The document discusses efforts by the Cusheon Lake Stewardship Committee to protect Cusheon Lake on Salt Spring Island from cyanobacteria blooms through watershed protection. It outlines the committee's history and collaboration with other groups. It describes cyanobacteria and the toxins they produce, which can be harmful to humans and animals. It emphasizes that prevention through protecting natural vegetation in the watershed is important, as water treatment methods are often ineffective at removing these toxins. The document warns of challenges like unauthorized land clearing that release phosphorus and harm water quality.

1. Protect Our Water
on
Salt Spring Island
Protect Our Water
on
Salt Spring Island

2. The Cusheon Lake Stewardship Committee strives to
protect and improve the drinking watershed.
They work with other like minded groups i.e.
SSIWPS, Island Streams and Salmon
Enhancement Society, SSI Conservancy, Water
Council and BC Lake Stewardship Society and
local , provincial and federal government
departments.
The Cusheon Lake Stewardship Committee strives to
protect and improve the drinking watershed.
They work with other like minded groups i.e.
SSIWPS, Island Streams and Salmon
Enhancement Society, SSI Conservancy, Water
Council and BC Lake Stewardship Society and
local , provincial and federal government
departments.

3. History of the CLSCHistory of the CLSC
 Group started working on Cusheon Lake in
1992, that is 20 years ago.
 Formed CLS committee in 1995
 Joined in with BACARA in 1997
 Took weekly water samples and readings
of lake water for quality during spring to
fall under Rick Nordin
 1999 community meetings were held
 Group started working on Cusheon Lake in
1992, that is 20 years ago.
 Formed CLS committee in 1995
 Joined in with BACARA in 1997
 Took weekly water samples and readings
of lake water for quality during spring to
fall under Rick Nordin
 1999 community meetings were held

4. 2001 first management plan
meeting
Obtained Notation of Interest on
Crown Land with an expiry date of
9,999
2007 Management Plan was
presented to public
The Plan still has not been
implemented by the Islands Trust
and the CRD.

6. Cusheon Lake Watershed 2005Cusheon Lake Watershed 2005

7. Cusheon Lake Watershed 2009Cusheon Lake Watershed 2009
Created from the CRD Natural Areas Atlas

8. Why protect water? - to prevent
cyanobacterial blooms
Why protect water? - to prevent
cyanobacterial blooms
 CLSC has observed
cyanobacterial blooms every fall
since 1992 in Cusheon Lake.
 In 1994 even fish died.
 Cusheon Lake suffered a very
serious algal bloom in 1999.
The water could not be used for
any purpose for 17 days. The
lake was closed to all
recreational uses.
 In 2002 the blue-green algal
bloom turned bright blue in 15
days.
 CLSC has observed
cyanobacterial blooms every fall
since 1992 in Cusheon Lake.
 In 1994 even fish died.
 Cusheon Lake suffered a very
serious algal bloom in 1999.
The water could not be used for
any purpose for 17 days. The
lake was closed to all
recreational uses.
 In 2002 the blue-green algal
bloom turned bright blue in 15
days.
Photos by Wayne Hewitt

9. What is CYANOBACTERIA?What is CYANOBACTERIA?
 Commonly known as blue-green algae
or pond scum - it is really a bacteria.
 Cyanobacteria form in shallow, warm,
slow-moving or still water. They are
made up of cells, which can house
poisons called cyanobacterial toxins. It
is believed that most people would not
drink “POND SCUM” because it smells
like rotten garbage.
 Commonly known as blue-green algae
or pond scum - it is really a bacteria.
 Cyanobacteria form in shallow, warm,
slow-moving or still water. They are
made up of cells, which can house
poisons called cyanobacterial toxins. It
is believed that most people would not
drink “POND SCUM” because it smells
like rotten garbage.

10. These Cyanobacterial toxins fall into
various categories. Some are known to
attack the:
 liver (hepatotoxins) or the
 nervous system (neurotoxins);
 others simply irritate the skin. These
toxins are usually released into water
when the cells rupture or die.
These Cyanobacterial toxins fall into
various categories. Some are known to
attack the:
 liver (hepatotoxins) or the
 nervous system (neurotoxins);
 others simply irritate the skin. These
toxins are usually released into water
when the cells rupture or die.

