Watson Lake’s dramatically beautiful scenery is getting a lift from measures to reduce algal blooms and boost water quality.
The City of Prescott has installed floating, solar-powered water circulators on the surface of the lake, expected to increase its level of dissolved oxygen and reduce the frequency of algal blooms, which will benefit the lake’s ecosystem.
“Watson Lake represents one of the crown jewels of Prescott. These machines will help polish it up considerably by improving clarity of the water and will benefit all who visit and the wildlife that rely on these waters,” said Matt Killeen, Environmental Coordinator for the City of Prescott.
The solar panels powering the four floating devices can be seen on the lake’s surface. They circulate the upper layer of water to prevent the formation of blue-green algae, which is made up of organisms called cyanobacteria that cloud the water and can release toxins harmful to animals and humans. Algae blooms can also deprive the lake and the fish that live in it of oxygen.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified Watson Lake as deficient in ph level, dissolved oxygen and nutrients, creating a water quality concern. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality completed a study in 2015, and in 2021 a City report identified aeration as one of the recommended actions.
The City Council approved a nearly $278,000 contract with IXOM Water Solutions Inc. for purchase and installation.
Algal blooms regularly happen on the lake during Prescott’s summer recreation season and one of the reasons swimming has long been prohibited there.
