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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!

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