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.l‘J «Leeannâ€"Mimi“. Hi. i _ . . ._...-__ ___...,._ _._\___.aâ€".~.:.a__.l 3 Algae covered water, slimy shoreline rocks and unconâ€" trollable weed growth, are all the results of water with high nutrient levels. The increased amounts of nutrients, such as phosphorous, in the water is creating a problem for the Rideau Lakes System. The phosphorous problem is the result of a chain of events which all conâ€" tribute to the diminishing quality of the water. The phosphorous stimulates growth in the weed growth in the lake. when the plant matter dies it decom- poses. The decompostion process takes oxygen from the water, which, leaves less water for the fish in the lake. Therefore, we can see two major ef- fects of the phosphorous rich lake; firstly increas- ed weed growth which takes away from the appearance and recreational use of the lake and secondly the 'fish population is threatened by the lack of oxygen in the water. A final effect is that the entire lake eutrophica- tion process, which is the natural process of a lake filling itself ‘ in to the land is rapidly used up. Thus humans are disrupting nature’s delicate balance. The increased quantities of phosphorous in the lake is the result of several factors. Agricul- tural runoff from the farmer's fertilizer rich fields, the use of soaps and detergents in houseâ€" holds and the failure of septic systems that work effectively all conâ€" tribute to the phosphorous loading problem in the Rideau Lake. However, like most problems with a number of causes, there are a number of solutions to ease the strain on the lake environment. The principal way that phosphorous enters the lake system is through septic tank systems. The sewage which consists of houshold cleaning proâ€" ducts and human waste enters the septic system and then is dispersed through tile bed. However, the phosphorOus found in this sewage eventually gets back to the water tables and so around the __ v,rr_fiâ€"wâ€"wmm lake gets into the lake system. To combat this process a number of steps may be taken by the con- cerned cottager. Using only phosphate free products is an easy way to limit the amount phos- phorous that goes into the environment. Phosphate free products such as shampoos, conditioners, floor cleaners, window cleaners and dishwashing soaps are available and priced competively with regular products. Beware to Check the label careful- ly as often the phosphateâ€" reduced products are still quite high in their phos- phate levels. The other more major change that a concerned individual could make is to use a composting toilet. These toilets use very little, if any, water and so put no strain on your septic systems. The modern com- posting toilets of today are very efficient and compost human waste 100 times more quickly than a septic tank, A smaller drawer is removed no more than twice a year and contains the composted waste which is completly odourless and unoffensive. The usual question people ask about the composting toilets is if there is any smell. There is absolâ€" utely no smell and in fact due to a natural vacuum in the composting toilet there is less smell than a conventional full flush toilet! The Big Rideau Lake Associâ€" ation storefront/office at the Scovil Store in Portland has both compost- ing toilets and phosphate free products on display and for sale. stop by or call 272-3629 for more information. As one can see some of the solutions presented require a lifestyle change while some take only mini- mal effort. Perhpas, the best way to decide how much you will do for the lake is to ask yourself the simple questions of what you would do if some- one was trying to take the Rideau Lake away from you. In a way, increased phosphorous levels are taking the lake away from the people bit by bit_ Please do your part to make sure the lake stays healthy. John J.L. Gibbâ€"Carsley Big Rideau Lake Association Environmental Partners Fund JULY] AUGUST I992 NORTH LEEDS LANTERN 29 O'HEARN'S SHELL 359-5588 Elgin General Repairs to All Makes of Cars Electric and Acetylene Welding Tires and Batteries Brewers Retail Can & Bottle Return Noma Lawnmowers Pop Shoppe Monday-Saturday 7:30â€"5:30 Sunday 10:00-5:00 WEB 9.8? LYNDHURST Pizzas Subs Burgers Fries 9928:188830 WATCH FOR ADDED FEATURES LAKESIDE HAIRSTVLING Bev' Morris is a master hairstylist with many years experience as a perm, colour and cutting technician,and currently lectures and teaches other stylists from Toronto to Ottawa. Call for an Appointment toâ€"dag at 353â€"t308 for quality hairstyling and haircare products, featuring Paul Mitchell, Nucleic A and our Exclusive Sensor Computer Perm Sustem. One mile from Perth Road Village on Shales Road.