The water quality of our lakes has been on the front page before, but this time the fact that the shocking news is about one of the ‘big three’ lakes seems to raise more alarm bells, as the impact could be far-reaching.

District of Muskoka councillors were advised last week that the phosphorus levels in Lake Joseph are rising at an alarming rate.

One environmental consultant said that while the water quality of the lake is still considered good, the sharp rise in phosphorus levels is equivalent to the impact of constructing 2,400 new cottages on the lake. The consultant did, however, say he feels the problem is not related to development.

In fact, no one has figured out what is causing the high readings. So what the problem is related to has become the million-dollar question.

The one thing that is for sure is there is much work to be done to repair the damage.

It certainly doesn’t need to be said that in Muskoka our water is our lifeline, and the fact that these situations, which have been more known to happen on our area’s smaller lakes, are now starting to impact on our large water bodies is a huge wake-up call. Particularly since Lake Joseph is part of a water system that connects with other lakes like Rosseau, another member of the ‘big three’.

It’s reassuring to see that a number of steps are immediately being put into place to ameliorate the situation, but a lot of work and education still lies ahead for those who use these waters.

Smaller lakes have many advantages, and those lake residents will give you some fine examples, but one of the greatest advantages is that the entire lake becomes a community and it is easier to gather the troops to fight such a devastating report.

Much of the work that lies ahead is based on the community of Lake Joe gathering together so that everyone is contributing to the solution.

While politicians don’t like the continued reference to the algae bloom situation on Three Mile Lake, this unfortunately could be sadly played out across Muskoka, including the larger lakes, in our future.

Mobilizing the provincial government to help in the situation is one piece of the puzzle, and our municipal bylaws are another, but the onus continues be on all of us to become the watchdogs to help repair what is happening now, and to protect our assets into the future.

KF