What Happens If We Do Nothing

Welcome to CHAPTER 9 of our educational series,
"Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."

"Do Nothing" - Is That Really an Option?

This is the question we must confront head-on: What happens if we do nothing? Eagle Lake is facing elevated nutrient levels, declining water clarity, and a Trophic State Index firmly in the hypereutrophic range. We all see the signs — the algae blooms, the murky water, the thick weed growth each spring, and the shifting health of a lake many have called home for generations. The current conditions don’t have to define Eagle Lake’s future. But without action, they may persist for years to come. And if decline were to continue, are we willing to risk...

Frequent and intense algal blooms, including harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which can produce toxins dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife.

Foul odors and murky water, making the lake less enjoyable for swimming, boating, and lakeside living.

Declining fish populations due to oxygen depletion, especially in deeper areas, which can lead to fish kills.

Increased sedimentation, as shoreline erosion and decaying plant matter accumulate.

Reduced property values and diminished recreational appeal, as water quality declines and public perception of the lake worsens.

Health risks from contact with contaminated water, especially during algae bloom events.

Loss of biodiversity, as native aquatic plants and animals struggle to survive in low-oxygen, high-nutrient conditions.

The Window for Change Has Opened

The window for change is open, and Eagle Lake is not alone in this fight. Across the country, and around the world, communities are grappling with similar water quality issues, prompting forward-thinking interventions, new partnerships, and renewed urgency. We're better informed than ever before, not just about the causes of decline, but about the actions that offer a chance for gradual recovery. Locally, we’ve also taken some meaningful steps: we’ve engaged with local and state officials, sought expert guidance, and are nearing completion of a three-year water sampling effort—an essential milestone for securing DNR support and grant funding. We’re in a prime position to act, and the groundwork is in place. Community enthusiasm and financial support remains strong, so let’s not allow this moment to pass us by.

Looking Ahead: The ELPP Report and Our Next Phase
As the Eagle Lake Protection Program (ELPP) enters its third and final year of sampling and water quality monitoring, we’re preparing for a major milestone: the release of the comprehensive report in early 2026. This report is expected to present a range of potential strategies, some targeting the broader watershed, others focused on practical actions at the property level. It may also address the persistent issue of legacy nutrients that have accumulated in sediments over time. While many of these strategies will offer a path forward, we must be realistic about the challenge. Progress may require significant financial commitment, careful navigation of regulatory processes, and strong, coordinated effort throughout our community. Let’s be honest, this won’t be simple and staying on the sidelines may be tempting. But this is a turning point, not just in understanding the problem, but in committing to science-driven, long-term improvements for Eagle Lake.

Thank you for visiting CHAPTER 9 of our educational series,
"Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."

"Nutrients in Lakes"
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/waters-wetlands/lakes-ponds/nutrients-lakes, Accessed 17 Jun 2025

"Eutrophication: AP Environmental Science Review"
Albert Learn by Doing Inc.
https://www.albert.io/blog/eutrophication-and-its-causes-ap-environmental-science-review, Accessed 17 Jun 2025

"Eutrophication: Causes, Consequences, and Controls in Aquatic Ecosystems"
The Nature Education Knowledge Project
https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/eutrophication-causes-consequences-and-controls-in-aquatic-102364466, Accessed 17 Jun 2025

DISCLAIMER:
We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this educational series, utilizing publicly accessible data, evaluations, and imagery from the internet. Any statements that may be perceived as opinions are solely those of the Eagle Lake Improvement Association.

Natural Demise of a Freshwater Eutrophic Lake

We’re not saying Eagle Lake is destined for this outcome, but recent trends in nutrient levels and trophic state point in a troubling direction. The conditions we’re beginning to see resemble those that, over time, contribute to the natural decline of a lake. That prospect is deeply concerning.

Here's how it generally unfolds:

Nutrient Accumulation: Over very long periods (hundreds to thousands of years), lakes naturally accumulate nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from their surrounding watershed. Sources include erosion which carries materials into the lake, and decay of dead plants within the lake.

Increased Productivity: As nutrient levels increase, the lake's productivity rises, meaning it can support more plant and algal growth.

Algal Blooms: With excessive nutrients, dense algal blooms can occur, potentially covering the water's surface and blocking sunlight from reaching deeper aquatic plants.

Oxygen Depletion: When algae and other aquatic plants die and decompose, bacteria consume large amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water. This can create hypoxic or anoxic conditions (low or no oxygen), which can be harmful or even deadly to fish and other aquatic life.

Sedimentation and Filling: The dead organic matter from decomposing plants and animals accumulates on the lakebed, increasing sediment depth. This process, along with other materials entering the lake through erosion, gradually fills the lake basin.

Transition to Wetland: As the lake becomes shallower and filled with sediment, the water area shrinks, and emergent plants (like cattails and waterlilies) start to grow, transitioning the ecosystem towards a wetland, marsh, or swamp.

Terrestrialization: Eventually, the wetland may continue to fill with organic matter and become a terrestrial habitat.

While the natural demise of a eutrophic lake can be a slow process, human intervention can often accelerate it. However, through thoughtful stewardship, community collaboration, and science-based action, it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts of eutrophication and preserve these valuable ecosystems.