11.  One group of toxins produced and
released are called microcystins
because they were isolated from a
cyanobacterium called Microcystis
aeruginosa. Microcystins are the most
common of the cyanobacterial toxins
found in water, as well as being the
ones most often responsible for
poisoning animals and humans who
come into contact with toxic blooms.
Info from Health Canada Website
 One group of toxins produced and
released are called microcystins
because they were isolated from a
cyanobacterium called Microcystis
aeruginosa. Microcystins are the most
common of the cyanobacterial toxins
found in water, as well as being the
ones most often responsible for
poisoning animals and humans who
come into contact with toxic blooms.
Info from Health Canada Website

12. What about smaller treatment
systems and private supplies?
What about smaller treatment
systems and private supplies?
 Countertop jug filtration and tap
filter systems do not provide reliable
treatment because they do not
properly filter the water of algae and
toxins;
 Boiling the water may break the cell
wall releasing more toxins into the
water; moreover boiling does not
remove or neutralize any microcystin
present in the water; and
 Countertop jug filtration and tap
filter systems do not provide reliable
treatment because they do not
properly filter the water of algae and
toxins;
 Boiling the water may break the cell
wall releasing more toxins into the
water; moreover boiling does not
remove or neutralize any microcystin
present in the water; and

13.  Some disinfection techniques, such as
using chlorine (bleach), are ineffective
as the treatment may chemically
corrode the cell wall thereby releasing
more toxins into the water.
 Studies show that activated charcoal
can remove up to 70% of the toxins
BUT the problem is that the absorption
capability of charcoal can be used up
very quickly. One would need to test
their water frequently. $120.00 + HST
is the cost of the test.
 Some disinfection techniques, such as
using chlorine (bleach), are ineffective
as the treatment may chemically
corrode the cell wall thereby releasing
more toxins into the water.
 Studies show that activated charcoal
can remove up to 70% of the toxins
BUT the problem is that the absorption
capability of charcoal can be used up
very quickly. One would need to test
their water frequently. $120.00 + HST
is the cost of the test.
This info from the Ontario Government

14. Larger Treatment PlantsLarger Treatment Plants
 Water treatment plants may not remove
these toxins from the drinking water.
 Chlorine destroys toxins but the
extremely high doses used to obtain a
residual level may create carcinogenic
disinfection byproducts.
 Water treatment plants may not remove
these toxins from the drinking water.
 Chlorine destroys toxins but the
extremely high doses used to obtain a
residual level may create carcinogenic
disinfection byproducts.

15. Watershed protection versus pollution
from over development and chemical
treatment/ filtration
Watershed protection versus pollution
from over development and chemical
treatment/ filtration
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Created y the Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition

16.  Healthy forests and natural vegetation prevent the
need for filtration plants that cost millions of
dollars.
 Prevention of toxic algal blooms is the only
answer.
 It is impossible to determine if or when an algal
bloom will turn toxic.
 Health Canada has an legal limit of 1.5
micrograms per litre for microcystin LR.
 Remember water service providers are just a big
business selling water they are not in the business
of protecting it.
 Prov. Gov’t is no better, they refuse to register the
Watershed Management Plans under the Drinking
Water Protection Act. It has to be a ministerial
order.
 Healthy forests and natural vegetation prevent the
need for filtration plants that cost millions of
dollars.
 Prevention of toxic algal blooms is the only
answer.
 It is impossible to determine if or when an algal
bloom will turn toxic.
 Health Canada has an legal limit of 1.5
micrograms per litre for microcystin LR.
 Remember water service providers are just a big
business selling water they are not in the business
of protecting it.
 Prov. Gov’t is no better, they refuse to register the
Watershed Management Plans under the Drinking
Water Protection Act. It has to be a ministerial
order.

17. Dr. Asit Mazumder at U VIC. Workshop -Healthy
Drinking Water August 2003
Dr. Asit Mazumder at U VIC. Workshop -Healthy
Drinking Water August 2003
 “Why do we always do such a good job of
destroying our drinking water resources?
 We think we can always take the water we
pollute and filter it and chlorinate to make it
drinkable.
 Look at the Mississippi! We need to lose that
view.
 It is expensive to remove phosphorous, you
need better land management.”
 “Why do we always do such a good job of
destroying our drinking water resources?
 We think we can always take the water we
pollute and filter it and chlorinate to make it
drinkable.
 Look at the Mississippi! We need to lose that
view.
 It is expensive to remove phosphorous, you
need better land management.”

18. Every 10 grams (no more than the
weight of 2 nickels )of phosphorous
you keep out of a lake prevents
the growth of 1kilogram of algae.
Every 10 grams (no more than the
weight of 2 nickels )of phosphorous
you keep out of a lake prevents
the growth of 1kilogram of algae.
Photo by Wayne Hewitt

19. PhosphorousPhosphorous
 Phosphorus is a fertilizer that promotes
plant growth. In source drinking water 1lb
or 454 g of phosphorus can trigger the
growth of over 1,000lb or 454 kilos of wet
algae mass - which gives new meaning to
going green.
 Where it takes 20 parts per million of soil
phosphorous to grow healthy turf, 25 parts
per billion (a quantity 1,000 times smaller )
can promote excessive algae growth in
lakes
 Phosphorus is a fertilizer that promotes
plant growth. In source drinking water 1lb
or 454 g of phosphorus can trigger the
growth of over 1,000lb or 454 kilos of wet
algae mass - which gives new meaning to
going green.
 Where it takes 20 parts per million of soil
phosphorous to grow healthy turf, 25 parts
per billion (a quantity 1,000 times smaller )
can promote excessive algae growth in
lakes

