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Lake Ecosystem

You could say Runyan Lake is a dam fine place — and we mean that literally. From the spillway that keeps our lake level steady, to the fish tales that prove our wildlife studies are more than just a catch, every part of our ecosystem flows together. We don’t just weed out problems — our water management keeps invasive species from making waves. And when it comes to water quality, we test the waters so you can dive in with confidence. It’s reel science, dam good stewardship, and a splash of community care — all working in harmony to keep Runyan Lake swimmingly healthy.

Overview
Runyan Lake’s fish and wildlife are monitored to ensure a healthy ecosystem. Periodic studies and community practices help sustain populations and reduce ecological stress.

 

Key Practices:

  • 🎣 Catch & Release — encouraged to maintain fish populations.
  • 🪱 Bait Guidelines — use local sources; never dump unused bait into the lake.
  • 🦆 Wildlife Monitoring — includes geese control and mute swan observation.
  • 🐠 Periodic Fish Studies — assess species health and population balance.

Archived Fish Studies 
📂 Access past studies for detailed data:

Overview

Runyan Lake’s water level is carefully managed to balance recreation, safety, and ecological health. Oversight comes from the Livingston County Drain Commission, with costs shared by waterfront property owners.

 

Key Points

  • 📏 Legal Lake Level (1964) — established at 894.0 feet under Michigan’s Inland Lake Level Act.
  • 🛠️ Dam & Spillway (1965) — constructed and maintained by the Livingston County Drain Commission.
  • 💰 Special Assessment District — waterfront properties share inspection and maintenance costs, billed periodically.
  • 🌊 Inflow Sources — Denton Creek (fed by Sullivan Lake and others), plus smaller creeks from southwest, south, east, and Runyan Lake Cove.
  • 🏞️ Outflow — Runyan Creek, flowing northwest into wetlands and connected lakes.
  • 🌱 Impact on Weed Control — chemical treatments restricted near the outlet after June 1, limiting effectiveness in that zone
Resources

Overview

Runyan Lake’s water management program keeps the ecosystem balanced by controlling aquatic plants, monitoring invasive species, and encouraging residents to follow lake‑friendly practices. These efforts protect water quality and ensure the lake remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.

 

Key Practices

  • 🌿 Aquatic Plant & Weed Control — treatments to manage growth and maintain recreational use.
  • 🚫 Invasive Species Monitoring — watch and respond to threats before they spread.
  • 📊 Water Quality Studies — periodic testing to track long‑term trends.
  • 🏡 Resident Guidelines — everyday actions that protect the shoreline and water.

Resident Guidelines 

  • ✅ Avoid fertilizing lawns within 50 feet of the lake.
  • ✅ Do not burn leaves or grass near the shoreline.
  • ✅ Keep campfires at least 30 feet from the water.
  • ✅ Clean boats and trailers before launching to prevent invasive hitchhikers.

Overview

Runyan Lake’s water quality is monitored regularly to ensure safe recreation and a healthy ecosystem. Annual testing focuses on E. coli bacteria levels, while broader studies every 5–10 years track long‑term chemical and ecological trends. Results consistently show the lake meets Michigan’s safety standards, with occasional spikes after heavy rains.

Key Points

  • 🧪 Annual Testing — E. coli samples taken at inflow areas, ~2 feet deep.
  • 📊 Comprehensive Studies — broader water chemistry analysis every 5–10 years.
  • 🚦 Safety Standard — Michigan requires E. coli <300 per 100 ml for swimming.
  • 🌧️ Rain Events — occasional short‑term spikes after storms, but overall compliance is strong.
  • 👥 Community Role — residents help by reducing runoff, avoiding fertilizer near shore, and keeping boats clean.

Annual Tests



Annual Water Quality Test
Results  – Total

Bacterial
Concentrations
of Escherichia coli (E. coli) per 100 milliliters

 


 
Test Locations
Date(Ostrowski) Runyan CreekRamp CreekDenton Creek(Hicks) Jewel Lake CreekSporer CreekMiddle of LakeSpecialComments

6/1/2006
33
9
186
n/a
11
n/a		Ramp sample taken in middle of cove.  L. Johnson location instead of
Sporer.

