Lagoon water quality and the fight against the aquatic invasive species.

The Tahoe Keys lagoons are inter-connected to Lake Tahoe, nutrients and fine sediments contained in the lagoon water can adversely impact the clarity of the Lake and aquatic invasive species (aquatic weeds and non-native fish) can be spread to other parts of the lake by boats and other human activity.

Minimizing nutrients

TKPOA is working with the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board to develop ways to minimize the quantity of nutrients in the Tahoe Keys lagoon water. The primary method to reduce nutrients is to reduce the discharge of fertilizers that runoff into the lagoons during irrigation. TKPOA is educating its members and promotes the use of phosphorus-free fertilizers, it has also begun a process to notify its members who are observed to be over-irrigating their properties and creating runoff into the lagoons.

Fighting the aquatic invasive species

TKPOA has cooperated with TRPA and TRCD in conducting scientific studies regarding ways to control the growth of aquatic weeds over the past number of years. The results of those studies have shown that aquatic weeds can be controlled using harvesting (the current control method), bottom barriers, and aquatic herbicides. TKPOA is developing an integrated aquatic weed management plan (IMP) that is based on the most cost-effective mix of the identified weed control methods. While harvesting and bottom barriers are currently allowed, the use of aquatic herbicides will require additional study and regulatory approval.