There are plenty of ways to help keep our lakes clean and thriving
Helping
our lakes
How Can You Help Our Lakes?
All of us who own property on or near one of our lakes are impacting it. There are several ways we can reduce our negative impact on the lake. Blue-green algae thrives on Phosphorus and Nitrogen. We can decrease the amount of these nutrients entering the lake in several ways, including reducing the amount of nutrients produced (e.g., not using fertilizer) or increasing the natural absorption of nutrients before they reach the lake. Plants with deep root systems (trees and shrubs) absorb these nutrients and decrease the amount going into the lake. This is especially important along the edges of the water (riparian zone).
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Here are some simple things we all can do to decrease the nutrient overload in our lakes causing the blue-green algae:
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Plant or retain native plants along the shoreline- create a natural zone as a buffer between any lawn and the lake
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Retain native aquatic plant growth (don’t remove aquatic “weeds”)
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Increase the number and density of trees and shrubs on your property
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Don’t use fertilizer on your lawn- use fertilizer only in containers where the fertilizer will not get into the lake
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Don’t use insecticides, herbicides, and/or fungicides
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Ensure that your septic system works properly and does not allow *any * sewage to enter the lake. Outhouses need to be pumped out, and septic tanks, NOT fields, should be used
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Properly compost biodegradable waste- don’t let these nutrients get into the lake
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Use Phosphate and phosphorus-free soaps – (shampoo, laundry, hand, and dish soap). Ensure all chemicals are stored properly
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Properly fuel boats and lawn equipment to avoid polluting the lake
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Ensure all animal waste is disposed of properly
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Conserve water – use low-flow toilets and shower heads, minimize watering of the lawn
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Clean, Drain, and Dry Your Boat - Prevent the spread of harmful, invasive species in Alberta Lakes
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Sign up for a Homesite Consultation: a member of Nature Alberta’s Living By Water Project will come to your property to discuss with you ways in which you can improve your property to be more lake-friendly
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Let your friends and neighbours know what you are doing to help the lake. None of us wants to deliberately damage our lakes – help your neighbours help the lake!
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Become a member of the Lake Isle Lac Ste. Anne Stewardship Society (LILSA)!
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Attend LILSA events to learn more about our watershed
Living By Water Homesite Consultation
The Living By Water Project is a Province-wide initiative to improve that quality of water in our lakes. This is a free, confidential service offered by Nature Alberta. In this project, a shoreline adviser meets you at your property and you show them around. It is an opportunity for you to ask them questions about your property and the impact it has on the lake. Afterwards, they will send you a report offering you specific suggestions about your property. These actions will help improve our lakes and potentially increase your property value and even save you money.
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Click to learn more about Living By Water Homesite Consultation
