WC133 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 20
FEATURE
I often get asked about the Great Lakes’ water quality. While
it’s tempting to give a simple answer, the reality is a bit more
complex. Ontario is fortunate to have several blue flag beaches—
these are certified to meet high environmental, educational, and
safety-related standards. Moreover, resources like the Lake Ontario
Waterkeepers’ Swim Guide provide real-time information on water
quality, making it easier for paddlers to make informed decisions.
However, water quality is a multifaceted issue. For example,
you may have noticed the occasional algal blooms along the
shorelines. While not all of these are toxic, it’s crucial to understand the underlying factors that contribute to these phenomena. Algal blooms can be indicative of nutrient pollution, often
a result of agricultural or municipal runoff. These nutrients,
primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, can not only be harmful
to marine ecosystems but can also affect household pets if they
ingest contaminated water.
And it’s not just the local waters you have to think about. The
popularity of stand-up paddleboarding means people often travel
to different lakes and rivers. This brings up the critical issue of
biosecurity—ensuring we’re not contributing to the spread of invasive species. After each session, it’s essential to rigorously clean,
drain, and dry all equipment. Invasive species can be remarkably
resilient and can hitch a ride on your gear (including things like
your dry bag, leash, etc.), leading to biodiversity loss and the
disruption of local ecosystems in new locations.
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WATER C AN ADA • NOV EMBER/ DECEMBER 2023
Autumn waves
As the temperatures begin to cool down, the surfing community
on the Great Lakes, turns its focus to the science of wave forecasting. By diving into meteorological data, wind dynamics, and
hydrological conditions they can optimize their surfing experience—even as the Great Lakes present their seasonal challenges.
This deeper understanding not only enriches the experience but
also sheds light on the environmental factors that could jeopardize these cherished surfing locales.
Autumn and spring pose specific environmental concerns,
notably elevated bacteria levels due to water pollution following
heavy rainfall. Health agencies often advise against entering the
water for a 48-hour window post-storm. Seasoned Great Lakes
surfers, who are no strangers to waiting for the right meteorological conditions to craft the perfect waves, now face the added
dilemma: to surf or not to surf within this 48-hour window?
That said, as much as I’m tempted, I generally abstain from
water activities on these days. But it’s more than just a cautionary
approach; it’s a reflection of a broader understanding of environmental issues, such as the influence of stormwater runoff and
implications of water treatment plant bypasses. In urban and
Great Lakes regions, awareness of these challenges is crucial for
safely engaging in water-based recreational activities. It’s important to remember that official water quality monitoring usually
occurs only during the summer. So, what does that mean for the
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Diana Lee
Paddling during the winter months provides unique opportunity to enjoy the icy scenery up close.
