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.