Despite accelerated growth of hydrilla and various types of algae, the water quality remains good in the area of the old boat ramp; this being the only area tested. The pH balance and levels of dissolved oxygen have changed very little since August, which is bad news in the latter case because it puts fish and other aquatic life in jeopardy. LCRA came out on December 2 to take samples of both lake water and algae, following the deaths of two deer showing no obvious signs of trauma. While we were waiting for the results of the tests, a large female beaver was also found dead on the shore of a home on Rainbow One.

 

When the test results finally came back on Thursday 15th they showed no traces of toxins, however, so the cause of the various deaths is still a mystery. LCRA’s deep water tests in November did not detect toxins either. At some stage in the future, we will no longer be dependent on LCRA for toxin testing but should be able to conduct testing ourselves. LCRA is currently working with the Colorado River Watch Network to obtain test strips for dihydroanatoxin-a, the cyanotoxin that caused dog deaths and illnesses two years ago. The strips will then be provided to volunteers, hopefully free of charge, as with the training, equipment and chemicals we have already received.

 

Here is the latest summary of Travis Landing results collected by John Anderson for the Colorado River Watch Network. To see historic data going back to May 2021, go to the LCRA Site List and the entry for Site 463 (Travis Landing), located in segment 1404.