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Water Tests |
Benthic Tests |
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(Posted January 27, 2009. This post is identical to the artical in the Winter 2009 Newsletter)
Late last fall, the Environment Committee took samples from 8 sites around the lake and submitted them for E-coli testing. Because of the lateness of the year, we didn’t really expect to find much, and the only site that registered anything (the numbers were well under Provincial Guidelines) was in the small bay at the outlet. The GPS co-ordinates of the sites were recorded so that we can be reasonably accurate in getting samples from the same spots for future testing.
We plan to test the 8 sites again for E-coli 4 times (in the spring, early summer, late summer and the fall). In addition we will do 1-3 sites with a comprehensive testing to show the general health of the water. Our Secchi disc and Phosphorous testing will continue to be done at no charge (thanks to the Lake Partners Program), and we will do another round of Benthic testing hopefully with more sites this year (thanks to the District of Muskoka).
By the end of this year we should have actual figures and charts to show the health of our lake and be in the position of monitoring the status for years to come.
Our plan for water testing in this coming year will depend on funding. E-coli testing costs about $175.00 for each testing session of 8 sites ($175x4=$700), while the comprehensive testing costs in the neighbourhood of $450.00 per site ($450x3=$1350). The $10.00 from the membership fee increase that has been earmarked for Environment activities will help, as will the donations people make toward this cause.
