PENNIES, NICKELS, AND DIMES—FILLING AN EMPTY LAKE WILL TAKE MONEY AND TIME: A HYDROGEOLOGIST PERFORMS A BALANCING ACT

The altering of groundwater flow patterns in a karstic environment expedited the formation of large sinkholes in the southeastern end of Victory Lake causing it to drain immediately. Soon after the lake emptied in 1986, two unsuccessful attempts were made to restore the 32-acre lake. Some 21-years later, Victory Lake holds water seasonally, but would primarily be classified as a marshy wetland.

This research project first investigates current groundwater/surfacewater interactions of Victory Lake through pump/slug tests, environmental isotope tracers (O18 /O16 and Deuterium), and fluorescent dye testing. From the interpretation of the results of each of these tests it can be concluded that the connectedness between the groundwater/surface water near and around this man-made lake is unlikely.

The second portion of this project begins to identify the water budget of this lake over the past year. Our research team has monitored weekly the input (rainfall and stream in-flow) and the output (evaporation and stream out-flow). In addition, we installed a transect of 15 stage gauges to monitor the change in water depth. Although the input of groundwater to this system is unlikely, we continued to measure the change in groundwater levels in monitoring wells adjacent to the lake. Seasonal changes in vegetation and water flow and/or holding patterns also are mapped.

The water budget of Victory Lake fluctuates greatly from season to season. During Georgia's hot, dry, summer months the maximum water depth may be a foot in some locations. It is clear that during this season evaporation and lack of precipitation are the driving factors in this lakes water budget. Conversely, during the cooler months of fall and winter, the majority of the lake is filled (maximum depth 8 ft).

From the development and conclusions of this water budget we will be better able to determine the potential for it to be restored fully or partially as a recreational focal point of Berry College campus.