Indian Lake

Dowagiac, Michigan 2012

Indian Lake is a 500 acre recreational lake in southeastern Michigan, just east of Eau Claire, west of Dowagiac.

Like most impaired lakes, Indian Lake is caught in a cycle of nutrient overloading. The watershed has overloaded the lake with pollutants, and the nutrient rich sediment is internally fueling continuous excess weed and blue-algae growth.

Historical attempts to resolve Eurasian Water Milfoil and algae included periodic lake-bottom dredging and seasonal application of chemical herbicides. Dissatisfied with results, the people of Indian Lake contacted Lake Savers and a partnership developed.

The Solution

We assessed the entire lake, did our research, designed a system, and installed our Whole-Lake Technology™ to an 85 acre test site in April 2010. An independent research firm was commissioned by the lake association to measure the effectiveness of Lake Savers Lake Bottom Aeration and Biological Acceleration in reducing lake-bottom muck and acting as a natural weed and algae control mechanism.

2011 Success

After five months of operation, there was a 1.3 foot reduction in organic muck in the treatment area, a significant reduction in Eurasian Water milfoil, a decrease in harmful blue-green (cyanobacteria) algae and an increase in beneficial green (phytoplankton) algae and other microorganisms that support the aquatic food chain. Needless to say, we’re excited for this year’s results and the possibility of restoring the whole lake back to optimum health. [2012 Indian Lake Study]