10/9/2006
12
12
16
0
2
n/a		Ramp sample taken in middle of cove.  L. Johnson location instead of
Sporer.

8/13/2007
6
50
1
2
5
n/a		Ramp sample taken off Fishwick lot

8/5/2008
236
8
186
40
224
n/a		Ramp creek sample taken off Fishwick lot
 In 2006 & 2007 samples obtained two foot below surface of water.
 In 2008 Ostrowski, Denton, Hicks, Sporer samples obtained directly from
creeks.
 Higher Ecoli counts may be due to obtaining samples directly from creeks.

2009
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a

Sampling not done

6/1/2010
53
23
81
3
204
n/a		Ramp sample taken near the Polakowski / Fishwick property line

9/31/2010
3
8
74
3
3
n/a

6/14/2011
6
224
4
4
8
n/a		Ramp sample may have been taken in water too shallow or disturbed

8/9/11
12
 
204
 
25
 
6
 
14
 
0		Ramp sample may have been taken in water too shallow or disturbed

5/24/12
2		 
42		 
0		 
0		 
2		 
0		  Very little rain prior to taking samples

8/21/12
0
11
4
2
1
1		Very little rain prior to taking samples

10/16/12
4
88
2
2
5
3

5/30/13
21
 488

54
18
36
12		Ramp sample exceeds safe levels

6/19/13
161
147
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a		Follow-up testing from 5/30 results, also 6/13 Heights sewer leak

7/30/13
7
27
19
10
5
12		Middle of Lake taken in front Of Sirl

5/30/14
1
17
17
0
19
0		Middle of Lake near slalom course – deep water

8/18/14
2
16
15
3
6
1		Middle of Lake near the dam outlet

6/8/15
6
42
5
8
8
n/a

7/20/15
3
24
8
3
5
n/a

6/1/16
5
20
5
0
23
n/a

8/2/16
6
77
3
18
11
4		Middle of Lake near slalom course – deep water.
Also sample by Buchanan, reading was 3.

6/19/17
6
40
3
3
43
n/a

8/16/17
6
5
1
1
2*
12**		*Sporer creek – two tests, results 1 & 2; **Middle of Lake actually near
weir.

6/13/18
4
23
2
9
n/a
11
3		Special is NE corner of lake

9/4/18
130
200
5
10
15
n/a		Elevated results likely due to recent rain

Annual Water Quality Test
Results  – Total

Bacterial
Concentrations
of Escherichia coli (E. coli) per 100 milliliters


Recent (2019+) Test Results – for
older test results scroll up

 
Test Locations

Date
Ostrowski Creek
Ramp Creek
Denton Creek
Hicks Creek
Sporer Creek
Middle of Lake
Special
Comments

6/7/19
36
209
55
26
40
n/a		Heavy rains and runoff during May/June

7/29/19
14
249
4
9
6
n/a
28		Heavy rains and runoff during July

6/22/20
2
23
0
1
2
n/a

8/11/20
4
8
1
2
23
n/a		Elevated water temps in late July, early Aug, 77 – 86 degrees

6/22/21
19
340
40
13
35
n/a		Ramp elevated due to recent significant rain

8/9/21
19
118
2
5
4
6

6/21/22
3
110
11
1
49
1		No recent rain of significance

8/16/22
3
12
0
2
1
1		middle of lake = off Runyan Lake Point

6/20/23
1
20
1
1
8
n/a

8/8/23
3
13
1
0
3
n/a

6/12/24
0
31
2
1
7
n/a		Recent rain

8/13/24
1
25
1
16
4
n/a

7/3/25
63
16
7
140
11
n/a

8/18/25
5
46
5
2
3
n/a
very warm summer


next

sample

in
spring

of

2026


* A reading of less than 300 can be interpreted as water safe to swim in. *

 

Resources

Do you seek Old Finn?

Old Finn guards both the lake and his legend.
Turn on the Hunt and try to hook him as you explore the site.
Hear his warning sound? Tap his icon before he vanishes.
Catch him to unlock his story or submit your own sighting.