Indiana Clean Lakes Program Data For 2023

Indiana Clean Lakes Program Data for 2023: An Insight into Hoosier Water Quality
The Indiana Clean Lakes Program (CLP) plays a vital role in monitoring and assessing the health of the state’s lakes and reservoirs. This long-running initiative, conducted by Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) with support from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), provides important data on lake conditions across the state. By gathering and analyzing water samples from lakes every year, the CLP helps Hoosiers understand the ecological state of their water bodies, identify potential environmental risks, and develop strategies to maintain or improve water quality.
The 2023 data collection represents another year of significant progress in the effort to safeguard Indiana’s lakes for both recreational and ecological purposes. This year's data sheds light on several key areas of concern, such as nutrient pollution, invasive species, and algae blooms, while also celebrating improvements in water clarity and aquatic diversity in many lakes.

Water Quality Trends in 2023
One of the primary objectives of the Indiana Clean Lakes Program is to track nutrient levels in the state's lakes. Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, often find their way into lakes due to agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and other human activities. Elevated nutrient levels can lead to algae blooms, including harmful cyanobacteria blooms, which pose risks to both human health and aquatic life.
In 2023, data revealed that while nutrient pollution remains a concern, particularly in agricultural regions, several lakes have shown improved phosphorus levels compared to previous years. This progress can be attributed to increased public awareness, better agricultural practices, and the implementation of buffer zones along shorelines to reduce runoff.
However, the data also highlighted some lakes where high phosphorus levels persist, especially in areas with intensive farming activity. These lakes are more susceptible to algae blooms, which can decrease oxygen levels in the water and result in fish kills. IDEM and other environmental organizations continue to promote conservation practices that minimize nutrient runoff, such as cover crops and no-till farming.

Algae Bloom Monitoring
Algae blooms, particularly those caused by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), remain a top priority for the Indiana Clean Lakes Program. These blooms can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife. In 2023, several lakes reported moderate to severe algae blooms during the warmer months, with particularly high concentrations observed in some northern and central Indiana lakes.
The program’s early warning system, which alerts local authorities and the public when harmful algae blooms are detected, played a crucial role in safeguarding public health. Warning signs and advisories were posted around affected lakes to discourage swimming, boating, and fishing during peak bloom times. This system has become an essential tool in managing algae-related risks and ensuring safe recreational use of Indiana’s lakes.

Invasive Species Control
Invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels, continue to challenge lake ecosystems across Indiana. These species disrupt native habitats and can negatively impact water quality. In 2023, the Indiana Clean Lakes Program documented both improvements and setbacks in managing invasive species. While certain lakes showed progress in controlling invasive plant species through chemical treatments and manual removal efforts, others reported an increase in zebra mussel populations.
Efforts to combat invasive species involve not only treatment but also public education on preventing their spread. Boaters, anglers, and swimmers are reminded to clean, drain, and dry their equipment when moving between water bodies to prevent the introduction of these harmful species.

Water Clarity and Aquatic Life
One of the bright spots in the 2023 data is the improvement in water clarity in several lakes. Water clarity, measured using a Secchi disk, is a key indicator of overall lake health. Clearer water allows sunlight to penetrate deeper, supporting aquatic plants and the organisms that depend on them.
Lakes with improved clarity also tend to support a wider diversity of aquatic life, including fish, invertebrates, and plant species. The Clean Lakes Program’s biodiversity surveys in 2023 revealed a healthy increase in native fish populations in several lakes, a sign that ongoing conservation efforts are bearing fruit.

Looking Ahead
​The 2023 Indiana Clean Lakes Program data underscores both the progress made in improving water quality and the ongoing challenges that remain. As nutrient pollution, algae blooms, and invasive species continue to threaten some lakes, it is clear that the work to preserve Indiana’s water resources is far from over.
Moving forward, collaboration between government agencies, local communities, farmers, and environmental groups will be essential in addressing these challenges. The Indiana Clean Lakes Program will continue to play a critical role in monitoring lake health and guiding future efforts to protect and restore Indiana’s treasured water bodies.
For Hoosiers who cherish their lakes for recreation, fishing, and wildlife, the data collected in 2023 serves as both a call to action and a reason for optimism. By continuing to invest in lake conservation and sustainable land-use practices, Indiana can ensure that its lakes remain clean, healthy, and vibrant for generations to come.