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.) 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.

Phosphorus Overload = Algae Bloom

Thresholds

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 Concern 2.Data to support regulation of vulnerable areas 3.Monitor bacteria 4.Remedial Action 5.Support stewardship in other areas

Logistics Began in sampling sites in 45 areas 15 lakes/rivers – Muskoka, Rosseau, Joseph and surrounding 100 volunteers Currently supported by RiverStone Environmental in Bracebridge

Water Dynamics

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

Study Design

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

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

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, 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

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 Association 65 Joseph Street, 2 nd Floor, Box 298, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 Phone: Fax: Website: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST !