Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
Algae are a normal part of the lake eco-system, HABs are not.
Phytoplankton, a type of algae, are a diverse group of mid-water, microscopicsingle-celled or colonial, photosynthesizing organisms that are found at the base of every lake food web. Through photosynthesis, they use solar energy, carbon dioxide and water to build organic molecules that allow for their own growth and provide food to zooplankton, and ultimately to fish and other animals. In the process of photosynthesis, they generate significant amounts of oxygen that is released to the atmosphere. Every second breath you take provides you with oxygen originally placed into the atmosphere by phytoplankton in lakes and oceans.
Unfortunately, on occasion, conditions can be particularly favorable for algal growth and reproduction. At these times, algal populations can become quite large, resulting in a visible scum on the lake surface. These algal blooms can develop over just a few days and can disappear just as fast as algal cells die and decompose. Severe blooms can deplete a lake of oxygen when decomposing, leading to fish kills and other serious disruptions to the lake ecosystem. They can also prove noxious, in appearance as well as odor, degrading our enjoyment of our lakes. In rare instances, the bloom causing species produce toxins that can cause serious health risks to people and animals drinking or bathing in the water.
Muskoka Watershed Council initiated a citizen science algae monitoring program in order to build an understanding of algae and algal blooms in Muskoka by harnessing the efforts of volunteers to collect data on the distribution, abundance and seasonal cycles of phytoplankton across Muskoka area lakes so that, over time, it may be possible to identify conditions favoring algae blooms, detect trends in phytoplankton abundance, and provide management advice.
https://www.muskokawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/AlgaeIDSheet.pdf
A combination of factors including the presence of excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, warm temperatures and lots of light can spur the onset of an algal bloom.
Take these simple steps to help prevent the growth of blue-green algae:
use phosphate-free detergents, personal care and household cleaning products.
never bathe in the lake, even with so-called green products
avoid using fertilizers on lawns, including so called natural fertilizers
maintain a natural shoreline on lake and riverfront properties
have your septic systems pumped regularly and inspected by a professional
your septic system was designed to handle your number of bedrooms with each bedroom having only 2 overnight guests. Do not overload your system