Lake Health

Photo from Facebook : Vicki Maxwell-Riven posted August 30th, 2013

Water test results for Lake Barron 2018

As a member of the Volunteer Lake-Monitoring Programm (VLMP), Lake Barron participates annually in monitoring the quality of its water. In 2018, 39 samplings and measurements were made in the lake during the summer season by the association of residents working in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change (MELCC). Several physicochemical parameters of the water were then studied.

Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth. However, in the presence too abundant it promotes the growth of aquatic plants which affects the quality of water and access to the lake. Chlorophyll is present in all photosynthetic plants and in all algae as well. Thus, its excessive concentration in a body of water reflects an excessive presence of biomass and therefore aquatic plants. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an element that comes from the decomposition of organic matter. This parameter is strongly associated with the coloring of the water (yellowish or brownish) because it is mainly influenced by humic acid from wetlands. Regarding the transparency of water, as it is influenced by the presence of algae and the coloring of water, this parameter is highly dependent on others.

Concerning Lake Barron, the results show that it is in an oligotrophic state, meaning that it contains few nutrients, a good oxygen content, and little organic matter. Moreover, phosphorus, chlorophyll and DOC are weak. Also, the transparency is average, which results in a slightly cloudy water. In these conditions, the state of health of the lake is good for the moment. However, it is not immune to accelerated aging caused by human activities that increases the intake of sediments and nutrients in the water, hence the importance that residents adopt responsible habits. For example, revegetate and protect shorelines, use cleaners and soaps without phosphates, have a compliant septic system, and not use fertilizers, fertilizers and pesticides.

It is worth mentioning that boaters on the lake must adopt a responsible behavior to limit the waves that cause the erosion of the banks and the rise of nutrients on the surface that promotes the development of plants and unwanted algae. By the way, wakeboard boats are more likely to create oversized waves that amplify the erosion phenomenon.
Thank you for preserving our natural environment!

The 2018 water test results for Lake Barron are now available on the RSVL website

Invasive Species :

original notice by: Heather McCullough, Lake Hughes 2015

"EURASIAN WATER-MILFOIL is an invasive aquatic plant. It is well established in some Laurentian Lakes and threatening to invade all lakes in Quebec. Eurasian Water-Milfoil has vine like stems and feather like leaves growing below the water's surface with flower spikes emerging above the surface. Growth is rapid, aggressive and invasive. Residents are requested to avoid transferring their boats, paddles, recreational equipment, fishing gear, ect., from one lake to another..."

Eurasian Water-Milfoil :

View PDF

Watch the Video :

LLPOA Invasive Species Lake Louisa, Quebec

Code of The Environment and Ethics :

COEE

The objective of the Code of The Environment and Ethics (COEE) is to provide guidelines that encourage socially and environmentally responsible practices in and around Lake Barron. This document supports the Lake Barron Citizen’s Association (LBCA) in protecting Lake Barron’s environment and ensuring the enjoyment of the lake and its surroundings today and in the future. Click to read more

The Coalition for Responsible
and Sustainable Navigation :

website

This film leaves us with the message that we have lost control over something we are very attached to at the soul level, our lakes, and the PDF further explains this as a situation that exists by default and that WE MUST work together to correct the situation, across communities, with science-based legislation.