2024 Benthic Sampling - Join us!
Sunday August 18, 2024 @10 a.m. at Muskoka Beach
The District of Muskoka depends on volunteers from community groups like the SMLCA to conduct annual samples of the benthic species in our lake. Thanks to our amazing volunteers for another successful day of citizen science!
Sunday August 18, 2024 @10 a.m. at Muskoka Beach
The District of Muskoka depends on volunteers from community groups like the SMLCA to conduct annual samples of the benthic species in our lake. Thanks to our amazing volunteers for another successful day of citizen science!
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Benthic Testing
What is it?
Every summer, biological testing is done to ensure the ongoing health of our water. The District works with lake associations to conduct tests all over Muskoka. Benthic macroinvertebrates are small organisms such as larval mosquitos, aquatic snails, and flatworms. Some of these can survive for years in the substrate of a lake or river. Some are more sensitive to pollutants than others, and we see changes in populations when a system is compromised. By comparing the species composition to 'untouched' Muskoka lakes, we can see potential issues with water quality.
Where and Why?
Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling is conducted on the Hoc Roc River in conjunction with the District of Muskoka.
The Hoc Roc River flows into Lake Muskoka at Muskoka Beach, and runs past two golf courses, a developed community, and farmland. This is an important and sensitive area, and its health is important to our association.
Results
Benthic testing is a long term monitoring process, whereby problems can be detected by observing a significant change from previous years. Benthic tests have shown a water quality very slightly lower than the Muskoka average. Please click the links below to see the detailed results.
Volunteer Appreciation Letter
Results 2022 and Previous Years
How to Interpret Benthic Results
What is it?
Every summer, biological testing is done to ensure the ongoing health of our water. The District works with lake associations to conduct tests all over Muskoka. Benthic macroinvertebrates are small organisms such as larval mosquitos, aquatic snails, and flatworms. Some of these can survive for years in the substrate of a lake or river. Some are more sensitive to pollutants than others, and we see changes in populations when a system is compromised. By comparing the species composition to 'untouched' Muskoka lakes, we can see potential issues with water quality.
Where and Why?
Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling is conducted on the Hoc Roc River in conjunction with the District of Muskoka.
The Hoc Roc River flows into Lake Muskoka at Muskoka Beach, and runs past two golf courses, a developed community, and farmland. This is an important and sensitive area, and its health is important to our association.
Results
Benthic testing is a long term monitoring process, whereby problems can be detected by observing a significant change from previous years. Benthic tests have shown a water quality very slightly lower than the Muskoka average. Please click the links below to see the detailed results.
Volunteer Appreciation Letter
Results 2022 and Previous Years
How to Interpret Benthic Results
Get Involved!
Sampling is conducted by volunteers, and we need your help!
Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about the creatures that live in their lake, can gain volunteer hours for school requirements, get to meet new people, and spend a great day on Muskoka Beach. This is fun activity for young and old. Contact us for dates and more information.
Sampling is conducted by volunteers, and we need your help!
Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about the creatures that live in their lake, can gain volunteer hours for school requirements, get to meet new people, and spend a great day on Muskoka Beach. This is fun activity for young and old. Contact us for dates and more information.
Chemical Testing
The SMLCA participated in the chemical monitoring of Lake Muskoka from 2001-2016, now these tests are conducted by members of MLA. Each year fluctuations may occur due to weather events, wildlife, or human activities. Trends have emerged however, making continued testing essential. For example, chemical tests have shown an overall decrease in phosphorous levels in the lake over the years. This is likely due to property owners making informed choices and limiting the use of fertilizers near water. In addition, upgraded septic systems and regulations have decreased the direct impact on water bodies from human waste water. We are in search of a new volunteer to help us contribute to this important long-term monitoring project! Interested in learning more? Contact Us.
2022 Muskoka Lake Association Water Quality Report: See the results of chemical and physical testing in our area of Lake Muskoka. This long-term program paints a clear picture of the health of our lake, and testing was conducted by volunteer members of the MLA.
The SMLCA participated in the chemical monitoring of Lake Muskoka from 2001-2016, now these tests are conducted by members of MLA. Each year fluctuations may occur due to weather events, wildlife, or human activities. Trends have emerged however, making continued testing essential. For example, chemical tests have shown an overall decrease in phosphorous levels in the lake over the years. This is likely due to property owners making informed choices and limiting the use of fertilizers near water. In addition, upgraded septic systems and regulations have decreased the direct impact on water bodies from human waste water. We are in search of a new volunteer to help us contribute to this important long-term monitoring project! Interested in learning more? Contact Us.
2022 Muskoka Lake Association Water Quality Report: See the results of chemical and physical testing in our area of Lake Muskoka. This long-term program paints a clear picture of the health of our lake, and testing was conducted by volunteer members of the MLA.
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