Water Warning

I am sure everyone has noticed the rapid decline in the water quality of our lake in the last few days, especially on calm mornings.  We have 3 culprits contributing to this decline.

1.     Blue Green Algae-  The B-G Algae has been growing rapidly and with its ability to double every 30 minutes in ideal conditions will not be going away soon, especially with the hot weather forecasted.

Scums are massive and very hard to predict with the changing winds and calm nights.

Everyone has to check their waterfronts for scums before swimming or letting pets in for a cool down. Dogs will drink the scum which is concentrated B-G algae and lick it from their fur afterwards if swimming in a scum.

WIND is our friend to keep the algae mixed and to break up scums.

2.     Cladophora-  This green algae forms filaments and like B-G algae is not eaten by Zebra Mussels. It grows on the bottom where it breaks away and floats to the surface forming mats. It is unsightly and often will have B-G Algae around its edges.  The mats of Cladophora will collect on shores.

3.     Plant Growth-  The plants are growing very fast this year. I watched one stand grow to over 3 feet in less than 2 weeks.  The plants reach the surface and catch the B-G Algae and Cladophora.  The plants also break off and wash up to a shore where they can root and spread.

Rake and scoop up plants and let them dry on a dock before disposing them. Try not to let them float away and spread.

Why this year ??  Everything is pointing to a large influx of nutrients especially with the water weed growth.  Nutrients will also speed up the Cladophora and Blue -Green Algae and cause them to grow out of control like we are seeing this year. Nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen contribute greatly to algae blooms in water and only a few parts per billion can cause a serious problem…..this is why we have the fertilizer ban around our lakes. There is nothing you or a lawn care company can add to your lawn that is safe for the lake…they all magnify the nutrient load in the lake and cause serious growth problems of algae and plants.

Your Water System.  If you pull water from the lake make sure you change your filters more often as the water has lots of particulate.  Back flush your filters also if you have that option.

Make sure your intake is as deep as possible and far from shore. This is important because when scums begin to break-up the water becomes concentrated with the algae along the shore and can be sucked into an intake that is too shallow or close to shore.

Reminder- Surface Water should not be used for drinking unless extensive water treatment is used.

Water Testing- The water will be tested next week for Toxins and Algae ID.  Canada Day falling on a Wednesday this year makes testing this week a nightmare with the lab’s turnaround and testing days.

Until we get a lab test for toxins it is important to remember that a good rule of thumb is if you are in waist deep water and you can not see your toes  (1m ) you should not swim in that water.   Currently Marl Lake is at 4.2 m of clarity……but that can change rapidly with forecasted conditions.

This is shaping up to be one of the worst years for algae in our lake so it is important that everyone do their part to keep nutrients out of the lake. Remember the planter from the garden center looks great on the dock with all its blooms but the soil is chock full of fertilizer so when it rains it all runs into the lake. The same goes for flower beds close to the shore…..the rich garden soil leaches into the lake after a heavy rain.

Stay Cool Everyone…….and pray for WIND !!

Rick