Working together to reduce blooms of blue-green algae on Granite Lake - and every lake!
Blue green algae is something you never want to see on your lake, and it is something that property owners on Granite Lake unfortunately have first hand experience with this summer. Even if you are not a property owner on Granite Lake, awareness of how to recognize blue green algae, what to do about it and why is important to anyone who lives on or enjoys our lakes.
On August 5th, not long after the discovery of blue-green algae on Granite Lake LOWDSA staff and the LakeSmart team toured Granite Lake with property owners to observe the bloom and plan future action. An information sheet (attached) was developed and on August 22 LOWDSA staff, directors and the LakeSmart team conducted dock visits with property owners on Granite Lake. Information on ‘living green at the lake’ in general with specific attention to blue green algae on Granite Lake was shared, with many questions asked and answered and others taken with responses to follow. A few days later a webinar (via ZOOM) was held to discuss the blue-green algae issue. Water quality specialists from IISD Experimental Lakes Area and elsewhere provided guidance and answered questions. All Granite Lake residents were encouraged to join, and the webinar was also open to anyone concerned about blue-green algae on any lake. Just over 70 people registered for the webinar. To watch the webinar, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWuygMYFcS4.
What is good for Granite Lake is good for all lakes
Key information shared during the webinar and dock visits is available on the attached info sheet and includes:
- Precautions to take – keeping pets and people safe at the lake
- Why did blue-green algae show up in the lake this year?
- What are the sources of phosphorus (human induced and natural)
- Turning concern into action – strategies to reduce nutrient loading
Everyone has a part to play – Involve your family and guests in your efforts to reduce your impact on the water quality of your lake. Educate them and turn them into lake stewards and active participants.
Links to Additional Resources