Voluntary Water Monitoring

Regular testing and monitoring are essential to help prevent water quality issues from arising. Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms could result in health issues to humans and

deadly to pets.

However Water Monitoring is only a measure, individuals must be proactive in identifying and employing measures to prevent Cyanobacteria Blooms.

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) is a bacteria naturally found in our water ecosystems. They are not visible unless clumped together to form a bloom, which can happen in warm, sunny, slow moving water, such as lakes. Storm water, agricultural runoff, industrial and wastewater effluent, faulty / older septic systems and lawn fertilizers dump phosphorus and nitrogen into lakes which then can contribute

to cyanobacteria blooms. Once a bloom is detected and confirmed, it is reported to the Province of NB and then placed on an Advisory List.

Once on the list, always on the list.

Did you know, blue-green algae blooms are no longer reference as such?

Blooms are now considered as a bacteria, thus the adoption of the term Cyanobacteria.

So if in doubt, please stay out.

Land and Cottage owners can help keep excess nutrients from entering the water by:

Not removing shoreline vegetation and

promoting natural plant species;
Not using fertilizers or herbicides, especially near

water;
Ensuring your septic tank and septic field are well

maintained and located far from the shore; and
Using only phosphate free household and

personal care products and please do NOT bathe in the lake. Detergents promoting lake safe /
biodegradable

are not lake friendly.

One of

Reducing nutrient pollution and addressing the risks of Climate Change are critical to maintaining the health of our lakes and waterways. At the New Brunswick Alliance of Lake Associations, we work to educate our members and the public on the importance of identifying and addressing nutrient pollution in our waters. By promoting best practices for land use and community actions, we can minimize the impacts of climate change and protect our natural resources for generations to come.

Source and NB Guidelines

Poster Source and reference

The What's & Why's of Volunteer Water Monitoring

Conductivity

Conductivity is an estimate of the total concentration of dissolved salts in a lake. It is estimated by testing how well the water can conduct an electrical current. Higher concentrations of dissolved salts (ions) pass more electrical current.
Elevated conductivity could indicate contaminated runoff. For example, runoff containing road salts can increase the salinity to levels where it is harmful for aquatic life.

pH Details

Acidity of lake water is measured as pH. The pH is a logarithmic scale, for every step in the scale, there is a tenfold difference. This means that pH 4 is 10 times more acidic than pH 5, and 100 times more acidic than pH 6. If the pH is too high, or too low it has detrimental effects on lake plants and animals.

High pH can damage skin, eyes and gills of fish and increase the toxicity of ammonia. Acidification below pH 6 can directly harm organisms and lead to increased levels of dissolved aluminum & increased aluminum toxicity to fish.

Oxygen

Most organisms in lakes need oxygen to live. Some species are more sensi9ve than others, some are adapted to life in environments with almost no oxygen.
Oxygen in the air is the main source of oxygen in most lakes. The amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in lake water is influenced by the temperature and salinity of the water. Colder water can hold more oxygen than warm, and salty water holds less than freshwater. Oxygen can also be produced or consumed within the lake. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria all produce oxygen during photosynthesis. Respiration by animals and microorganisms consume oxygen. If oxygen can’t be replenished from the atmosphere, for example under the ice in winter or under the stratatification in summer, concentrations may decline to the point where some organisms cannot survive.

Water Tempaturre

All plants and animals have a range of optimal temperatures in which they thrive. Temperature directly influences growth, respiration and even the behaviour of lake organisms. It also has indirect effects through its influence on water chemistry. For example, water temperature sets limits on rates of chemical reactions and how well oxygen dissolves in water.

RPC Water Testing and Temperature Loggers

In addition to bi-weekly water testing, member lakes have the two following measures taken and recorded:

Depending on the lake, two temperature loggers are put in each year. These loggers are situated in the same area, put in and take out are spring and fall. These readings again provide valuable information on yearly fluctuations.

RPC water testing. Two are performed each season (spring and end of August as the recreational season is winding down). These recordings measure nutrient levels (calcium readings can assist if a lake could be prone to Zebra and Quagga Mussels) and Coliform & E. coli.

Click Photo to Expand

New Septic Install

New technology designed for compact areas and adverse soil types.

Water Testing Recap Sheet

Once completed, all input is submitted to the Province's portal for further analysis. A report is generated by NBALA to member lakes at the end of each reporting year.

Secchi Disk

Used to measure water clarity. The clearer the better. Ever thinking of selling your cottage and or residence? Many areas in Canada now attach Secchi and Water monitoring to the property listing.

Septic Repairs

All septics should be inspected and cleaned out on a regular bases

Septic Cleanup

Based on usage, septics should be cleaned out every two to five years.

Water Testing Read Out Device

Measurements are taken at the same station, and at the same water depths, thus creating a baseline.

Water Testing Kit

After each trip, equipment is cleaned and stored away. It is also serviced at the end of the year. Cost is a part of NBALA membership.

How To Identify

Know what to look for. Cyanobacteria is not connected to anything meaning.. rock. Benthic Cyanobacteria mats which is harmful to pets feels like snot.

Water Testing Probe

The probe is immersed into the lake proving a reading.

Bathymetry Map

This mapping provides water temperature and lake depth. A good tool to highlight potential problem areas. Water temperature / stratification can play a key role in potential threats.

Province of New Brunswick

Factors influencing Cyanobacteria. Creating awareness. Look at the signs and be cautious of the area you're looking. 'If I doubt, stay out!'

Cyanobacteria Alert

Once a bloom has been confirmed, signage is posted alerting residents. This sign becomes permanent. Once pernament, then you are always looking over your shoulder.