Loon Lake Water Testing This Is The Second Of Three

LOON LAKE WATER TESTING This is the second of three articles on the sampling, testing and monitoring of Loon Lake water. The first article addressed why we sample, test, and monitor our lake water. The second and third articles will describe the different types testing. There are basically two types of testing. The first type deals with the various chemical and biological characteristics of the lake. The second type deals directly with pollution caused by coliform organisms and associated pathogens related to human and animal populations. The first testing type operates independently of our lake association and the work is performed by a volunteer working for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. The results of the testing are made available both online and through maintained records. The second type is performed by volunteers working directly for the lake association and they are members of what is known as the “Water Committee”. The results of their testing are made available through annual newsletters, online, and through maintained records. Individuals reading and interpreting the test results are encouraged to learn and understand the meaning of the results on their own. It is the policy of the people doing the work on the lake that they will not give opinions or advice on the results of the testing. This article will address the first type , that of testing for the various chemical and biological characteristics of the lake. It is important to remember that any changes in the lake chemistry and biology will affect not only the fisheries within the lake but our enjoyment of the lake as well as our real estate investments. Within the first testing type are two subcatagories. 1. Invasive Species Testing 2. Water Clarity Testing

Invasive Species Testing involves collecting samples of lake water and submitting them for laboratory analysis to determine whether or not our lake has been invaded by zebra mussels or the spiny water flea. To learn more about each of these species, go to the following website: http://www.invadingspecies.com/Invaders.cfm?SID=2 Invasive Species Testing is very interesting. A kit is provided free-of-charge by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters [OFAH] and sent by courier to the tester. The kit comes in a plastic box with wheels. It contains a large sampling net made from ultra fine woven material; a cod-bottle [sample collecting device attached to the net]; a heavy rope for dragging the net at a specific depth; notebook; instruction booklet; throw away camera; sample bottles; and a thermometer. The tester must purchase about one liter of 99% pure isopropol alcohol which is used to preserve specimens. Three samples are taken on the lake, all at different locations. To specify the exact locations where the samples are taken, a GPS unit is used. Each year, the samples are taken in front of the government landing, west of Snake Island, and between Gull Islands and the highway. The sample taken near the government landing is very important for it is at this location where the probability of introduction of the invasive species is the greatest. To do the actual collection for samples, the kit is thoroughly cleaned beforehand, dried, and assembled. It is then taken onto the lake where the net is either dragged behind the boat for a fixed distance or lowered vertically into the water a specific distance and then retrieved. Once the net is back in the boat, the cod bottle is opened and the sample of water collected is poured into a collection bottle. The alcohol is then added to the bottle to preserve any microscopic samples collected. The kit is then washed thoroughly, dried, and repackaged and returned to the OFAH. A few weeks later, the results from the laboratory work are sent to the collector. While not actually a water test, there is another aspect of the Invasive Species Awareness Program that is done on Loon Lake, by the same volunteer. And that involves constantly being on the watch for any invasive species such as Purple Loosestrife. This plant was found in 2008 growing adjacent to the stream that feeds into Loon Lake from Wenona lake. The plant was removed from it's streamside environment and destroyed. Similarly, a healthy plant was discovered in 2009 growing along the shores of the Burnt River leaving Loon Lake. That plant was also removed and destroyed. In both instances, the OFAH was notified since it is the body doing the monitoring for the Ministry of Natural Resources.

While the words “Water Clarity Testing” describes exactly what the testing does, there is actually a lot of science behind the words. The visual “clarity” of a lake has a lot to do with indicating the overall health of a lake. And overall health means the ability of a lake to sustain microorganism growth which in turn supports complex food chains in a lake. It also means a lot more. For humans, the cloudiness of the water; the taste of the water; the smell of the water; the feel of the bottom of the lake on the feet; the number of weeds in the lake; and the presence of any slime or algae blooms are all very important factors that affect not only the enjoyment of the lake but the real estate values of cottages and homes on the lake. Loon Lake is very lucky to have had a series of stewards who have monitored the lake over the years. And we are very lucky to have the resources of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment [OMOE], with it's “Lake Partner Program” to help us. There is a wealth of information kept about the lake water conditions over the years. And this data is periodically inspected to watch for trend changes. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources [OMNR] also has records about Loon Lake from which we have periodically referenced data. If changes are detected, any one of the OMOE, the OMNR, or in fact the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans [DFO] can quickly be contacted for assistance or advice. The “Water Quality Testing” project consists of two activities. The first “Water Quality Testing” activity is the gathering of water samples. In the fall of each year, the OMOE sends out a kit that contains a collection bottle, a funnel with a microorganism filter, a pouring beaker, and test tubes. This equipment is used to collect samples of lake water. Early in the following spring, just after “ice-out” and certainly well before the Victoria Day weekend, two samples of water are collected from the deepest part of Loon Lake that is most remote from any streams that flow into the lake. The samples of water are used to test for phosphate levels in the lake. Phosphates are very important for they are nutrients that can cause rapid and dense growth of algae and weeds. Many Southern Ontario lakes and rivers have suffered from nutrient overdosing from fertilizers used in farming activities. Phosphate can occur in a lake from either natural sources or from human activities. From a natural perspective, heavy consistent periods of rain can cause an increase in groundwater flow that it turn will introduce excess phosphates into a lake. From a human perspective, use of lawn fertilizers, non friendly soaps and detergents, or septic system problems can increase phosphate concentrations in a lake.

To illustrate the importance of testing. A few years ago, the results from the annual water testing showed levels of phosphate that were abnormal – over twice the normal recorded. On completing the laboratory work, the OMOE phoned the tester advising of the anomaly and suggested starting to look for the cause. The OMOE was prepared to come to Loon Lake if necessary to assist. It was subsequently discovered, after some basic “detective” work, that a beaver dam on Portage Lake had opened, causing an influx of nutrient rich water to enter Loon Lake, creating a plume of high phosphate concentration water. Portage Lake is in itself a recipient of water from a very large beaver pond which has high nutrient concentrations. The second “Water Quality Testing” activity consists of periodically measuring and recording the actual “clarity” of the lake water. This is done by lowering a calibrated device known as a “Secchi Disk” into the lake under controlled conditions. The disk is lowered into the lake until it is no longer visible and the depth is noted. The disk actually indicates the point of no further penetration of sunlight. That point is quite significant - for at that depth, the absence of sunlight means that photosynthesis stops, causing the growth of plant life to stop. Any change in the “Secchi Depth” means that a change in the growth of microorganisms has occurred . A shallower depth means there are more microorganisms and the water has a higher nutrient level. And that the water is “cloudier”. The Secchi depth is used to indicate the general classification of the type of lake. To learn more about the testing and it's significance, visit the following OMOE website wherein the Lake Partner Program is highlighted: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/water/lakepartner/index.php This article has described one type of water testing that is performed on Loon Lake – that which addresses with the various chemical and biological characteristics of the lake. Those characteristics are addressed by testing for phosphate levels and water clarity. Variations from what is normal are very important, for they can signify the beginning of major lake changes. Changes we don't want to occur ! It is therefore vital to monitor the lake and take immediate action should any significant changes from trends be noted. That means involving the appropriate resources or authorities or people whenever necessary!