Lake Merced Update -- March 2005

First the good news. The lake level at the end of February was 22.5 feet on the South Lake gauge. That is exactly the same level as a year ago. There has been little water added to the lake during that year; Greg Bartow says he might be able to take credit for a couple of inches. And rainfall during that period is just a little above average. After several years of seeing the lake level decline one foot each year the level seems to have stabilized, at least for this year. I don't think anyone knows why that is the case. Perhaps the effects of the golf courses using recycled water are being felt much more quickly than expected. We'll keep an eye on it.

Unfortunately, as is often the case there is some bad news too. This has to do with the quality of water in Lake Merced. URS Inc. has finished the first phase of their review of potential for lead contamination from the Pacific Rod & Gun Club as water levels increase. While they found no existing or imminent health hazard with the recent rise of about four feet, they have indicated some potential for lead and arsenic contamination with further increases. Note the word potential. Their report makes no definitive statement as to the actual risk, but merely suggests "further study." What study is needed, what it would cost, when it will be conducted has not been determined. Equally important, knowledgeable observers have raised questions about the scientific validity of the study itself. We've asked that a peer review be conducted, under the auspices of the PUC Citizens' Advisory Committee Water Committee, and that a program to proceed be developed post haste. We don't want this to become a roadblock to further progress at the lake.

The second water quality issue isn't 'potential', but has actually occurred. The most recent water quality reading, taken in October 2004, reported levels of E-coli bacteria (that's the bad stuff) in all four lakes at least equal to the maximum permitted for contact recreation, and in North Lake the reported level was twice that maximum. Levels this high have not been previously reported, and the presence of high levels of E-coli bacteria is undoubtedly a temporary phenomenon. However, when public health is an issue we don't think this can be ignored. We've asked that a monitoring program be established that will provide more frequent readings, at least of this important water quality index, to date to no avail.

Apparently progress is being made at the Boathouse, although the pubic has been denied access as to what those plans are. A number of community members feel that the Boathouse ought to be returned to its originally intended use as a sports and community center. Jackie Fong, properties manager for the Recreation and Park Department, originally promised to provide opportunity for community input as to how that facility will be developed. Apparently she's changed her mind. She now reports that letting the community in on the plans before the RFPs are issued would give us an unfair advantage. Advantage over what is difficult to contemplate. We've written to Yomi Agunbiade requesting this review, but with no response.

Erosion, especially along John Muir Drive, continues to be a major problem. Recent storms have washed out a large area now extending fully under the walking path, and threatening John Muir Drive itself. Daly City has retained consultants (Randy Raines and Gus Yates; we know them well and respect them both!) to study the Vista Grande watershed and canal, and that will be a big help. However, there are some short-term problems that will need to be solved before their report is prepared and implemented.

Finally, we've recently learned that the annual International Dragon Boat Championships and Festival that has been held during the fall at Lake Merced for the past two or three years may not repeat at the lake this year. Seems that there is some conflict with a PGA golf tournament scheduled at Harding Park in October. While we're happy to see improvements at Harding Park, its very disappointing to lose such a valuable activity. (We thought those guys were pros, and wouldn't be plunking the boaters with stray golf balls in the middle of North Lake!) We hope that something can be worked out that allows the Dragon Boats to stay at Lake Merced.