Overall the water quality of Lake Fred is good, and there is no evidence of any current significant issues. The gaps in the available data and limited scope does not provide a definitive overall picture of the lake. The shallow nature of the lake and small overall sizes means that relatively small changes to the water quality can have large overall impacts on environment.

The chart below shows where the lake stands on specific parameters tested in our water quality assessment.

The Importance of Water Quality

The quality of the water in the lake is critical for the health of the ecosystem. Many fish species live in the lake that rely of algae and plants that grow in the lake. Osprey in the area feed on those fish, and are critical raptors to the ecosystem on top of being the mascot of the university. Other birds rely on the lake for food sources and a safe place to rest while they are migrating. If the water quality falters the plants and the fish that support the food change can die off and kill the ecosystem.

The lake is a fluid system however that can change with the weather and is affected by various human activities that happen in and around the lake. Constant monitoring and stormwater management are essential for maintaining the overall quality of the lake.