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Water Quality Action Plan & Materials

2020 Water & Fish Study – Highlights from findings & corresponding discussion:

Dunham Lake is a mesotrophic, pristine lake that still apparently has a small population of lake herring, which is shared by fewer than another 153 lakes in Michigan … The fish population is diverse (13 species collected) with a good balance of top predators and prey fishes.  Two interesting observations were made when diets were examined:  first, we found Hexagenia the large mayfly of AuSable fame present in the stomachs of smallmouth bass and bluegills.  Hexagenia is another bellwether, like lake herring, of pristine conditions and is excellent fish food.  They require adequate dissolved oxygen on the bottom year round and live in U-shaped tubes in the sediment.  In addition, we found stoneflies, mayflies, and other caddisflies in the diets, which is another indication of the high water quality of the lake.

Source: A Water Quality Survey of Dunham Lake, 2019 Including 2018 Data and Recommendations; David J. Jude, Ph.D., Limnologist, Fishery Biologist; 7 May 2020 

October 2021 Update:

I have recently contacted Highland Township and Hartland Township concerning future plans for sewers near Dunham Lake. As of this writing, neither have plans to bring sewers into our area in the foreseeable future. The closest system is Hartland which is currently as far as Bullard Lake and connects to the Flint / Grand Blanc system The closest connection point in Oakland County is near Bogie Lake Road. This connects to the treatment plant in Commerce Township. As you can see, it is not as easy as just saying we should connect to sewers.
 
The cost for the necessary systems required to provide the infrastructure to construct sewers is gigantic. The cost per resident to connect is in the range of $30,000 per household. The cost to construct a waste treatment facility is in the millions.
 
So, all said, what are our most cost effective options for now ?
  • Do what we can to minimize runoff of any kind into the lake
  • Educate residents to stop or minimize fertilizer use
  • Educate people to understand the signs of failed septic systems
  • Pump septic tanks at least every 2 – 3 years
  • Possible treatment with alum to stop the deterioration until permanent actions can be implemented
  • ???
 
The current and proposed future developments along the M59 corridor may provide us with sewer options sooner than planned, so there is always hope. The States involvement may provide other options such as grant monies . This problem to the lake did not happen overnight nor will it be corrected quickly. I would ask all residents to provide input and above all be patient and respectful of all.
 
Thank You,
Ed Cesa

Testing & Results:

Various testing has, and continues to be, conducted on the quality of water from different sources that flow INTO the lake.  Results from key findings are posted below.  More information will be posted as it is available.

Action Plan:

  • Education to residents on steps individuals can take to address water quality (Mailed Oct 2020; included in 2021 Laker; discussed at 2021 Annual DLPOA Board Meeting)
  • Provide updates as they are available (see October 2021 update above)
  • Ongoing water studies (see here for previous results)
  • Native grass plantings (2nd planting completed in May 2021)
  • Native tree plantings (seedlings potted in May 2021; Fall planting scheduled for Nov 2021; remaining planting scheduled for 2022)
  • Continued identification and testing of inputs (see Testing & Results section of this page)
  • Research into other mediation measures in partnership with State, County and industry experts (state visit in Apr 2021; expert consultant, Dr. Jude, input is continuous)
  • Additional research