Calcium

Calcium is also an essential element for all life forms. It promotes healthy teeth and bone formation in animals and enhances growth in plants. Daphnia, for example, are very sensitive to declining calcium levels. These tiny organisms called zooplankton, use calcium in the water to form their calcium-rich body coverings and are a primary food source for many fish. Mollusks, clams and crayfish are other examples of aquatic life that rely on calcium. 

What the results show

There is reason for concern when calcium levels fall below 1.5 mg/L.  Research is showing that these tiny organisms do not survive well below this level.  Calcium levels on Skeleton Lake are a good news story!  Although they are considered low, they are above the minimum threshold and remaining relatively stable.

Chloride

Salt is accumulating in the environment and poses an emerging threat both to ecosystems and human health. Once introduced into an ecosystem, salt can become a persistent problem and there are really no biological processes that will remove it. Reducing  the amount of salt entering waterways is an important way to protect our aquatic ecosystems.  The principle culprit is road salt.

What the results show

Although at low levels, like other lakes in Ontario our lake is seeing a steady linear rise in salt water year over year!  This is a negative long term trend!

What can you do?

• Reduce or eliminate the use of road salt on our cottage roads
• Eliminate the use of salt
• Use more sand or sand-brine mix as required

Municipalities are already doing this by optimizing how and when they apply salt while keeping the roads safe.  As we see more year-round residents, the tendency is to apply salt to the road surfaces increasing in frequency and amounts.  Please eliminate the use of salt!

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