Twin Lakes, located in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, are a pair of shallow, seepage water bodies covering approximately 200 acres. These lakes have been on the state’s impaired waters list for many years due to excess nutrient enrichment, poor water quality, and heavy algal blooms. This comprehensive analysis will explore various aspects of Twin Lakes’ water quality, including water clarity, contaminants, regulatory compliance, beach water quality testing, and lake management efforts.
Water Clarity in Twin Lakes
Water clarity is an essential indicator of water quality, and Twin Lakes’ clarity has been monitored by volunteers since 1993 using a Secchi disk. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Twin Lakes’ water clarity is considered “Excellent” for a Two-Story lake, indicating a healthy ecosystem. However, the presence of algal blooms may impact the overall clarity and water quality.
Contaminants in Twin Lakes
The EWG Tap Water Database reports on the contaminants detected in Twin Lakes’ water supply. Two notable contaminants are arsenic and radium, combined (-226 & -228). Arsenic, found at 338 times above EWG’s Health Guideline, is a potent carcinogen that can cause thousands of cancer cases each year in the U.S. Radium, combined (-226 & -228), was detected at 1.15 pCi/L, 23 times above EWG’s Health Guideline. Radium is a radioactive element that can cause bone cancer and other cancers.
Regulatory Compliance of Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes’ water supply complies with federal health-based drinking water standards, as reported by the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO). From April 2019 to March 2021, Twin Lakes Complex complied with health-based drinking water standards. However, the presence of contaminants such as arsenic and radium above EWG’s Health Guidelines indicates a need for continued monitoring and potential improvements in water treatment processes.
Beach Water Quality Testing in Twin Lakes
All beach water quality testing in Twin Lakes is performed by Kenosha County. The public beaches in Twin Lakes include Sunset Beach, Lucille Beach, and Lance Park. Regular testing ensures the safety of swimmers and other water users, providing valuable data on potential contaminants or pollution sources.
Twin Lakes Lake District and Water Management
The Twin Lakes Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District contracted with the US Geological Survey (USGS) for lake level data collection and monitoring, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information on lake levels and potential Slow No Wake regulations. The Lake District also provides information on riparian zones, pier placement, and grandfathering, ensuring that property owners and users understand the regulations governing the lakes’ use and protection.
References:
– Friends of Twin Lakes. (n.d.). Community group concerned with water … Retrieved from http://www.twinlakefriends.org
– Water Quality – Wisconsin Lakes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?page=waterquality&wbic=1623800
– EWG Tap Water Database | Twin Lakes Complex. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=WI2300619
– Lake Info | Village of Twin Lakes, WI. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.twinlakeswi.gov/visitors/lake-district/
– Water Quality Reports and Graphs – Wisconsin Lakes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakepages/LakeDetail.aspx?page=waterquality&wbic=2731800