Chlorophyll a

Chlorophyll is a measure of the amount of algae growing in your lake. Chlorophyll measurements help determine the productivity (trophic status) of your lake– oligotrophic, mesotrophic, or eutrophic.

Seasonal chlorophyll measurements are the most accurate way to estimate trophic status. When collected annually, these measurements are a useful indicator of water quality changes and trends. Check out our Chlorophyll Fact Sheet to learn more.

Chlorophyll is taken over the deepest location in a lake. Volunteers will need a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or motor boat.

Details

• Cost to enroll: You must select one of the options below.

  • First Year Chlorophyll-a with Complete Sampling Kit

    Choose this option if this is your lake’s first-time sampling chlorophyll-a. You will receive a Complete Chlorophyll-a Sampling Kit. This kit includes a chlorophyll sampling device, sample bottles, filtration syringe, and supplies (filters, vials, labels, preservative, etc.). If you already have a sampler, please choose the “Returning Chlorophyll-a and Refill Sampling Kit” option listed below.

    • Pick up the Complete Sampling Kit at the Michigan Lakes and Streams Conference, April 25 & 26, 2025 ($100)

    • Ship Complete Sampling Kit to my address ($120)

    OR

  • Returning Chlorophyll-a with Refill Sampling Kit

    Choose this option if your lake is in its second year (or more) of sampling for Chlorophyll-a. You will receive a Chlorophyll-a Refill Kit. Refill kits include all the filters, vials, labels, preservative, etc., that returning chlorophyll volunteers will need, to continue to collect Chlorophyll-a.

    • Pick up Refill Sampling Kit at the Michigan Lakes and Streams Conference, April 25 & 26, 2025 ($72)

    • Ship Refill Sampling Kit to my address ($80)

• Enrollment deadline: April 1, 2025

• Equipment requirements: Chlorophyll sampling kit is included with the enrollment fee and will be mailed to the Lead Volunteer or picked up at the MLSA Conference..

• Time commitment: Volunteers collect chlorophyll once per month from May to September.

• Training requirement: Training for this parameter is required. See training events here and watch the recorded phosphorus training videos below.

How do I measure Chlorophyll?

• Chlorophyll Procedure Checklist

• 2025 Chlorophyll Data Form 1 (May and June)

• 2025 Chlorophyll Data Form 2 (July, August, September)

• 2025 Chlorophyll Sampling Schedule

• Chlorophyll Recorded Training presentation (2024)

• Chlorophyll Filtering Video

Additional Information

• Chlorophyll Fact Sheet

• Sampling Reminders

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