Environment/
Water
The 2012, summer lake water testing included E.Coli testing from July 1st to Labour Day. Water samples were taken at nine sites on six separate dates through the summer. Samples are taken to SGS Lakefield Research and all the reports for this summer can be viewed by clicking on the various date links below. Generally the bacteria counts in our area were low all summer. The few occasions where the counts were elevated above 50 seem to be in the areas where there is a lot of bird (seagulls, geese & ducks) activity. We all enjoy seeing the birds of the area but when they are attracted to a particular location, and congregate there, this is when there is often a continuing elevated E.Coli count.
E.Coli Testing
Subpages (2):
Weed and Algae Studies Go here for information on Weeds & Algae
Milfoil Weevil - Is it the answer? Go here to find out about a native aquatic beetle that targets Milfoil and may be a natural control measure for our weed problem.
Phosphorus, Water Clarity and
Water Temperature Tests
The other lake water testing done by your BPOA Lake Steward includes water samples that are analysed for Phosphorus content. Phosphorus is an indicator of nutrient levels in the lake and it is a major contributor to algae and plant growth.
2012 E.coli Water Test Reports
The E.Coli testing is done through the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association (KLSA), which BPOA supports. BPOA has been represented on the KLSA Board since KLSA was formed in 2000. Costs for water testing is for the lab fees which BPOA pays at $55 per site for the six test dates. KLSA volunteers are testing on a dozen lakes in the Kawarthas and the lab cost per test is very low because of the testing volume and arrangement with SGS on result distribution, done by KLSA volunteers. Your membership support of BPOA helps pay for this on-going water testing along the Clear and Stony Lake waterfront.
Canada Geese & Seagull photos by Jeff Chalmers
Eurasian Milfoil Photo by Jeff Chalmers
This testing is done in conjunction with the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), Lake Partner Program. Water samples are sent for testing to the MOE Dorset Laboratory and the results for our area are published in the annual KLSA 2011 Lake Water Quality Report, Page 59. Results are also available through the MOE.
BPOA does this testing at two locations:
the centre of Clear Lake and
the middle of Fiddler's Bay (S.E. corner of the lake).
Tests are done monthly, starting in early May through October and water is sampled through the water column to a depth of the Secchi Disk reading. A Secchi Disk is a black and white disk that is lowered into the water column and the readings give an indication of how much light penetration there is into the depth of the lake.
Water Clarity tests are done by lowering a Secchi Disk until the disk is no longer visible and that depth is recorded. Sunlight is needed for photosynthesis to occur. It is the combination of sunlight and nutrients in the water that is needed for plant and algal growth. If the water column is very clear, light penetration is to a greater depth than if the water is cloudy and contains a lot of algae.
Water Temperature is also recorded at a 1 metre depth at the two locations when the Phosphorus and Clarity tests are being done. Mid-summer water temperatures have been increasing over the years and may be contributing to increases in plant and algal growth in the lake. The last two summers, those temperatures 1 metre below the surface, have reached 250 & 260 Celsius.
Aug 7, 2012 Aug 20, 2012 Sept 5, 2012
E.Coli test results from previous years are available in the annual Lake Water Quality reports published by KLSA.
Go to the KLSA website and select the annual report you want to view from the links down the left side column of the KLSA site.
Great Blue Heron photo by Jeff Chalmers