Water Quality on Lake Gaston
Overview
Water Quality at Lake Gaston is considered to be very good. Overall Lake Gaston is classified as a eutrophic system which indicates the ability of the system to support a healthy and diverse population of aquatic organisms.
NCSU conducted a 3-year Water Quality Monitoring project related to lyngbya research in 2019-2021.
Most recently in 2023, another Water Quality Study was conducted with a goal to identify any potential negative impacts to the Water Quality of Lake Gaston. Overall water chemistry and nutrient parameters fall within the levels recommended by the EPA for the protection of aquatic life and recreation and did not vary significantly across the watershed. https://lgwcc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NCSU_2023-Lake-Gaston-Water-Quality-Monitoring_Final-Report-1.pdf
Water Clarity
The above-mentioned water quality studies include data on water clarity. Secchi depth is an indicator of water clarity and can be affected by suspended sediment, algae abundance, or overall color of the water.
The Lake Gaston Association (LGA) has a water clarity project that is ongoing by the use of volunteers across the lake. Results are provided monthly by volunteers. Measuring “water clarity” is a very simple method. You are provided with a Secchi disk and asked to lower it into the water periodically and determine the depth at which you can no longer view it. This measurement is recorded and reported to the Lake Gaston Association Environmental Committee. This data is plotted and is used to see if there is a correlation between Hydrilla/Lyngbya growth and turbid (low clarity) water. You should feel free to contact the Lake Gaston Association Environmental Committee for information and to volunteer.
E. Coli Sampling
The Lake Gaston Association monitors sites around the lake for E-Coli. Test kits are provided to LGA members upon request and it is simple to do the testing. The Lake Gaston Association Environmental Committee is the contact for this activity.
LGA Water Quality Project Summary – 2024
Other Water Quality Info
NCSU Lyngbya Research Report – 2023
This Research Report has a Water Quality Section, pages103-147 that includes the 2019-2021 data