Water Crystal Clear at Prairie Rose Following Alum Treatment

(Harlan) According to DNR Fisheries Biologist John Lorenzen, the Alum treatment at Prairie Rose is deemed a success, and maybe too good.

Alum effectively “traps” excess nutrients and enhances water clarity over an extended period. The improved clarity fosters a ripple effect throughout the lake’s ecosystem. Lorenzen says the water went from around seven to 20 feet in visibility almost immediately.

Lorenzen says he put a line in the water immediately following the Alum application, and he was not disappointed. He hauled in 35 fish, half crappie and half bluegill.

He says the downside of this phenomenal clarity is that sunlight penetrates further, so the DNR will battle vegetation as the summer progresses.

(Photo is a stretch of water at Prairie Rose Lake)