Water Testing Results are in
It’s been two years since we last tested our three lakes for E. coli and Total Phosphorusin 2018, so we have tested once again.
E. coli Bacteria
These bacteria originate from the wastes of animals or humans. Thus, high numbers of E. coli in a lake could come from septic systems or from wildlife (especially large numbers of waterfowl). Lakes used for swimming and other recreation should have less than 126 colonies of E. coli bacteria per 100 mL of water. High levels of E. coli bacteria can be reduced by limiting animal access to the lake, maintaining septic systems, and redirecting runoff areas where animal wastes accumulate.
Total Phosphorus
Total phosphorus is a nutrient that may cause increased growth of aquatic plants and algae.Any detectable amounts of total phosphorus (above 0.025 mg/L) may be indicative of pollution from fertilizers, manures or other nutrient-rich wastes.
Reducing nutrient levels is critical to control nuisance growth of aquatic plants and algae. This can be accomplished by reducing the use of fertilizers near the water, keeping geese and domestic animals away from the lake, redirecting runoff from animal pens and fertilized areas, maintaining a 30-foot or wider buffer strip of higher grass around the perimeter of the lake and maintaining nearby septic systems.
Results for E. coli testing of BBR lakes July 2020:
Here are the standards for the rate of UFC/100ml:
0 – 20 (A) Excellent
21-100 (B) Good
101-199 (C) Fair/Acceptable
200+ (D) NOT recommended.
The water quality of Bob and Ruthledge Lakes is less than 6 UFC/100ml which is Excellent. For Brême Lake, it is between 17 and 25 UFC/100ml which is Good and even Very Good given the results are in the low twenties. The E. coli rates are noted as being slightly higher on Brême Lake which may be caused by one or more of the above noted reasons. However, the water swimming quality of all three lakes remains well within acceptable limits.
Results for Total Phosphorus testing of BBR lakes July 2020:
With regards to Phosphate rates, all our lakes are excellent since levels are much less than 0.01 mg\L which is considered not contaminated.
Our lakes have always proven over the years to be of excellent quality and we hope to maintain that reputation.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind BBR members to empty your septic tank every 2 years if possible, or at least every 4 years as per the law. If you are unsure of the status of your tank, please consider having it inspected to ensure it is not adversely affecting our lakes. For local services, some members have used Pompage Septique Gauthier (819-457-2041) or Claude Bernier de Duclos (819-456-2529).