Let’s Keep Things Clear.
Importance of Water Quality
The water quality of Cable and Wiley Lakes is one of the most important issues for the Cable Lake Association. Protecting the lake affords all residents and visitors a great experience with clear water, great fishing, and overall lake enjoyment. Water quality also has a big impact on property values, making it an important issue for all homeowners on the lakes.
2024 Water Quality Summary
Based on recent Secchi and Key Nutrient testing, Cable Lake is designated as being in a “mesotrophic” state, with a 2023 Chlorophyll TSI = 44. Secchi and Chlorophyll metrics have gotten slightly worse vs. prior year, where as total Phosphorus got slightly better. Read detailed discussion here.
This means we have fairly good water quality right now but are at risk for low dissolved oxygen and higher phosphorus and chlorophyll levels, which could lead to further problems down the road with both fish populations and algal blooms on the lake.
What You Can Do to Help
There are simple steps Cable and WIley Lake property owners can take to maintain and improve our water quality.
● Avoid fertilizer use in your lawn and gardens
● Keep shorelines as natural as possible
● Inspect and regularly pump (every 5 years) your septic tanks
● Keep an eye out for AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)
The Cable Lake Association uses methodical monitoring and technical analysis to measure water quality and clarity. In 2006, a Cable and Wiley Lakes Management Study was conducted establish a baseline, and is actively pursuing additional detailed water testing via a program with UW Stevens Point..
Satellite Monitoring (Secchi)
Twice monthly, a Cable Lake Association volunteer takes a secchi disk reading in four different locations. The process is as follows: a 12-in black and white secchi disc is lowered until just out of sight. Depth and visual clarity estimation are recorded. For more info: WI DNR Satellite Monitoring Secchi
Water Sampling
Water samples that measure chlorophyll and phosphorus are drawn May through August and sent to the state lab in Madison for analysis and monitoring of algae in the water.
Results
2024 Cable Lake Quality Monitoring
Defend Against Invasive Species
Invasive species can quickly change an ecosystem impacting fish spawning, waterfowl habitat and wildlife. Boaters and property owners are the best defense against Invasive Species. Cable Lake is home to two invasive species: Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Flag Iris. Please work toward mitigating these two invasive plants prior to their seeding season (Aug-Sept). See detailed descriptions below. The commitment to keep Cable Lake waters free from invasive species has paid off, so far. As of 2023, Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels present in many Wisconsin inland lakes, currently these AIS are not found in Cable and Wiley Lakes. Thank you for your continued vigilance and efforts to keep Cable and Wiley Lakes healthy.
Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria
Identification
Purple loosestrife is an erect perennial herb standing three to ten feet tall. Its average height is five feet. The plant blossoms every July through September with purple flowers that are located in long spikes at the tip of its branches. One purple loosestrife plant may grow as an individual stalk or as several stalks clumped together. As beautiful as this plant may appear, its beauty is deceptive, as purple loosestrife is gradually altering our nation’s wetlands.
Why it is a Problem
Purple loosestrife negatively affects wildlife It displaces and replaces native flora and fauna, eliminating food, nesting and shelter for wildlife. Purple loosestrife forms a single-species stand that no bird, mammal, or fish depends upon, and germinates faster than many native wetland species. If wildlife species are displaced, those that cannot move into new areas may be lost. By reducing habitat size, purple loosestrife has a negative impact of fish spawning and waterfowl habitat. The plant also diminishes wetland recreational values such as boating, fishing and hunting.
Solutions
Physical Control of purple loosestrife is possible for smaller stands of plants (fewer than about 100 plants). It involves physically removing the plant from the soil. Removal should ensure that all root and plant pieces are dug out of the soil. The best time to remove purple loosestrife from the soil is prior to seeding time (August/September). Removal after this time will not eliminate the seeds that have already been produced by the plant. Once the plants are removed they should be burned or tightly bagged to prevent the spread of seeds or resprouting. Composting is not an alternative as the plants may regenerate in the compost pile. For more info : DNR. Wisconsin
Yellow Flag Iris, Iris pseudacorus L
Identification
Yellow Iris is a non-native, perennial aquatic plant in the family Iridaceae that grows from rhizomes. Large, sword-like leaves are light-dark green, and sheath each other at the base. Several large, yellow flowers are held on a round or slightly flattened stalk. Each flower has three large, drooping sepals and three shorter petals. Plants grow in wet soil or emerge from shallow water, and reach 2-6 feet tall.
Why it is a Problem
Populations can spread quickly by rhizomes and seeds, crowding out valuable native plant species and decreasing plant and animal diversity. A study by Raven and Thomas in 1990 noted a large population of yellow Iris that had excluded all other vegetation, even cattails. Yellow Iris is unpalatable to wildlife and livestock due to high levels of glycosides. Dense areas of this plant may alter hydrology by trapping sediment
Solutions
Manual removal of yellow Iris is difficult, because of its strong rhizome network. Removal of small clumps is easier in areas of soft, water-logged substrates, and these clumps should be grasped as far down the stem as possible and pulled straight up to have the best chance of removing the entire rhizome. Digging is also an option—care should be taken to get underneath the entire rhizome without breaking it, and removal of native species must be minimized. All plant material must be removed from the site and disposed of away from water bodies. Small populations may be successfully removed using physical methods. Care should be taken if hand-pulling plants as some people show skin sensitivity to plant sap and tissues. All parts of the plant should be dug out – particularly rhizomes and disposed of in a landfill or by burning. Cutting the seed heads may help decrease the plant spreading. Yellow Iris can cause skin irritation, so gloves should be worn when working with this species.
For more information: UW-Stevens Point Extension Lakes