December 30, 2024

2024 Top 10 stories: Lake water quality

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — A theme of this year's Top 10 could be Problems That Continue to Plague Us. The 2nd most-read story of 2024, is  a carry-over from 2023 and another one we've been reporting on for years and only seems to get worse every summer — Lake water quality.

Blue-green algae blooms are being reported in lakes all across Ontario. Closer to home, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority noted the presence of cyanobacteria in Wilder Lake near Durham in 2019, presenting the results of their study showing increased levels of the organisms to a concerned audience in Southgate. Since then, Eugenia Lake sightings of this toxic substance have also become frequent and cries for a solution to address water quality in all of our lakes and waterways have become louder than ever.

At a Town Hall Forum held in Kimberley on September 17, water quality was top of mind for residents who attended. Although a Lake Management Task Force was in the process of forming, to deal with issues at each of Grey Highlands waterways, many attendees let Councillors know of their impatience for action on the matter. Several demanded the implementation of mandatory septic inspections for at-risk properties and more concern for the problem.

Councillors held firm that the issue was very important to them and steps to find solutions were underway. The Task Force will begin meeting in 2025. So far, there is no deadline for policies, plan or report to Council from this body.

In the meantime, the Municipality of Grey Highlands has advised that when algae blooms are present or suspected:

• Do not swim in the water
• Do not let pets go into or drink the water
• Do not let children play in or near the water
• Be cautious about eating fish from the lake. Do not eat the liver, kidneys, or other organs of fish caught in the water body.
• Do not drink untreated water or use it for cooking. Boiling the water may increase toxins.

Municipal staff will continue to monitor water quality during summer months and post warnings when appropriate.

Citizens concerned over Lake Eugenia water quality

 

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