Testing & Phosphates – April to October 2009

November 2008

As winter approaches and our water turns to ice, your Stewardship Council is busy preparing for some activities in 2009.

Water testing was completed at 14 locations on the French River in 2008 and samples were taken from early in April to mid October – at least 5 times from most locations, some as many as 9 times.

A more comprehensive testing program was also undertaken for 2 locations in Ranger Bay as we recognized the heavier population density and felt we should try and get more data from this area.

As we receive the results of this program, we expect to have a better understanding of our current water quality levels, can compare this year’s findings with previous data, and begin to see some trends in the changes, specifically in the level of phosphates in the water.

At least one more year of similar testing will be needed to establish solid base line measurements throughout our system.

Over the winter we are busy planning the following:

Tree planting program with the local schools for late May or early June 2009.

More comprehensive testing program for the river system for 2009

Education program about the various logos used to identify products used in your home and garden

Proceeding with Incorporation as a charitable organization – targeting to have this in place for the 2009

Plans for the 2009 Public Meeting – will be held in July!!

Fund raising activities

For continuing information got to

Phosphates and what they mean to you!

This is a simple layman’s explanation of phosphates as they relate to water quality

Phosphates enter the water system in many ways, some natural, and some directly related to human activities.

Shoreline land use and human impact are usually the dominant cause of increasing level of phosphorous in our water

Phosphates are a good thing at the right levels.  When the levels get too high – water quality deteriorates.

The Sturgeon Bay area, just west of Point au Baril, is an example of how things can go wrong, and is a great example of why your stewardship Council is doing their work now ands is concerned that we don’t become another Sturgeon Bay.

For more information about the issues at Sturgeon Bay, go to  www.oursturgeonbay.com

Phosphorous is measured in `parts per billion (ppb).

Generally, a concentration of 5 to 10 ppb is considered healthy for a fresh water environment.

Readings in the 10 to 15 ppb range are a signal for concern

Readings above 15 ppb indicate there are water quality problems

As we get the results of our 2008 testing, we should be able to identify specific areas where we work to improve water quality

In 2009, we plan a more comprehensive education and information program to work with any area where we see phosphate levels that are too high.  This proactive management is the best way to make sure we avoid major problems in the future