Reducing phosphorus inputs to Lake Champlain is one of the top three priorities established by the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Analyzing water-quality data periodically for changes over time is one way to determine if reduction goals are being met. In 1999, the USGS began a study to identify any changes in water-quality data from the Lake Champlain Basin during the 1990s. Seasonal trends in phosphorous and other constituents such as nitrogen, chloride, and total suspended solids are being analyzed. Changes in basin characteristics will be related to trends in order to identify potential causes.

--Laura Medalie (802) 828-4512 or lmedalie@usgs.gov

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