Measure What Matters: Tracking Real Progress in Lake Restoration

Lake restoration is a complex process, and its success depends on more than just visible improvements like reduced algae or clearer water. True progress requires monitoring the root causes of degradation, ensuring that efforts lead to long-term ecological balance and sustainability.

At Clean-Flo, we focus on meaningful metrics that reveal the true health of a lake, aligning our approach with the recommendations of the 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report for proactive and measurable solutions. 

Why Root Cause Metrics Matter

Traditional lake management often relies on superficial, surface-level metrics, such as algae presence or water clarity, which provide little insight into the underlying health of the ecosystem. This focus ignores the looming threat developing beneath.

Focusing on root cause metrics offers a more accurate picture of restoration progress and ensures that interventions address the fundamental drivers of degradation. 

Key root cause metrics include: 

1. Dissolved Oxygen Levels

Oxygen is essential for aquatic life and ecosystem balance. Low oxygen levels (hypoxia) indicate nutrient recycling in the sediment and create conditions that fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs). Monitoring dissolved oxygen throughout the water column ensures that oxygenation efforts are effectively supporting a healthy ecosystem.

2. Sediment Nutrient Stockpiles

Excess nutrients trapped in lake sediments are a primary driver of eutrophication. Measuring sediment composition and volume helps track the reduction of nutrient-rich organic material, ensuring that nutrient recycling is being disrupted and minimized.

3. Phytoplankton Composition

A balanced phytoplankton community is crucial for ecosystem health. Dominance by cyanobacteria (harmful algae) signals an imbalance, while the presence of beneficial algae indicates progress toward restoration. Monitoring phytoplankton shifts provides insight into the lake’s ecological trajectory. 

How Clean-Flo Tracks Progress

Clean-Flo’s Lake Management ACTION Plans are designed to measure and report on these critical metrics, providing clear evidence of progress. Here’s how we do it: 

1. Comprehensive Monitoring Systems

We use advanced sensors and sampling techniques to collect accurate data on oxygen levels, sediment composition, and phytoplankton populations. Real-time monitoring allows us to track changes as they happen, ensuring timely adjustments to management strategies. 

2. Clear and Transparent Reporting 

Our reports go beyond raw data, presenting trends, visuals, and narratives that make complex scientific information accessible to stakeholders. Year-over-year comparisons demonstrate progress and validate the effectiveness of restoration efforts. 

3. Adaptive Management 

Based on monitoring results, we refine and optimize our solutions to ensure continued progress and address any emerging challenges. This flexible approach ensures that management strategies evolve with the lake’s changing needs. 

Investing in What Matters 

Measuring what matters isn’t just about data—it’s about ensuring that every dollar invested in lake restoration delivers real returns. By tracking root causes like hypoxia, sediment nutrient stockpiles, and phytoplankton balance, Clean-Flo ensures that communities see tangible progress and long-term improvements. 

Download the Lake Management ACTION Plan E-Book 

Discover how Clean-Flo’s focus on meaningful metrics can transform your lake. Download our Lake Management ACTION Plan e-Book today to learn more about our data-driven approach and proven strategies for lasting restoration success.