The green goo and grayish foam on the shores of Lake LaVerne may give students the wrong idea about how the university cares for the central piece of landscape.

Lake LaVerne is a healthier lake than most suspect — and it’s improving.

“It certainly isn’t dirty,” said John Downing, professor of animal ecology and member of the lake committee. “It may not be very clear, but that is because of its setting — an artificial lake, in an artificial setting.”

Downing said there is always more that can be done with the lake if more money was available.

A committee made up of professors, professionals and graduate students oversees the maintenance and improvement of the lake, he said.

Downing said Lake LaVerne has had a problem with excess algae since the early 1900s.

High nutrient production causes bubbles to accumulate on the water’s edge. Mud on the bottom of the lake gets kicked up by wind, Downing said.

Aerators were replaced in June to add oxygen to the lake, he said.

The new aeration system should decompose between one-half and one inch of nutrients per year, said Cathy Brown, committee member and campus planner for facilities planning and management.

“There are a lot of variables to consider,” she said. “We just want to work toward the end goal of an improved quality of the lake.”

Brown said between $3,000 and $4,500 is spent annually on maintaining Lake LaVerne.

“The improvements we have implemented over the past eight years have allowed us to notably reduce annual maintenance expenses and improve the water quality at the same time,” she said.

Water quality testing, aerator maintenance and removal of moss-like algae, debris and leaves along the shore and from the water are required to maintain the lake, Brown said.

Aesthetic beauty is an important factor to the lake committee, she said.

Grating paths and pruning trees around the lake are regular concerns. Integrating water gardens, adding more aquatic plants and improving the crossing point between Lake LaVerne and the Memorial Union are projects being considered for the future, Brown said.

Installation of a small stone-lined waterfall at the west end of the lake is also being discussed by the committee.

“This would draw water from the lower levels of the lake and recirculate it over the stones, adding oxygen and movement to the water,” she said.

The interest of the students, faculty and alumni are taken into consideration when improving the lake, Brown said.

Scott Kovach, senior in political science, said he uses the lake for personal reflection.

“I can watch the swans and see the Campanile and it is not a very high-traffic area,” he said.

“There isn’t the distraction of all the people around, like at the library.”

Michael Golemo, assistant professor of music, said Lake LaVerne is special to him because he and his 12-year-old son, Mac, fish together there.

“There is a nice rock to sit on and it is a very relaxing way to spend a summer evening,” he said.

Golemo said he has heard many comments about how dirty the lake used to be.

“It is great to see that it is maintained so nicely,” he said. “It is one of the most beautiful things on our campus.”