Volunteer Secchi Disk MonitoringVolunteers collect water transparency data using an 8-inch, circular, black and white metal plate attached to a calibrated rope. This tool is called a Secchi disk. Volunteers take secchi readings for a designated spot in Lake Macatawa about once a week during open water season. The volunteer lowers the disk into the water until it is no longer visible and notes that depth from the markings on the rope. The disk is then lowered a little further and then raised back up until it is just visible. This second depth reading is averaged with the first, and the final number is recorded on a data sheet.
This measure estimates the clarity of the water. Water transparency is a quick and easy measurement that tells scientists a lot about a lake's water quality. First it indicates the amount of light penetration into a lake. Second, Secchi transparency provides an indirect measure of the amount of suspended material in the water. Changes in transparency over time can be an important red flag that a change in water quality is occurring.
Secchi disk measurements provide objective means to evaluate water clarity versus subjective statements such as "It is clear," or "It is muddy." One person's clear water may be another person's muddy water.
Contact the MACC to learn more about becoming a part of the volunteer monitoring program
Click here to see the MACC’s Secchi data.
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