in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
August 15, 2022
BY MORGAN ANDERSON AND DOUG HILL — On August 5, 2022, the Grey Bruce Health Unit posted an advisory for Lake Eugenia water quality due to the presence of potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms in the Lake. This notice was posted based on samples taken by the Ministry of the Environment on July 26, 2022. The full text of the notice is available at: https://greyhighlands.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/154753/?notices=True&preview=292979.
Due to concerns of decreasing water quality in Lake Eugenia, two residents of the lake, Morgan Anderson and Doug Hill, formed a charitable foundation in May 2022, to study the source of excessive aquatic growth and pursue possible solutions. Brent Parsons, of Hutchinson Environmental Sciences in Bracebridge has been retained by The Friends of Lake Eugenia. Mr. Parsons has an extensive background in limnology and lake restoration. He will consolidate available historical data on lake chemistry, sample current lake conditions and issue a report on the findings as well as suggest potential remediation options.
On-site sampling took place on August 10, 2022. This sampling includes water samples for biologic analysis, lake bottom sediment samples and fluoroscopic analysis of the lake water. The report will be issued in the fall of 2022.
The cost of this study has been funded by $35,000 of private donations from Lake residents and local businesses through the website helplakeeugenia.com. We wish to thank everyone who has given so generously and welcome future donations.
Lake Eugenia is a man-made lake of 1700 acres that was formed by damming the Beaver River in the early 20th century. The lake is the only significant inland lake in the area. Its presence provides recreational opportunities for residents, generates large property tax revenues, and stimulates commercial activity in the area. Most importantly, water flowing through Lake Eugenia provides 40% of the water in the river at its mouth in The Blue Mountains. The quality of the water in the Lake has a direct impact on water quality and fish habitat for the 40 km of river downstream. The beauty of the river is the centre of focus for the Beaver Valley and the tourists that are drawn to it.
Friends of Lake Eugenia was formed by 2 concerned citizens that were unable to generate interest in improving the Lake’s water quality by using prescribed regulatory communication. Their intention is to gather data and recommendations to present to governmental and private organizations that have an interest in restoring the Lake. They are pursuing partnerships with other associations to further our efforts. Contact has been made with Swim Drink Fish https://www.swimdrinkfish.ca, a Toronto based water stewardship organization to help in our efforts.
Their sole purpose is to improve the water quality of Lake Eugenia and the Beaver River.
For more information, please contact helplakeeugenia@gmail.com
At South Grey News, we endeavour to bring you truthful and factual, up-to-date local community news in a quick and easy-to-digest format that’s free of political bias. We believe this service is more important today than ever before, as social media has given rise to misinformation, largely unchecked by big corporations who put profits ahead of their responsibilities.
South Grey News does not have the resources of a big corporation. We are a small, locally owned-and-operated organization. Research, analysis and physical attendance at public meetings and community events requires considerable effort. But contributions from readers and advertisers, however big or small, go a long way to helping us deliver positive, open and honest journalism for this community.
Please consider supporting South Grey News with a donation in lieu of a subscription fee and let us know that our efforts are appreciated. Thank you.
.jpg?updated=1625080483)
