For almost 20 years---from 1993 to the present--volunteer lake monitors have been testing and reporting the water quality and clarity in Carlin Lake. Gary and Sally Wise, Ramona and George Kubica, Carl Watras, Alex Watras, and now John Farwell have taken samples and sent them to the DNR in Madison as part of the "Wisconsin Citizen Lake Monitoring Network."
Once a month, from May to August, two water samples are taken from the same area of the lake and at approximately the same depth of 6 feet. The monitor also records water temperature and weather conditions the day the samples are taken.
Once the monitor gets back to shore, sulphuric acid is put into the first test tube; then the lake sample is added and the tube sealed. The second water sample is filtered through a system so any impurities will be captured on the center filter. That filter is then folded and put into a second test tube and sealed.
Both test tubes are placed on ice and must be mailed the same day they are collected. The project center in Madison then records the data, mails the necessary containers back promptly, and prepares summary charts of long-term results.
By collecting and comparing water data, the state is helping us maintain water quality in Carlin Lake, as well as all the lakes in Wisconsin.
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