Enrichment status of thirty-five lakes in the Haliburton Highlands Region

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Robinson, G. W.

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Ontario Ministry of the Environment

Abstract

In general, the biological quality of thirty-five lakes in the Haliburton Highlands area as indicated by Secchi disc chlorophyll a measurements was excellent. Some concern is expressed relative to the occasionally high levels of algae encountered in Big Straggle, George's and Little Glamor Lakes. For lakes having two to three consecutive years of data, only minor positional changes in Secchi disc - chlorophyll a relationships were noted, indicating that evidence of accelerating eutrophy is not yet apparent. In order to maintain the excellent water quality which exists throughout much of the Haliburton Highlands area, every effort should be made to ensure that nutrients from sink and laundry wastes, septic tank seepage and garden fertilizers do not gain access to the lakes. To establish a clearer understanding of year to year variations in water clarity conditions and algal densities, a continuation of the study is recommended. Such information, if maintained on a long-term basis, will be extremely useful in assessing whether or not changes in the trophic condition of the lake are materializing. In this regard, a suggestion is offered to continue with Secchi disc readings and chlorophyll a sampling during the summers of 1974 and 1975, but to maintain Secchi disc readings only during the years 1976 to 1978. In 1979, sampling for chlorophyll a would be re-introduced to complement water clarity data. Ideally, data collections should be made on a weekly basis during the ice-free period of the year.

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Archive of Agri-Environmental Programs in Ontario, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Biological Surveys, Investigations Reports, water quality, biological quality, algae, nurtrient loading, water clarity, algal density, trophic condition, nutrient enrichment, chlorophyll a, Secci disc

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