Water Quality

 

Life at the lake is wonderful… because of the lake. Our actions impact the quality of Kasshabog water so we need to do everything possible to keep it healthy.

 

Algae 

 

Many have reported an increase in Algae over the years and that isn’t good news.  

What are the major causes of excess algae on Kasshabog?  

• Runoff (both soil and nutrients) from lawns

• Faulty or improperly functioning septic systems

• Lawn and garden fertilizers

• Use of household cleaners that contain phosphate

 

We can all do our part by eliminating (or at least greatly reducing) our impact so we can continue to enjoy Kasshabog water activities.

 

Lake Partners Program

 

Water clarity (Secchi Disk) testing has been done on Kasshabog in three areas (Main/Big Lake; MacDonalds Bay; Connors Bay) since 1996. The information is submitted to the Lake Partner program.  Information about the Lake Partner program and the results can be found on the FOCA website.

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Septic Systems

 

Safe disposal of wastewater is so important for our water quality and a properly designed and functioning septic system is key: a defective system can risk contaminating the lake and degrading the water quality.  As a general rule, septic systems should be pumped out/inspected every 3-5 years. 

FOCA Septic Systems Fact Sheet.pdf

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Polystyrene Flotation Devices

Years ago, little was known of the dangers of polystyrene floatation docks. Here's a quick refresher on what they look like and why they harm our lake. Polystyrene Flotation Devices There is more info here: Polystyrene Pollution - BCLSS The Ontario government has passed Bill 228, “Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lake and Rivers Act, 2021” which states that any person who constructs or reconstructs a floating dock must ensure that any polystyrene is fully encapsulated. 
 

The LKRA knows that water quality is essential to our residents.  In every survey we do, it comes out on top.  We also know that some cottagers may have difficulty affording to enclose or replace the foam under their docks.

To that end, we have contacted a couple of suppliers to see about pricing.  Both had trouble, understandably, giving a rate since there might be rotted wood and some stringers might have to be replaced ("every job is different"). They were both excited to get our business. Neither were fans of putting wood around the blue foam.

Interco: https://www.intercodocks.ca/  They would give a discount on AP12 floats to Kasshaboggers.

Kawartha Docks: https://www.kawarthadocks.com/ - - they offer flexible payments

The LKRA does not endorse these suppliers – we just thought it would be good information to pass on.

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            Terry Rees navigator & Kate              Kate transferring samples               Vertical Profiling System     

 

Trent Aquatic Research Program (TARP)

 

LKRA partners with the Trent Aquatic Research Program (TARP).  Every year TARP associates come to Kasshabog to take water samples for analysis. On August 17, 2022,  Kate and Melanie arrived for the annual series of water quality tests. This testing is part of a long-term project to track any trends or changes to our water quality. It is also part of a larger project analyzing water quality across the region. Water testing took place in North Connors Bay just outside the public launch. While we enjoy quite good water quality in Kasshabog it’s up to all of us to continue protecting our shorelands and avoid adding anything to the lake (eg, chemicals/fertilizer, soaps, oil/gas, etc.) that will compromise its health.

The vertical profiling system you see Kate holding in the right photo is used by TARP scientists. It is a monitoring instrument that measures water quality at multiple depths throughout the water column including temperature, dissolved oxygen pH, and chlorophyll.

 

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