1. Water Sustainability

2. Why is Water Sustainability Important?
Only about 3% of the world’s water is freshwater
We currently rely on aquifers to obtain most freshwater
Aquifer: A body of permeable rock that can contain or transmit freshwater

5. What are some problems facing Lake Winnipeg?

6. Algae Blooms
Rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in fresh or marine water systems.
It is recognised by its discolouration.

7. Why are algae blooms bad for the lake?
Algae blooms are the result of eutrophication (meaning there is an overabundance of nutrients like phosphorus).
Algae requires phosphorus, nitrogen and sunlight in order to grow
Humans can control the amount of phosphorus getting into lakes & water systems
All living things require phosphorus however too much of it can be a bad thing, too much causes the algae to grow.
Many of the means of controlling phosphorus have to do with the agriculture industry, however in our daily lives we are able to buy phosphorus free products like shampoo, conditioner, soap and laundry detergent that can help

9. Zebra Mussels
Small fresh water mollusks with distinct zig-zag markings on the shell.

10. Why are zebra mussels bad for Lake Winnipeg?
Impact infrastructure such as docks, water intakes, boats and any other solid surfaces
Since their primary food is algae, they have led to dramatic loss in the native mussel population
Their shells are extraordinarily sharp
Blue green algae has filaments that are too big for them to eat

11. Clean all water crafts with hot water at a high pressure
Drain water from all gear and equipment
Dry equipment for at least 5 days in the sun during summer
18 days in spring and autumn

12. Dispose of unwanted live bait & worms in the trash and dump all buckets of bait water AWAY from bodies of water
Keep drain plugs out when hauling boats
Stop at inspection stations along the highways to have boats inspected