20. N-P-KN-P-K
 An established lawn needs primarily nitrogen,
since it is not producing any fruit or flowers =
Big - Zero - Small. Nitrogen is the least
expensive of the nutrients. Don’t buy a
formula that has high phosphorous or
potassium when you don’t need them.
 There are several phosphorous free fertilizers
on the market. Scott’s Turf builder Pro 32-0-4
and CIL Golfgreen Lawn fertilizer are just two
of many.
 An established lawn needs primarily nitrogen,
since it is not producing any fruit or flowers =
Big - Zero - Small. Nitrogen is the least
expensive of the nutrients. Don’t buy a
formula that has high phosphorous or
potassium when you don’t need them.
 There are several phosphorous free fertilizers
on the market. Scott’s Turf builder Pro 32-0-4
and CIL Golfgreen Lawn fertilizer are just two
of many.

21. Septic Systems-not the major problemSeptic Systems-not the major problem
 Dr. J. Sprague’s report on sources of
nutrients to Cusheon Lake showed the
following. (based on Research from Ontario )
 A decent septic field retains 74% of the P.
when it is 100 m away from a stream or
lake.
 That amount is reduced by one-third- 200
m away,
 Reduced by two thirds- 300 m away, and is
assumed as zero escapement of P.
 Dr. J. Sprague’s report on sources of
nutrients to Cusheon Lake showed the
following. (based on Research from Ontario )
 A decent septic field retains 74% of the P.
when it is 100 m away from a stream or
lake.
 That amount is reduced by one-third- 200
m away,
 Reduced by two thirds- 300 m away, and is
assumed as zero escapement of P.

22. Clearing of the land = more
phosphorous released
Clearing of the land = more
phosphorous released
 Any time and any where
the soil is disturbed,
phosphorus is released.
 The sediments
containing phosphorus
run off the land into
streams and into lakes
when it rains.
 Even clearing of ditches
in the watershed
contributes to
phosphorus loading.
 Any time and any where
the soil is disturbed,
phosphorus is released.
 The sediments
containing phosphorus
run off the land into
streams and into lakes
when it rains.
 Even clearing of ditches
in the watershed
contributes to
phosphorus loading.
Photo by Wayne Hewitt

27. Increases in PhosphorousIncreases in Phosphorous
 Forest changed to agriculture= 4x increase in
P
 Forest changed to clear cut = 8x increase in P
 Forest changed to agriculture and urban = 8x
increase in P
 Forest changed to residential development
(urban) = 8x to 85x depending on density
increase in P
 Forest changed to agriculture= 4x increase in
P
 Forest changed to clear cut = 8x increase in P
 Forest changed to agriculture and urban = 8x
increase in P
 Forest changed to residential development
(urban) = 8x to 85x depending on density
increase in P
from Dillon and Kirchner , and Omernik

28. Trees and vegetationTrees and vegetation
 “Following tree removal, P
concentrations increased by an
average of 40% in lakes. The more
surprising observation was that a
nearly 2-fold increase in
cyanobacterial biomass following tree
removal coincided with a 10 -fold
increase in cyanotoxin concentration-
a pretty dramatic increase.”
(Ellie Prepas)
 “Following tree removal, P
concentrations increased by an
average of 40% in lakes. The more
surprising observation was that a
nearly 2-fold increase in
cyanobacterial biomass following tree
removal coincided with a 10 -fold
increase in cyanotoxin concentration-
a pretty dramatic increase.”
(Ellie Prepas)

29. Challenges to protect our
Watersheds-
-people seek forgiveness rather
than applying for permission!
-removal of too many trees and
vegetation
-too much soil disturbance
Challenges to protect our
Watersheds-
-people seek forgiveness rather
than applying for permission!
-removal of too many trees and
vegetation
-too much soil disturbance

30. Photos by Wayne Hewitt

31. Land DevelopmentLand Development
 Residents have cleared
the riparian area
without first obtaining a
permit for
Development Area 4-
Lake, Streams and
Wetlands.
 Land has been cleared
high in the watersheds
many miles away.
 Residents have cleared
the riparian area
without first obtaining a
permit for
Development Area 4-
Lake, Streams and
Wetlands.
 Land has been cleared
high in the watersheds
many miles away.
Photos by Wayne Hewitt

