Update on Eurasian Milfoil & Water Quality from AlBeRo President Alex Tyrrell

I have some great news to share with you. We have achieved and exceeded our $30k fundraising objective for the construction of a suction harvesting barge! This barge will be used to remove Eurasian milfoil from our lakes with the help of volunteer divers! Construction of the barge is underway and we should be ready to begin removing milfoil from the lakes in June!

Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed financially or volunteered their time for this important project that will help restore the fragile biodiversity of our lakes and water ways! We hope to be able to count on your continued support going forward! You can donate anytime by sending an e-transfer to our treasurer, Huguette Messier at messierh@hotmail.com if you are interested in volunteering please reply to this email! We are in particular need of divers (shallow water, no certification needed).

News About Water Quality

While we were drawing up plans for the milfoil removal barge, we received the results of our 2021 lake water study and the results are cause for concern. After a strong rainfall last year, the water in two bays in the north of Beaven Lake near Swails Corner were unhealthy to swim in due to elevated fecal coliform counts. The lab tests showed that the count was 150% of the limit for direct contacts such as swimming. Certain relatively low volume tributaries in this part of the lake had concentrations five times higher than the limit for swimming. The tributaries and parts of the lake which tested high are in proximity to agricultural activities and homes. The cause of the pollution could be from septic tanks as well as runoff from the agricultural fields.

The good news is that the problem appears to be limited to times of heavy rainfall. We have reached out to both the municipalities and the farm asking them to verify septic tanks and put in place medication measures that will help reduce the amount and concentration of pollution that drains into our lakes. The conclusions of our 2021 study conducted by the OBV RPNS include a recommendation to increase the number of tests done during the 2022 season. Our board of directors has voted to conduct 8 rounds of testing this year (compared to three last year). This data will help us understand the magnitude of this problem and what can be done to improve the water quality.

This year’s water quality study will cost about $2 000 in laboratory fees. We are seeking help to cover the lab fees and volunteers who would be interested in collecting samples on Beaven Lake (training provided). If you would like to help cover the costs please send an e-transfer to our treasurer, Huguette Messier at messierh@hotmail.com. If you would like to volunteer please reply to this message.

New Signs In The Neighbourhood

After many years of having these beautiful signs boasting about the quality of our lake water, we have decided to replace them with our new logo and website address. This symbolic change was necessary as it is not safe to drink our lake – in fact it can be dangerous to even swim at the north end of Beaven lake after a heavy rainfall. This may come as a shock to some people and we find it upsetting but for many years it has not been recommended to drink any lake water due to the unpredictability of water quality. For example; the momentary presence of wildlife near water intake systems can lead to water being contaminated. These changes in water quality are also occurring in a context where the water quality and environmental health of lakes across the province are in decline. As people who care about our lakes, we must do what we can to keep the water clean.

The annual BBQ is back!

It will be held on Saturday, July 9th (rain date Sunday, July 10) at 4 PM.

Click here to view the location

Presentation About Milfoil & Water Quality Issues in Arundel

On the invitation of the city of Arundel I will be giving a presentation about the health of Beaven and Round Lakes next Saturday, May 28th at 10:00am at the Arundel

 Municipal Garage as part of their « Green Days » initiative. My presentation will cover Eurasian Milfoil, water quality issues and what can be done to fix them. It will also be a great time to hear about the many volunteer opportunities we have in the lake association while discussing the problems and solutions to the issues our lakes are facing – everyone is welcome! I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you for your help in protecting Beaven and Round lakes,

Alex Tyrrell

President AlBeRo