Water Quality
Water Quality
The TLCA is dedicated to protecting the health of Trout Lake's waters. Clean water is essential not only for aquatic life but also for the enjoyment of our community and future generations. On this page, you'll find valuable information about our ongoing water quality initiatives, testing efforts, and best practices for maintaining a clean and sustainable environment. Explore our resources, learn about the importance of water quality, and discover how you can contribute to our mission.
Funding Support Needed to Protect Lake Trout Habitat
As noted in our Spring 2025 Bulletin, TLCA has developed a comprehensive 5-year Water Quality Monitoring Program to expand data collection beyond what the Lake Partner Program provides. This initiative will track critical parameters—Dissolved Oxygen, Dissolved Organic Carbon, Orthophosphate, and Total Suspended Solids—that are essential for understanding and protecting the delicate habitat needs of lake trout and the overall health of Trout Lake.
To launch this program, TLCA is seeking community sponsorships and donations to help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000. Your support will allow us to close important data gaps, strengthen our ability to detect changes early, and ensure informed decisions are made to safeguard Trout Lake for future generations. Click here to support a cause that matters—your donation makes a difference!
Presentation to the Municipality of French River - December 2024
Summary of Presentation - The Trout Lake Campers Association (TLCA) is requesting funding from the Municipality of French River for a 5-year water quality monitoring program. This program is crucial to addressing declining dissolved oxygen levels and rising phosphorus in Trout Lake, which threaten the survival of lake trout and the overall health of the ecosystem. The program, which combines volunteer efforts and expert training, is a cost-effective way to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lake, benefiting the environment, local economy, and future generations.
FOCA Lake Partner Program
The TLCA-SD conducts water quality monitoring to better understand and protect the quality of Trout Lake. As part of the Lake Partner Program, annual spring water samples from 6 sites along Trout Lake were collected in May to determine the concentrations of Total Phosphorus, Calcium, and Chloride. Monthly Secchi disk readings were also taken from May to August to measure water clarity. Results will be available next year and records can be found at any time on the Lake Partner Program website (https://foca.on.ca/lake-partner-program/ ) and an interactive map with results can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/map-lake-partner.
Water Quality - Lake Partner Program Results (up to 2022)
The goal of the Lake Partner Program is to better understand and protect the quality of Ontario’s inland lakes by involving citizens in a volunteer-based water quality monitoring program.
- Moderate water clarity (average secchi depth of 3.31 m) which is in the oligotrophic levels (2-4m). The water clarity in Trout Lake is good and has been relatively stable, with a slight decrease over the past few years. Water clarity is an indicator of ecosystem health as it affects the depth to which aquatic plants can grow, the temperature of the water, and amount of dissolved oxygen. Good water clarity is not only aesthetically important for property value and recreational use, but also vital for wildlife, such fish and loons.
- Low phosphorus levels (average concentration of 6.9 μg/L) which is in the oligotrophic level (under 10 μg/L). When phosphorus levels get above 10 μg/L, nuisance algae can form, and high levels can cause algal blooms and, in some cases, noxious odours and toxins which impact human and animal health. Ways to help keep phosphorus levels low in the lake is by reducing your use of fertilizers and laundry detergents high in phosphorus, and by maintaining your septic system.
- Low calcium levels (average concentration of 2.6 mg/L). Calcium levels above 5mg/L is good, while levels below 2.5 mg/L are considered “stressed”. The calcium levels have been increasing in Trout Lake, which is good since calcium is an important nutrient for aquatic organisms, particularly for the formation of shells such as for clams, crayfish and amphipods.
- Low chloride levels (average concentration of 0.9 mg/L). It is good to have lowlevels of chloride since high levels (above 120 mg/L) can be detrimental to aquatic life.
Water Quality Testing
Your Environment Committee is looking for volunteers to help with water quality testing!
Training will be provided.
Join us !!
Resources
Septic Systems
FOCA’s Septic Report (above) explores the state of sewage systems across rural Ontario, including:
representative statistics on the state of Ontario sewage systems
what a sewage system is designed to do, and why it matters in rural Ontario,
an overview of the septic re-inspection process, and
4 case studies of municipal re-inspection programs.
This report is the culmination of a two-year project with FOCA, university, industry and organizational partners to explore successes, challenges and lessons learned in municipal re-inspection programs across the province.
September 2022 – NEW https://foca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Septic-Smart-III-RVCA-2022.pdf Septic Smart Brochure (PDF, 5 MB) – FOCA has worked with our industry partners over the past several years to update the popular Septic Smart brochure for homeowners living with an onsite wastewater system. We are very pleased to announce the release of the revised brochure, and encourage everyone to read it.
Cottage Life - Septic Systems
This Cottage Life webpage offers a guide for selecting the right wastewater system for cottages and rural properties. It highlights the importance of effective wastewater management, considering environmental impacts and local regulations. The article covers various systems such as traditional septic systems, alternative treatments, and composting toilets. Key factors include property size, soil conditions, water use, and budget. Emphasizing proper installation and regular maintenance, the guide aims to assist cottage owners in making informed, sustainable choices for wastewater management.
Septic Systems
Learn how your septic system works and find resources on how to keep it working properly. This technical information is for Ontario rural residents. Information is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and Ministry of Rural Affairs
Invasive Zebra Mussels
Invasive Zebra Mussels have been detected in Trout Lake! Zebra Mussels are native to Eurasia and brought to the Great Lakes via ballast water. These mussels are typically found attached to objects, surfaces, or other mussels by threads extending from underneath the shells.
IsampleON Program
In August of 2023, TLCA-SD took part in the IsampleON program to promote invasive species awareness, and monitor Trout Lake. A water sample was collected to test for Water Soldier and European Water Chestnut, aquaEc invasive plants. We expect to hear the results in late 2023. No detection was found, but this doesn't guarantee its absence. Continued vigilance is essential to protect the lake. Learn more about the IsampleON program and read the full 2024 report from FOCA, here: <a href="https:/foca.on.ca/isampleon/"https:/foca.on.ca/isampleon
Water Quality Presentation to Municipal Council - December 2024
The TLCA is asking the Municipality of French River for funding to safeguard Trout Lake's future. A comprehensive water quality monitoring program is vital for protecting biodiversity, boosting the local economy, and ensuring clean water for generations to come. Click for more information.
