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Aquatic Consulting and Testing Reports
Aquatic Consulting and Testing has performed monthly Water and Lake Management Inspections for our lakes in Dobson Ranch for many years. You may not be aware that a monthly report is available on the Dobson Ranch website for you to review under the menu pulldowns Amenities > Our Lakes (dobsonranchhoa.com/our-lakes).
These reports summarize data collected under the revised program initiated in 2019 that includes comprehensive testing of the lakes on a monthly basis and bi-weekly field inspections twice per month throughout the year. Field sheets for the inspections are also included in each report to include laboratory reports, and pesticide application documents, when applicable. Additionally, as in the case of the January 2023 report, special E. coli and total phosphorus data are presented for Lake 8. Each monthly report gives detailed data for each lake. For example, see the following information pulled from the report for Lake 7: Lake 7
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Lake temperature ranged from 13.3 to 13.9 C (56-57 F). Water pH ranged from 8.6 to 8. 7 SU, indicating moderate algae density. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 10.7 to 11.8 mg/L and was more than satisfactory for the fishery. Fish activity appeared normal. Transparency was about one meter, with turbidity of 4.2 - 4.8 NTU. Fountains were in operation.
Waterfowl density was about one bird per acre (~1/A); excellent according to the Arizona Game & Fish Department rating system. No cormorants were noted. Adult Midge Flies did not appear to produce any nuisance issues to lakeside residents or visitors.
The dominant suspended algae in the lake were again problematic blue-green forms; colonies of Microcystis and Merismopedia. Density of algae was elevated. The dominant algae make the water turbid and produced surface scum. No golden algae were identified in the lake.
We would like to extend a welcome to Zach Hache, Biologist, with Aquatic Consulting and Testing! Zach is the new Water Resource Manager on staff at Dobson Ranch and working closely with the Water and Lake Management Committee.
The Water and Lake Management Committee meet the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the La Casita Recreation Center.
