2024-09-16 - Water Quality Report

The Water Quality team has been busy with the end of summer testing. On Monday Sept 16th samples for toxin testing were taken from all the lakes in our chain. The results for the clarity and toxins are shown in the chart below for each lake. The values in brackets are from the last test day (Aug 19th ) for comparison.

-----------Secchi (clarity )---Toxin (ug/L)
LR-2-------1.5 m (3.2)---------0.42 (1.29)
LR-1-------2.0 m (3.3)---------0.74 (1.46)
ML-1------4.5 m (4.1)---------0.19 (0.44)
ML-2------3.5 m (3.1)---------0.41(0.53)

All Lakes had excellent results for toxin and all showed a decrease from the last toxin test.

Lake Rosalind showed a decrease in clarity from the last testing date but the toxin levels dropped in both lakes which supports the results observed by some researchers that biochar can decrease the ability of B-G algae to produce toxin over time.

Gulls

The gulls seem to be increasing in numbers the last few weeks and it is getting harder to keep them away with just using the pyro. The landfill has been using more pyro as has the airport which is an indication that they are also experiencing large numbers of the birds.

A meeting with the Hanover Waste Management Committee will be scheduled in the near future where we will continue to explore various strategies and options for gull control.

Muskrats on Marl Lake

There are a large number of muskrats that have been working overtime harvesting the nuisance water weeds around Marl Lake. There is a long section (over 200’) along the road between the Marl and Rosalind that has been worked over……see picture below.
Inline image
There are signs all around Marl Lake of this activity, however, we have not seen evidence of this busy muskrat work on Lake Rosalind as of yet. You can tell where they have been working as the bottom is a lighter colour and the reeds along the shore are all nipped off just above the water line. Keep an eye out for any activity that appears to be related to muskrats and let me know if you notice anything resembling the picture above.

Turbidity Curtains

The LRPOA were required by the SVCA to purchase two Turbidity Curtains which needed to be installed for the Boat Launch Dredging Project. It appears that these are now becoming a mandatory requirement for any work being done at shorelines as they keep the debris from flowing into the lake. It appears that some landscaping companies are not aware of this new requirement and may be still using methods that may not get passed by the SVCA.

The curtains that the LRPOA purchased are being stored for future use and are available for rent from the LRPOA. If you have an upcoming project where there is a requirement for the installation of turbidity curtains, please contact Diana Goodwin at [email protected] or at 519-636-3476 to obtain a rental price.

Enjoy this last burst of warm weather!

Diana

******************Disclaimer **************************

It is important to note that these tests represent results from specific testing for microcystin and DO NOT provide broader results for other tests on bacteria, virus or parasitic pathogens. These tests are taken from designated locations on a specific date and time with the possibility of fluctuations in results in other areas of the lake and on other days, for this reason, the test results are offered as a guide for information purposes only.

The Lake Rosalind/Marl Lake Water Quality Committee bears no responsibility for resident action (swimming, drinking) as a result of these testing reports.

Residents are reminded to keep pets and children out of the water when blue green algae scums are present or water clarity falls below 1m. All residents are advised to never use lake water as a drinking source.

Canadian Drinking Water Standard for microcystin toxins 1.5 µg/L and below

Canadian Recreational Standard for microcystin toxin 10 µg/L and below