This summer, the LWRA hired the University of Waterloo to test the water quality. This complements the testing done by the District of Muskoka (on Waseosa and Jessop only), volunteer testing as part of the Lake Partners' Program (on Waseosa and Palette), and volunteer benthos testing on Waseosa.
Each of the four lakes was sampled on two different dates, at two separate sites (Ripple, Palette) or three sites (Jessop, Waseosa). Testing data included temperature and thermocline level, Secchi depth, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, nitrate, nitrate, phosphate and total phosphurus.
Briefly, results on Ripple and Jessop show reasonable health and no major warning signs. For Jessop, total phosphorus readings are below those seen in recent years in District data (= good).
Lake waseosa shows high phosphate readings for two of the six samples, and high total phosphurs readings for two samples. The average total phosphorus of 11.3 compares to a spring 2015 test by the District of 8.7, a 10-year average of 8.9 (District), and a long-term average of slightly over 8 (Lake Partner volunteer data).
Palette shows high phosphate in one of four samples, and very high total phosphorus (39, 45, 50) in three of four samples, with average total phosphorus of 35.5. There is no District testing on Palette, however Lake Partner volunteer testing shows total phosphurs averaging about 15 since 2008.
The background level of natural phosphorus is different in every lake. Human activity (effluent and run-off) can increase this. Excess phosphorus can reduce the dissolved oxygen that supports aquatic life, and can also lead to excess algae.
We do not wish to cause a panic, especially on Palette or Waseosa. Individual tests can show 'blips' that are not necessarily trends. However there is clearly reason to be diligent to protect the lake quality. We will begin dialogue with the District, especially as regards the apparent changes on Palette, and also use the data with the Town of Huntsville as appropriate.