33. Soil Deposits / In Filling on
Lakeshore
Soil Deposits / In Filling on
Lakeshore
 Some residents clear the
riparian area and then deposit
fill in the form of sand, gravel
or other foreign material.
 Sand is a biological desert and
does not support vegetation
that is commonly found
around the lakes. It is a great
way to encourage sand fleas
and other microscopic
organisms
 Some residents clear the
riparian area and then deposit
fill in the form of sand, gravel
or other foreign material.
 Sand is a biological desert and
does not support vegetation
that is commonly found
around the lakes. It is a great
way to encourage sand fleas
and other microscopic
organisms
Photo by Wayne Hewitt

36. Photo by John
Sprague
Photo by John
Sprague

37. Photo by John Sprague

41. PhotoByJohn
Sprague

56. Other Problems
in
the watershed
Other Problems
in
the watershed

57. Oil spillsOil spills
 Oil spills have occurred
frequently along
narrow Cusheon Lake
Road over the past
few years.
 One litre of oil can
contaminate up to 2
million litres of water.
 Oil spills have occurred
frequently along
narrow Cusheon Lake
Road over the past
few years.
 One litre of oil can
contaminate up to 2
million litres of water.
Photo by Wayne Hewitt

58. GarbageGarbage
 Over the years
residents and visitors
have used our lakes
as a dump or landfill
site to rid themselves
of large amounts of
garbage.
 Over the years
residents and visitors
have used our lakes
as a dump or landfill
site to rid themselves
of large amounts of
garbage.Photo by Doreen Hewitt

59. Who benefits from
improvements in our
watersheds?
We all do!
Who benefits from
improvements in our
watersheds?
We all do!

60. Birds and AnimalsBirds and Animals
 These creatures are part of a healthy eco system.
They need a healthy habitat and fresh water like you
and I.
 The riparian area is needed for breeding and raising
their young.
 These creatures are part of a healthy eco system.
They need a healthy habitat and fresh water like you
and I.
 The riparian area is needed for breeding and raising
their young.
Photos by Wayne and Doreen Hewitt

61. FishFish
 Fish need even better quality water then we do. They
cannot filter it.
 If we are stewards of the watershed for fish and
other wildlife we may be able to improve our
domestic water.
 Fish need even better quality water then we do. They
cannot filter it.
 If we are stewards of the watershed for fish and
other wildlife we may be able to improve our
domestic water.
Photo by Geoff King

62. What is the Stewardship
group doing?
What is the Stewardship
group doing?
Photos by Doreen Hewitt

63. MeetingsMeetings
 People meet to clean up the shorelines and
remove garbage.
 Meetings are held with government officials to
provide input for development of bylaws.
 They helped create the Management Plans
 People meet to clean up the shorelines and
remove garbage.
 Meetings are held with government officials to
provide input for development of bylaws.
 They helped create the Management Plans
Photo by Doreen Hewitt

64. Secchi disk & Temp,
Oxygen Profiles
Secchi disk & Temp,
Oxygen Profiles
This shows the how clear the water is and is
a measurement of water transparency.
This shows the how clear the water is and is
a measurement of water transparency.

65. Lake levels indicate
fluctuations in the depth of
the water
Lake levels indicate
fluctuations in the depth of
the water
In Cusheon Lake, we
have noticed that the
higher the water level
is going into the
summer the onset of
an algal bloom is often
later in the fall.
If it occurs with the
fall rains then it is
flushed out to the
ocean.
In Cusheon Lake, we
have noticed that the
higher the water level
is going into the
summer the onset of
an algal bloom is often
later in the fall.
If it occurs with the
fall rains then it is
flushed out to the
ocean.
Photo by Doreen Hewitt

66. Other Observations in
Cusheon Lake
Other Observations in
Cusheon Lake
 15 years ago it took 3 days for the lake
to peak after a rain storm.
 Today it is about 24 hours or less to
peak.
 Less waterfowl birds all year round.
 15 years ago it took 3 days for the lake
to peak after a rain storm.
 Today it is about 24 hours or less to
peak.
 Less waterfowl birds all year round.

68. What’s Needed Next ?What’s Needed Next ?
 Implementation and monitoring of the
Management plans is most important.
 Implementation of the Riparian Areas
Regulations (RAR).
 Strong DPA’s and bylaws are needed to
support the RAR to protect our drinking
water.
 Implementation and monitoring of the
Management plans is most important.
 Implementation of the Riparian Areas
Regulations (RAR).
 Strong DPA’s and bylaws are needed to
support the RAR to protect our drinking
water.

73. This Power Point Presentation
was
Created by Doreen Hewitt B.A.Sc
With information provided by the CLSC
To stimulate discussions on
WATER PROTECTION
Please do not use in whole or part
without permission
This Power Point Presentation
was
Created by Doreen Hewitt B.A.Sc
With information provided by the CLSC
To stimulate discussions on
WATER PROTECTION
Please do not use in whole or part
without permission