Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 3, Summer 2025
The International Joint Commission (IJC), the binational body responsible for managing shared U.S.–Canada waters, held its spring semi-annual meeting (April 29–May 1), bringing together commissioners, scientists, and local representatives to discuss ongoing issues in watersheds like Rainy–Lake of the Woods. Held in a hybrid format in Washington, D.C., the meeting included updates from the International Rainy–Lake of the Woods Watershed Board (IRLWWB), which oversees water levels, water quality, and ecosystem health in our watershed.
Water level management: More flexibility after 2022 floods
The IRLWWB Water Levels Committee (WLC) discussed the challenges of maintaining and managing water levels in the Namakan Lake – Rainy Lake – Rainy River transboundary waters under its jurisdiction. After the historic 2022 flooding, a Temporary Order (issued in 2023) gave the WLC more flexibility to respond to potential water level management issues. In 2024, a consultant’s modelling analysis found this new approach improves clarity and doesn’t increase flood or environmental risks, even under climate change-influenced scenarios. Before making these changes permanent, the IJC requires more public input.
So far this year, the WLC has advised dam operators in the Namakan–Rainy Lakes system to hold water levels at midlevel, based on current conditions and forecasts. Conditions are drier than usual. There is slightly below-normal snow water equivalent across the entire basin, deeper frost depth and forecasts indicate a below-normal risk of spring flooding. The WLC will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts, updating targets as needed.
Algae Blooms and phosphorus: Ongoing challenges in Lake of the Woods and advocating for binational goals
Algae has been problematic in Lake of the Woods for decades.
In 2010, the binational governments directed the IJC to examine water management in this watershed, including water quality in Lake of the Woods. In 2014 and again in 2022, the State of the Basin Reports on watershed health highlighted harmful and toxic algae as a primary water quality concern for Lake of the Woods. In recent years, the blooms have been appearing in midsummer, peaking later, and persisting well into the fall. In 2024, blooms peaked in mid-October and were more widespread than usual, especially in the open lake and Sabaskong Bay areas.
To tackle water quality issues more effectively, the IRLWWB has recommended that both federal governments establish shared phosphorus objectives. In late 2024, the IRLWWB adopted “Alert Levels” for phosphorus and markers of algae activity, as well as mercury in fish. The IRLWWB tracks relevant water quality data across the watershed and reports annually on exceedances to these alert levels and, if required, recommends remedial actions to be taken by government agencies. The board’s latest Exceedance Report found that phosphorus still exceeds the USA and Canadian water quality standards. Fortunately, local agencies have taken enforcement action where needed.
In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for phosphorus as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) recommended, establishing 17.3 per cent reduction targets for phosphorus discharges from U.S. sources. In Canada, in 2020, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) completed its multi-year science plan for Lake of the Woods to determine appropriate phosphorus load reductions from the Canadian side. Since then, the Government of Canada launched the new Canada Water Agency (CWA) and the Lake of the Woods Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Currently, LOWWSF is working with the CWA to finalize Canada’s domestic targets and support these with a domestic phosphorus management plan that identifies where we can reduce phosphorus loading in the watershed.
Monitoring local projects
The IRLWWB is also keeping an eye on local infrastructure and development projects, including:
- CN Rail bridge replacement between Rainier, MN and Fort Frances, ON.
- Proposed nuclear waste storage site near Ignace, ON, just outside the watershed, but close enough to raise concern about long-term impacts.
In both cases, the IRLWWB is still seeking clarification on its role and whether it should be actively involved in providing oversight or commentary.
Why this meeting matters for cottage owners and the local community
From toxic algae blooms to water level management and flood risk, the decisions and discussions at the IJC’s spring semi-annual appearances showcase the direct effect on the health and usability of our lakes and rivers and their international management. These issues impact property values, recreational use, water quality and long-term environmental sustainability.
The IRLWWB and LOWWSF will continue to monitor developments closely, advocate for water protection, and build networks of people and groups doing good work in our watershed. We welcome and encourage engagement and participation, so please don’t hesitate to get involved. We all have a role to play in protecting our shared waters.
For more information or to get involved, visit: ijc.org/en/rlwwb and lowwsf.com.
What is the IJC?
The International Joint Commission (IJC), was jointly created by Canada and the U.S., to help prevent and resolve disputes over transboundary waters. The IJC’s work is guided by the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, which recognizes how the actions of one country related to water use can impact the other.
The IJC has six commissioners (three appointed by each country) and supports a network of boards and working groups focused on specific watersheds, including ours. Most boards oversee water levels and flows and some, like ours, monitor water quality and ecosystem health, recommending solutions to emerging issues, often in collaboration with local communities and governments.
Our regional board, the International Rainy–Lake of the Woods Watershed Board (IRLWWB), was established in January 2013 and has 20 members with equal representation from both countries, including members from Indigenous communities (First Nations, Métis, and Tribes). The IRLWWB delivers on its mandate through four committees: the Adaptive Management Committee, Water Level Committee, Engagement Committee, and Aquatic Ecosystem Health Committee. It is supported by input and advice from a Community and Industry Advisory Group. The IRLWWB is also supported by engineering advisors, secretaries, and a part-time International Watershed Coordinator (that’s me!).
