Secchi disk

The Secchi Disk solves the problem of not having a simple, consistent way to measure lake water clarity—a key indicator of overall ecosystem health. Without regular clarity readings, issues like increasing sediment, algae, or invasive plant growth can go unnoticed until symptoms become severe.

This Lake Pulse tool provides subscribers with an easy-to-use method to track turbidity over time, helping you spot changes early, monitor trends, and complement more advanced testing for a fuller understanding of your lake’s condition.

The product includes a durable, high-contrast Secchi disk attached to a sturdy retrieval line—usually a marked rope or cord for precise depth readings. The disk’s weighted, quadrant design ensures rapid sinking, and the line is often pre-calibrated with measurements for convenient, consistent deployment.

Key Features

• 20 cm (8-inch) diameter disk with alternating black and white quadrants for enhanced visibility
• Durable construction suitable for various aquatic environments
• Attached calibrated line for accurate depth measurements
• Lightweight and portable design for ease of use in the field
• Cost-effective solution for routine water quality monitoring

Technical Specifications

• Disk Diameter: 20 cm (8 inches)
• Material: Metal
• Line Length: 75ft
• Weight: Sufficiently weighted to ensure vertical descent in water

Using the Secchi Disk yields quantitative visibility measurements—recording the depth (in feet or meters) at which the disk disappears—offering repeatable data to monitor seasonal and long-term clarity trends.

Over time, these readings help you establish baseline conditions, detect water quality changes, and inform management actions aimed at reducing nutrient inputs, improving habitat, and ensuring the lake’s health and usability.