Deep Creek Lake Hydrologic and Water Quality Conditions

Objectives

This study is designed to address short-term objectives related to DNR's management of Deep Creek Lake, and to provide a foundation for addressing long-term objectives. The short-term objectives of the study will be to:

• Provide additional information to DNR on the extent and thickness of lake sediment, relevant to its consideration of a policy to allow dredging in the lake;
• Characterize current water quality conditions of selected tributaries to the lake;
• Determine the degree of hydraulic connection between the lake and the local ground water system; Initiate monitoring of selected tributaries to track water quality and quantity of inflows;
• Develop a plan to complete the studies of trophic history of the lake.

The long-term objectives that the study will begin to address are to:

• Establish a tributary monitoring network to track the quality of inflows into the future;
• Determine current sediment flux to the lake and how it compares to historical rates;
• Initiate a series of studies to reconstruct the history of the trophic status of Deep Creek Lake;
• Determine if historical patterns of development are associated with the observed patterns in sedimentation and trophic status; and
• Develop a water budget for the lake and its watershed.

Statement of Problem

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Strategy and Approach

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