Bathing in the Lake is a tradition long-held but a bad idea. Soaps and shampoos should not be allowed into the lake. Even in small quantities the effects can be noticeable and long-lasting. So-called “biodegradable” soaps without phosphate still pollute the lake because they only degrade quickly in soil, not water. Once in the water, the degrading process of soaps is much, much longer, leaving the aquatic life in danger of its lingering toxicity. Most campgrounds and wilderness areas require that the soapy water used for bathing or cleaning be dumped well back upon land or in a special repository. If we treat the lake like a bath-tub, it will become one!
