HIGH QUALITY H2O

High Quality Living up to its name H2O

By Rachel Wumkes

Being the 3rd largest body of water in the state of Iowa, Clear Lake is a gathering place for a variety of aquatic enthusiasts. Fisherman attempt to snag the big one each year; scouring the shoreline as they search for hot spots where the bite is on. Vacationers utilize the 3600-acre space as a playground for all sorts of activities like swimming, boating, water skiing, or simply dangling their feet off the edge of a dock. It’s common for people to spend a week at our paradise oasis. When you’re here… time moves a bit slower. Living on lake time means enjoying a brisk morning walk and soaking up the final stages of daylight as the sun descends across the water for the night. It’s boat rides and floating in the hot sun. It’s sandcastles and grill-outs. It’s Clear Lake. And it’s magnificent. The origin of Clear Lake is thought to be dated back around 13,000 years ago, when massive sheets of ice made their way across the state. These glaciers chiseled Iowa’s landscape, creating the mix of flatland and hills we know today. As the ice scoured the Midwest, it pushed across the countryside with unimaginable force. As the ice began to melt, the flow of the water resulted in some remarkable natural resources, creating the beautiful oasis of Clear Lake for people to enjoy. But Clear Lake didn’t always have the reputation of being a premier vacation destination in the Midwest. Years ago, the lake was anything but clear. In fact, some might argue it was downright dirty. Knowing the economic impact of the lake on our local economy, the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake (ASPCL) imparted drastic measures to ensure Clear Lake became everything it could be and more. In the early 2000s Iowa State University and the Iowa DNR began research into water quality and how it could be improved. Runoff from area farmland and waste from wild animals had created a mess in the water. That led to sky-high phosphorus levels which caused vegetation and fish into a difficult degree of survival. Their recommendation included a massive dredging project. This extensive undertaking was a 4-year overhaul of the little lake, with the end result improving the watershed, vegetation, water clarity and fish habitat. The ASPCL works in conjunction with the Clear Lake Enhancement and Restoration (CLEAR) Project to ensure our beautiful lake remains North Iowa’s most valuable natural resource. This is done by sustaining a healthy ecosystem in the lake and ensuring excellent water quality. A healthy lake provides unparalleled recreational opportunities for the many residents and guests and guarantees economic benefits and stability to small businesses as well as the overall community. In a nutshell – a clean lake is a happy lake! And we are grinning from ear to ear.

Photo by Bella Gooding