The Muskoka lakes Association's annual report on water quality can be viewed at the association's website http://www.mla.on.ca. The water quality reports gives data from many test areas throughout Muskoka. Hot spots of concern are identified as well as information from each of the reporting sites. You do not need to be a member of the MLA in order to access this information.

Lighting Up Your Life

Many of us have taken the initiative to replace aging light fixtures which were designed with liitle thought given to the direction their light is emitted. This job has become easier given the variety of fixtures which are now available that have been designed to provide light without casting an obtrusive glare. These fixtures provide good light for safety by concentrating iot where it is needed most - on the ground! Fixtures which direct light downwards avoid the problem of light polluting the sky or causing a situation where the glare from the light can be blinding.
If replacing an old fixture is not an option, consider using a low wattage bulb. The new generation of energy efficient light bulbs are helpful in reducing energy costs but do not reduce the glare they emit. Rather, using a 15 or 25 watt bulb can reduce glare and help reduce energy consumption (25 watt bulbs are easy to find, 15 watt bulbs are usually available at lighting stores).
Timers installed on outdoor lights are a great way to ensure you have light to get from the dock to the cottage safely and eliminate the problem of leaving glaring dock and path lights on all night. Boaters enjoying a night cruise will thank you. Motion sensing lights can also serve this purpose but are prone to be set off by all those four-legged night time visitors.

Don't forget:

o How many years has it been since your last septic cleaning? Muskoka Septic Service's barge is an easy way to get your tank pumped or checked 1-705-765-5777 if its been a while.

o Move flowering plants that are being fertilized away from the lake before you water them. Chemical and Organic fertilizers are designed to promote plant growth. When either type of fertilizer enters a lake, it stimulates the growth of algae which threatens the quality of the lake water.

o Using soaps and shampoo directly in the lake are harmful to water quality and water containing soaps should go directly to the septic. Current regulations state that outdoor showers are to direct water to the septic tank.

o Keep older model 2-stroke outboards tuned and avoid using too much oil. As much as 25 - 30% of an older outboards fuel can go through the engine without burning. The rate can be higher if the motor is not running as efficiently (or maybe that's inefficiently) as it was designed.

o Toxic wastes (oil, paint, gasoline etc.,) can be dropped off at landfill sites for proper disposal. Call the district or town offices for hours and more information.