Contaminated Water

The dam reduces the outflow of water yet runoff from the streets and sewer fill the lake with contaminants.

The crow landed on the far side of the path and crossed just to get to the water’s edge. Upon arrival, it seemed the dirty water made the crow think twice about its endeavors.

I remember when I was younger, as a kid we would visit a lake just to escape the heat, that’s not the case with Capitol Lake anymore. The lake has been deemed hazardous to human health due to the fecal coliform bacteria. The lake is also contaminated with an invasive species, The New Zealand Mudsnail. The lake is off-limits in order to prevent the snail’s spread in the Pacific Northwest.

The wind blew debris and other muck up to the water’s edge on the north side by the dam. Even the birds seemed to avoid the floating-eyesore. Despite the debris’ mucky appearance, it was interesting to watch the pattern’s change with the prevailing wind. Art in the most peculiar of places.

Date: 4/13/16

Temperature: 55

Wind: SSE 13mph

Humidity: 55%

Dew Point: 40

Pressure: 30.01in

UV Index: 3, moderate