Measuring several sites may be useful in some lakes, depending upon the uniformity of the lake. Year to year changes result from weather and nutrient accumulation. The color of lake water reflects the type and amount of dissolved organic chemicals it contains. Measured and reported as standard color units on filtered samples, color's main significance is aesthetic. Color may also reduce light penetration, slowing weed and algae growth.
Brown water can result from bogs draining into a lake.
Before or during decomposition, algae may impart a green, brown or even reddish color to the water. Color can affect the Secchi disc reading. Table 3 lists color values associated with varying degrees of water color. Suspended particles dissipate light, which affects the depth at which plants can grow. Turbidity affects the aesthetic quality of water.