2023 WATER QUALITY TEST RESULTS
LAKE BARRON
As a member of the Réseau de surveillance volontaire des lacs (RSVL), Lake Barron participates in the annual monitoring of its water quality. In 2023, 39 samples and measurements were taken in the lake during the summer season by volunteers of the LBCA working in collaboration with the Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC). Several physicochemical parameters of the water were studied.
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth. However, too much phosphorus encourages the growth of aquatic plants, affecting water quality and access to the lake. Chlorophyll is present in all photosynthesizing plants and algae. Its excessive concentration in a body of water therefore reflects the presence of too much biomass, and therefore too many aquatic plants. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an element derived from the decomposition of organic matter. This parameter is strongly associated with water color (yellowish or brownish), as it is mainly influenced by humic acid from wetlands. As for water transparency, since it is influenced by the presence of algae and water coloration, this parameter is strongly dependent on the others.
As for Lake Barron, the results show that it is in an oligo-mesotrophic state, meaning that it has a moderate level of biological productivity, which may lead to an increased abundance of microscopic algae and aquatic plants. Moreover, phosphorus levels have increased 6.7% since 2022. In addition, the transparency has deteriorated due to colouration by Dissolved Organic Carbons. Chlorophyll levels are also trending upwards. Under these conditions, the lake's health is changing and it is important to reduce the phosphorus levels as well as take measures to protect the lake. Accelerated aging is caused by human activity, which increases the input of sediments and nutrients into the water, hence the importance of residents adopting responsible habits. For example, revegetating and protecting riparian buffers, using phosphate-free cleaning products and soaps, having a compliant septic system and not using fertilizers and pesticides.
It's worth mentioning that boaters on the lake must behave responsibly to limit the waves that erode the banks and bring nutrients to the surface, encouraging the development of undesirable plants and algae. Wakeboats are more prone to creating oversized waves that amplify the phenomenon of erosion.
Thank you for doing your part to help preserve our natural environment!
Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth. However, too much phosphorus encourages the growth of aquatic plants, affecting water quality and access to the lake. Chlorophyll is present in all photosynthesizing plants and algae. Its excessive concentration in a body of water therefore reflects the presence of too much biomass, and therefore too many aquatic plants. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an element derived from the decomposition of organic matter. This parameter is strongly associated with water color (yellowish or brownish), as it is mainly influenced by humic acid from wetlands. As for water transparency, since it is influenced by the presence of algae and water coloration, this parameter is strongly dependent on the others.
As for Lake Barron, the results show that it is in an oligo-mesotrophic state, meaning that it has a moderate level of biological productivity, which may lead to an increased abundance of microscopic algae and aquatic plants. Moreover, phosphorus levels have increased 6.7% since 2022. In addition, the transparency has deteriorated due to colouration by Dissolved Organic Carbons. Chlorophyll levels are also trending upwards. Under these conditions, the lake's health is changing and it is important to reduce the phosphorus levels as well as take measures to protect the lake. Accelerated aging is caused by human activity, which increases the input of sediments and nutrients into the water, hence the importance of residents adopting responsible habits. For example, revegetating and protecting riparian buffers, using phosphate-free cleaning products and soaps, having a compliant septic system and not using fertilizers and pesticides.
It's worth mentioning that boaters on the lake must behave responsibly to limit the waves that erode the banks and bring nutrients to the surface, encouraging the development of undesirable plants and algae. Wakeboats are more prone to creating oversized waves that amplify the phenomenon of erosion.
Thank you for doing your part to help preserve our natural environment!
Crédit photo : Heidi Smith
Le Réseau de surveillance volontaire des lacs is providing since 2007 valuable data about the health of the lake, such as transparency and phosphorus concentrations.