TAKING CARE OF THE LAKE
(with thanks to Marc Lichtenburg) By following these suggestions, you can help keep our water clean. NUTRIENT OVERLOADING The nutrients that we add to the lakes- especially phosphorous- are a major water quality problem. These extra nutrients cause excessive plant growth and the algae build-up you see on your boat’s hull and along shorelines. If we don’t cut down on nutrient loading, we’ll have cloudy water, unpleasant tastes and odours, and a lot fewer fish. DO Buy phosphate-free soaps, shampoos, cleansers and detergents (especially dishwasher detergent) but they have to go into soil to degrade. Maintain a natural shoreline with trees and bushes that absorb nutrients before they reach the water Keep organic matter such as raked leaves and garden clippings away from the water. Establish a composting area away from streams, rivers and lakes to help reduce nutrient rich runoff. DON’T Bathe or shampoo in the lake Use fertilizers anywhere near the water Alter the natural shoreline by adding sand or other fill SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Private septic systems can be major contributors of disease-causing microbiological contamination. Keep your system in shape. DO Check for trouble signs: water pooling, damp areas and odours. Pump out and inspect the tank every 2-3 years. Septic systems that were installed 20 or more years ago may not meet today’s standards. Keep the tile field free of trees and shrubs Build any new septic systems as far from the water as possible. DON’T Let anyone drive or park on your tile field. Allow any wastewater to bypass your septic system BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS Biodegradable means that common bacteria in septic systems, soil and water will break down a substance to its original elements over a period of time. So, buying biodegradable soaps, shampoos, detergents and other products is a step in the right direction. However, the biodegradable label doesn’t mean that the substance is completely non-polluting and it’s no guarantee that the elements left after the break-down are totally harmless to the environment. DO Buy biodegradable products Make sure all wastewater goes through your septic system DON’T Use the biodegradable label as a license to wash in the lake, under any circumstances TOXIC MATERIALS The nature of the Muskoka landscape means that almost any improperly handled toxic materials will eventually end up in the water. Common sense and caution are the best defense DO Use environmentally safe cleansers or natural alternatives. Call your Municipality and ask about the disposal of paint paint thinners, oils, wood preservatives, and poisons check all gas and oil storage tanks regularly for leaks and always use a funnel near water. Keep it natural – avoid using pesticides and herbicides DON`T Bury household hazardous materials or pour them down the drain Lifestyle makes the difference Low Phosphorus Lifestyle vs High Phosphorus Lifestyle Human Waste 535 G vs Human Waste 535G No Dishwasher 0 G vs Dishwasher using powdered detergent once a day 650 G No Fertilizer 0 G vs Lawn fertilized once a year using 10% each nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus 1960 G Trees not cut down 20 G vs Lot cleared of trees 30 G use of phosphate free household products 20 G vs use of household products containing phosphates regularly 180 G Total phosphorous 575 G vs Total phosphorous 3355 G For more information on the State of the Lakes in the District Municipality of Muskoka contact the Planning and Economic Development Department, Bracebridge, ON. P1L 1N3 Ph. (705) 645-2231
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Lake Stewards, Angie and Peter Heydon report:
1. Oxbow Lake water quality monitoring The news is good – Oxbow continues to be a very healthy lake. Oxbow volunteers in the Ministry of the Environment Lake Partner program have been tracking 2 measures for 20 years:
2. Let’s keep our lake great! 2.1 Keep phosphorous out of the lake:
2.2 Avoid transporting invading species into our lake environment:
2.3 Preserve the tranquility
2.4 Help you, your family and guests learn more about healthy lakeside living. Try visiting:
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Archives
June 2020
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Oxbow Lake Cottagers' Association
Respecting, Preserving, Enjoying! |
Pollution Reporting for the Public
Please report immediately if you witness any of the following:
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