Lake Bonnet
Lake Bonnet is a 'transition' type lake, surrounded by muck soils that cause the water to be naturally stained a reddish color, though this lake is relatively deep (35 feet) for a transition type lake. Water quality in Lake Bonnet, based on Lakewatch data, is fairly typical for this type of lake, where nutrient levels are naturally elevated. Phosphorus levels are somewhat high, ranging from 29 to 57 ppb (parts per billion) and averaging 39 ppb. Nitrogen levels range from moderate to high for a lake of this type, ranging from 600 to 2270 ppb and averaging 1342 ppb. These high nutrient levels result in large populations of algae, as measured by the chlorophyll concentration in the water. Chlorophyll ranges from 26 to 105 ppb and averages 54 ppb. Water clarity, as measured by the depth to which a standardized 'secchi' disc can be seen when lowered into the water, declines when algae levels increase. Secchi depths are moderate for a lake of this type, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 feet and averaging 2.4 feet. These water quality parameters fluctuate (though somewhat dramatically) over time, which is natural for lakes, and there does not yet appear to be a long term change in water quality based on available data. Click here to view water quality data by year.