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Water Quality Initiative
Summer 2011
Outline
• Overview of ‘Water Quality’• Monitoring programs• Stewardship• Action
Muskoka’s Watershed
Muskoka Lakes
Lake JosephLake Rosseau
Lake Muskoka
Lake Classification:
• Sensitivity – based on Natural Factors (flow, etc.)
•Threshold – based on the impact of the development, irrespective of sensitivity
Eutrophication
• Natural process of plant growth and decay.
• Development accelerates the process.
• Can result in lower oxygen levels, affect fish habitat and water quality .
PhosphorusOverload = Algae Bloom
ThresholdsLake X
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Year
TP
(u
g/L
)
No Development
Threshold
Measurements
Sources of Phosphorus
Bacteria – E. coli• It is natural and its is
everywhere!• Levels increase after
rainfall events.• Treat all drinking water
taken from the lake and have wells tested.
• Install proper septic systems and maintain them.
• Pick up dog poop and encourage municipal involvement.
Benthic Monitoring
WQI Objectives
1.Determine sources of P in Areas of Concern2.Data to support regulation of vulnerable areas3.Monitor bacteria4.Remedial Action5.Support stewardship in other areas
Logistics
• Began in 2001• 170 sampling sites in 45 areas• 15 lakes/rivers – Muskoka, Rosseau, Joseph and
surrounding• 100 volunteers• Currently supported by RiverStone Environmental in
Bracebridge
Water Dynamics
http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/elements/turnlakes.htm
Monitoring Activity/Study Design
• Total Phosphoruso Spring turnovero Seasonal
• Clarity (secchi depth)o At deep water site
• Bacteria o Total Coliformo E.Coli
• Temperatureo With every sample
Study Design
Methodology
• Samples taken monthly from Victoria Day to Labour Day• Phosphorus
o Victoria Day samples are TPsoo Analysis done by Dorset Environmental Science Centre
• Bacteriao Total coliform and E.Coli analysis done by the team leaders for
each areao ColiPlates and incubators within 24 hours of the samples being
taken
Community Monitoring & ActionAreas of degradation
– Spring Turnover Total Phosphorus
Sources of Contamination– Stream Study
Develop plans to remediate- by community members, based on what they have discovered through monitoring
Action Plan
What you can do- Gather relevant data- Contact the MLA- Preliminary meeting with reps- Set up community seminar- Community Stewardship Action Plan
Relevant Data 1. List main concerns:
-E.coli, Phosphorus, other2. Identify area on map or sketch:
- Length of shore, number of cottages and MLA members
3. Contact information for two reps4. Previous monitoring data5. Other influences: construction,
golf course, marina, garden centre
Action Plan
What you can do- Gather relevant data- Contact the MLA- Preliminary meeting with reps- Set up community seminar- Community Stewardship Action Plan
STEWARDSHIP
• Everyone’s responsibility!
Maintaining Natural Areas
Shoreline Vegetation •Intercept run-off •Prevent erosion •Provide food and shelter for animals
Forested Corridors•Intercepts run-off•Source of other nutrients•Removes carbon dioxide
Advantages of Native Plants
• Tolerant of variable conditions and our harsh Muskoka extremes
• Can outcompete most annual weeds• Habitat and food benefit for wildlife• Resistant to pests and disease• Blend in with the natural environment
Herbaceous Plants for Shorelines•Cattail (Typha latifolia)
•Blue Flag Iris (Iris Versicolor)
•New England Aster (Aster novae angliae)
•Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
•White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)
•Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium fistulosum)
•Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
•Wild Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa)
•Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
•Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
•Big Blue Stem (Andropogon gerardii)
•Virginia Wild Rye (Elymus virginicus)
•Indian Grass (Sorgastrum nutans)
•Fringed Sedge (Carex crinita)
Big Blue Stem
Blue Flag Iris Goldenrod
Joe-Pye Weed
Cardinal Flower
Swamp Milkweed
New England Aster
Fringed Sedge
Stormwater
• Rain barrels • Gardens• Pervious
surfaces
Maintain Septics
• Pump regularly (3-5 years) • Don’t overuse an old or undersized system• Make sure there are no visible (or smellable)
leaks yourself• If you are replacing a system, make sure it is
technically superior, not the minimum required
What You Can Do
• Monitor water quality to see if there is a problem
• Develop an Action Plan to address the problem
• Practice good stewardship on your own property
Muskoka Lakes Association65 Joseph Street, 2nd Floor,
Box 298, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
Phone: 705-765-5723Fax: 705-765-3203
Email: admin@mla.on.ca
Website: www.mla.on.ca
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST !
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