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Water Quality Initiative

Water Quality Initiative. Summer 2011. Outline. Overview of ‘Water Quality’ Monitoring programs Stewardship Action. Muskoka’s Watershed. Muskoka Lakes. Lake Joseph. Lake Rosseau. Lake Muskoka. Lake Classification:. Sensitivity – based on Natural Factors (flow, etc.)

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Water Quality Initiative

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  1. Water Quality Initiative Summer 2011

  2. Outline • Overview of ‘Water Quality’ • Monitoring programs • Stewardship • Action

  3. Muskoka’s Watershed

  4. Muskoka Lakes Lake Joseph Lake Rosseau Lake Muskoka

  5. Lake Classification: • Sensitivity – based on Natural Factors (flow, etc.) • Threshold – based on the impact of the development, irrespective of sensitivity

  6. Eutrophication • Natural process of plant growth and decay. • Development accelerates the process. • Can result in lower oxygen levels, affect fish habitat and water quality .

  7. Phosphorus Overload = Algae Bloom

  8. Thresholds

  9. Sources of Phosphorus

  10. 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.

  11. Benthic Monitoring

  12. Determine sources of P in Areas of Concern • Data to support regulation of vulnerable areas • Monitor bacteria • Remedial Action • Support stewardship in other areas WQI Objectives

  13. 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 Logistics

  14. Water Dynamics http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/elements/turnlakes.htm

  15. Monitoring Activity/Study Design • Total Phosphorus • Spring turnover • Seasonal • Clarity (secchi depth) • At deep water site • Bacteria • Total Coliform • E.Coli • Temperature • With every sample

  16. Study Design

  17. Samples taken monthly from Victoria Day to Labour Day • Phosphorus • Victoria Day samples are TPso • Analysis done by Dorset Environmental Science Centre • Bacteria • Total coliform and E.Coli analysis done by the team leaders for each area • ColiPlates and incubators within 24 hours of the samples being taken Methodology

  18. Community Monitoring & Action Areas 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

  19. Action Plan What you can do - Gather relevant data - Contact the MLA - Preliminary meeting with reps - Set up community seminar - Community Stewardship Action Plan

  20. Relevant Data 1. List main concerns: -E.coli, Phosphorus, other 2. Identify area on map or sketch: - Length of shore, number of cottages and MLA members 3. Contact information for two reps 4. Previous monitoring data 5. Other influences: construction, golf course, marina, garden centre

  21. Action Plan What you can do - Gather relevant data - Contact the MLA - Preliminary meeting with reps - Set up community seminar - Community Stewardship Action Plan

  22. STEWARDSHIP Everyone’s responsibility!

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. Herbaceous Plants for Shorelines Swamp Milkweed • 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 Fringed Sedge Cardinal Flower New England Aster Joe-Pye Weed Goldenrod Blue Flag Iris

  26. Stormwater • Rain barrels • Gardens • Pervious surfaces

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. Muskoka Lakes Association • 65 Joseph Street, 2nd Floor, • Box 298, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 • Phone: 705-765-5723 • Fax: 705-765-3203 • Email: admin@mla.on.ca • Website: www.mla.on.ca • THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST !

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