Greater First Colony Area Civic Association
Lake Pasbehegh
Water Quality in
Lake Pasgehegh
2007/08
by Dr. Randy Chambers
College of William & Mary
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-Surface waters are sufficiently oxygenated through out the year
-Below one meter in depth, however, the oxygen level drops into an anoxic or 'dead zone.' Fish are restricted to the upper zone.
-Pasbehegh has low total dissolved ions (measured by conductivity). The level suggests little soil contact time and low buffering capability.
-No evidence of salt intrusion from the James River was found anywhere in Lake Pasbehegh.
-No fecal coliform problems were found. This means there is no problem from leaking sewers, septic tanks, geese, etc.
-Despite low buffering capacity, the acidity of the lake never strays from normal ranges.
-There is no state criterion for suspended sediment, but there are significant variation in sediment in the lake by seasons, due to changes in algae in the water column.
-Lake Pasbehegh has low levels of nitrate + nitrite and phosporus, and an elevated concentration of ammonia. None of these are out of normal ranges, however.
-Below one meter in depth, however, the oxygen level drops into an anoxic or 'dead zone.' Fish are restricted to the upper zone.
-Pasbehegh has low total dissolved ions (measured by conductivity). The level suggests little soil contact time and low buffering capability.
-No evidence of salt intrusion from the James River was found anywhere in Lake Pasbehegh.
-No fecal coliform problems were found. This means there is no problem from leaking sewers, septic tanks, geese, etc.
-Despite low buffering capacity, the acidity of the lake never strays from normal ranges.
-There is no state criterion for suspended sediment, but there are significant variation in sediment in the lake by seasons, due to changes in algae in the water column.
-Lake Pasbehegh has low levels of nitrate + nitrite and phosporus, and an elevated concentration of ammonia. None of these are out of normal ranges, however.
