Definitions for Wacky Words

Alkalinity/Acidity: Denotes whether the water characteristic is an acid or alkaline (base). Healthy lakes tend to be only slightly acid, neutral or slightly alkaline.

Chlorophyll a: The green coloring of plants

Dissolved Oxygen: D.O. is essential for the maintenance of healthy lakes and rivers. The presence of oxygen in water is a positive sign, and the absence of oxygen is a signal of severe pollution.

Secchi disk: Black and white disk attached by a chain or rope marked in one foot increments that is used to obtain a comparative indication of water turbidity.

Turbidity: This refers to the clarity or clearness of the water.