High sodium rates in Muskoka sparks concern over lake health
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed and the Gull & Silver Lakes Residents Association (GSLRA) teamed up to determine how road salt affects nearby lakes in the Muskoka area.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The GSLRA in Gravenhurst took water samples throughout the week in areas where it thinks there could be high levels of chloride.
The vice president of the association, Brian Ochab, said their main focus is on lake health and safety.
"We're starting to see rising rates of salt in the lakes, and that affects all of lake biology, how people can enjoy the lakes, and it affects overall lake health," he said.
Officials say sodium rates are much higher in the Muskoka area.
"Dr. Norman Yan has been doing research for decades and has shown now that in Muskoka, where we have soft water, we have a far higher sensitivity for these organisms to the salt," said Joanne Smith, environmental chair of the association.
"Our value here on Gull Lake is approximately 17.9, so we are above the damage level."
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed said road salt is a significant problem, and it's concerned over the amount used.
"People are using a little too much salt on their driveway, in their backyard, in their storefront. If there is salt left over, sweep it up and use it again. All salt goes into the water. Nothing stops it," said Sandy Lockhart with Friends of the Muskoka Watershed.
Although this is a pilot project, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed plans to roll out a more extensive program this fall.
A public education campaign will also be held at that time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.