Secchi Readings
Water transparency is a quick and easy measurement that can tell a lot about a lake's water quality. It indicates the amount of light penetration and an indirect measure of the amount of suspended material in the water (ie. algae).

The MPCA utilizes voluteer effort to test transparency using an 8-inch, circular, all-white metal plate attached to a callibrated rope.
The tool is called a Secchi disk.
About once a week, the volunteer lowers the disk into the water until it is no longer visible and notes the depth from the rope's markings. 

Click on the links below to navigate to the MPCA website displayed above:

  Water Clarity