Dear LWRA Member
For most of us, our lakes are essential to the enjoyment of our properties, as well as to our property values. Our ability to swim, boat and enjoy wildlife depends on the health of our lakes. As you know, the LWRA has been active for years in promoting awareness of lake-healthy practices. This year, the Directors voted to spend $640 to have the University of Waterloo test all four of the lakes, and report their data to us. Your annual $40 dues support this effort. The data was collected by university students Brendan Martin and Kayla Henry, and the program was supervised by Dr. Colin Yates. Before we committed to the program I visited with Dr. Yates at the University lab at the Centre for the Environment in Huntsville, and I also went with the students for each of their data collections. Personally, I was impressed with their diligence. We would also like to thank Dwayne Verhey (Waseosa), Morley Graves and Bill Somers (Palette), Ambrose Adam (Jessop) and Barbara McCoy (Ripple) for the use of their docks and/or boats to get us onto the lakes for the tests.
The report is attached for you to read. At the risk of oversimplification, the short story is as follows: Ripple and Jessop look reasonably healthy (disclosure: I am not a scientist, although I believe I have educated myself on lake health data). In particular, the total phosphorus readings (mean of 5.0 for Jessop and 8.3 for Ripple) are both within the range normally associated with cool-water Muskokan lakes. This is particularly good news for Jessop, which has traditionally had total phosphorus in the 10 – 20 range, and a 10-year average of 12.8, according to District data. There has been no district testing on Ripple. Perhaps coincidentally, Jessop and Ripple are the least developed of the four LWRA lakes.
The data for Waseosa and Palette is less encouraging. Waseosa shows high phosphate readings for two of the six samples, and high total phosphorus readings (14 and 26) for two of the samples. The average total phosphorus of 11.3 compares to a spring test by the District of 8.7, a 10-year average of 8.9 (District), and a long-term average slightly over 8 (Lake Partner volunteer data).
Palette shows high phosphate in one of the four samples, and extremely 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 the Lake Partner volunteer testing program shows total phosphorus readings averaging about 15 since 2008. While a background level of phosphorus is natural 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, 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 in Palette, and also use the data with the Town of Huntsville where appropriate. Unfortunately the key lake quality person at the District is on vacation until mid-September. We can all assist by being conscientious with our shoreline and waterfront practices, and by making our voices heard at the Town and District when the need arises.
This report is being sent specifically to LWRA members. Our website and notices, which are available also to non-members, will receive a brief summary statement.