Worthley Pond Water Quality Report. Per Scott, “The value of the work of trained volunteer lake monitors in assessing the health of Maine’s lakes cannot be overstated. It has been extremely helpful in the analysis of the condition of the lake in 2022.” THANK YOU, Bruce!!
Here are the historical metrics that have been measured since 2017:
The 2022 Worthley Pond Water Quality Report no longer provides a water quality rating like above (or below) average. Instead, it provides the following summary statements:
The water was substantially clearer, and phosphorus, the key nutrient that limits algae growth, and chlorophyll-a, which directly measures algal density in the lake, were slightly lower (better than) the historical averages for Worthley. Late summer dissolved oxygen levels in the deepest area of the lake – long considered to be a “canary in the coal mine” for deep clear lakes, was not as severe as it has been in some recent years.
[Regarding water clarity] The highest (clearest) reading of 8.8 meters (very clear) was recorded on September 17, and the lowest reading of 6.6 meters was recorded on May 29. The average for the 5 month period was 8.02 meters, compared to the historical average of 6.8 meters!
Worthley Pond Water Quality Reports have been prepared and published since 2006. As you can see, water quality has been a key focus for the Association for many years! Note: Historical water quality reports are available upon request.