Wonder about the state of lakes in our area? Here is an Interactive map of the state of lakes in quebec Click here
Want to learn more ? Article from Journal de Quebec 5 years ago on the state of lakes in Quebec , click here
August 2025 Water test : Phosphorus
Water test were conducted in Mid- August for all 3 lakes below are the detail results
Bob Lake
Breme Lake
Rutledge Lake
August 2025 Water test E. Coli
Water test were conducted in Mid- August for all 3 lakes below are the detail results
Bob Lake
Breme Lake
Rutledge Lake
July 2025 Water tests
Water test were conducted in Mid- July for all 3 lakes below are the detail results
Bob Lake
Rutledge Lake
Breme Lake
June 2025 Water Tests
All 3 lakes were tested for E coli and the results were 0 (No E coli). The water testing plan is to also test in July and August. the detail of each lake is below. Thanks Walter for the work
Breme Lake
Bob Lake
Rutledge Lake
Phosphorus Retest Results for Lac Ruthledge – Fall 2022
This past summer, Lac Ruthledge had a total phosphorus level of 0.030 mg/L which is considered to be high and may be indicative of pollution from fertilizers, manures or other nutrient-rich wastes. Since the amount of total phosphorus in Lac Ruthledge was concerning. The BBR executive retested using a more sensitive total phosphorus analysis. We are pleased to report that the total phosphorus decreased to an excellent level of 0.0040 mg/L.
Thank you to all cottagers for implementing the suggestions of the summer communiqué to manage total phosphorus levels. Your efforts, such as conserving water, checking your septic tank, not using fertilizers, using phosphate-free products, picking up after your pets, and leaving your shoreline natural, have been rewarded. It is important to keep up these environmentally sound water quality practices, since high phosphorus levels may lead to algal blooms which can pose a risk to human and animal health.
Water Testing Results for summer 2022
It’s been two years since we last tested our three lakes for E. coli and total phosphorusin 2020, so we have tested once again.
E. coli:
The E. coli count was excellent in all samples collected from each of Bob, Brême and Ruthledge lakes and ranged from 1 to 4 UFC per 100 mL (0 to 20 is considered excellent). Lakes used for swimming and other recreation should have less than 126 UFC of E. coli bacteria per 100 mL of water.
Total phosphorus:
For total phosphorus, Bob and Brême lakes were each < 0.020 mg/L which, according to Micro B laboratory, is considered a trace amount. However, Ruthledge lake had a level of 0.030 mg/L which is considered more than a trace amount. The amount of total phosphorus in Ruthledge lake being 0.030 mg/L is noteworthy since any detectable amounts of total phosphorus (above 0.020 mg/L) may be indicative of pollution from fertilizers, manures or other nutrient-rich wastes.
An increasing concentration of available phosphorus allows plants to assimilate more nitrogen before the phosphorus is depleted. Thus, if sufficient phosphorus is available, elevated concentrations of nitrates may lead to algal blooms. Algal blooms can become a nuisance or potentially harmful. Some cyanobacteria can produce toxins that pose a risk to human and animal health. Therefore, it is important for all cottagers to limit the amount of phosphorus contributed to our lakes.
Here are some simple things that you can do to reduce your phosphorus footprint:
What You Can Do – On Land:
1. Conserve water.
By fixing any leaky taps and toilets around your cottage, installing low-flow faucets and showerheads, watering your lawn less frequently and using a rain barrel to collect rainfall for use in the garden, you can make an important difference. This results in less runoff going into the lake and streams.
2. Check your septic tank.
You need to look after your septic system and make sure it is working properly. That also means not putting anything in there that shouldn’t be in there! 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.
3. Don’t use fertilizer.
Lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus can wash into lakes, especially if people use too much of these chemicals. The phosphates from fertilizers are carried into surface waters through storm runoff, with melting snow and from soil erosion
4. Go phosphate-free.
Many household products, such as laundry detergent, car washing detergent, dishwasher soap and other cleaning products, contain phosphates that can contribute to a phosphorus problem. By purchasing products that are phosphate-free, you can help relieve the environmental pressure on the lakes and their watershed.
5. Stoop and scoop.
Your pet’s waste contains phosphorus and a number of other contaminants. Rainstorms and spring runoff can carry animal waste into the lake—so it’s important to pick up after your pet and dispose of the waste properly.
6. Plant a tree.
Trees and shrubs act as natural filters to stormwater runoff and soil erosion, which contribute to the phosphorus problem. Planting trees and shrubs near the water and along shorelines is especially helpful. Leave your shoreline natural to avoid erosion and preserve the ecosystem. Sediment can clog fish gills and smother aquatic life. It can also carry nutrients like phosphorus into the lake.
What You Can Do – On the Water
1. Be careful when using petroleum products around water. Wipe up any oil spills and dispose of used oil and antifreeze at a marina or gas station.
2. Use phosphorus-free biodegradable soaps in your boat.
3. When boating, do not produce a wake too close to the shore. It can cause erosion which can pollute the Lake and threaten aquatic life.
4. Take all your food leftovers back to the shore. Food waste can add phosphorus to the lake.
By working together, we can all do our part to keep our beautiful lakes healthy!