RSVL is a provincial organization tasked with developing a picture of the health of lakes across the Province by helping members monitor parameters that affect the water quality and degree of aging of their lakes. The program measures levels of total phosphorous (PT), dissolved organic carbon (COD) and chlorophyll A (chl a). Following the RSVL protocol, our volunteers take water samples near the deepest part of the lake (the “pit”). This is done once a month in June, July and August. Transparency measurements are also taken, once every two weeks, using a Secchi disc. RSVL then arranges for pick-up of the samples, analysis and production of reports.
*Our own sampling program will involve measuring PT in Parent Creek in two places as it enters our lake and continued monitoring of bacteria (E.coli) to determine safety for swimming.
So, welcome our water testers as they go about their job, and stand by to get the results. We will then be able to track the progress of our efforts in the following areas:
- to reduce nutrients coming into our lake (shoreline restoration); and,
- to minimize stirring up of sediment (boating guidelines).