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 !