Living in Town - Kawartha Conservation

Living in Town:
How you can help protect Lake Scugog
Funding for the production of this booklet
generously provided by:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A healthy Lake Scugog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Your lawn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Your ditch or shoreline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Your pet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Your car and driveway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Your rainwater runoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Your yard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Native plant nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
More information and help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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DURHAM
REGION
A HEALTHY LAKE SCUGOG
A healthy Lake Scugog and area environment are vital to our local and regional economies. Many people visit or live in
the area to enjoy Lake Scugog’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, and take advantage of the swimming, boating and
fishing.
In fact, Lake Scugog is one of Ontario’s major fishing destinations. The provincial government estimates that there are up
to 225,000 angler hours on the lake each year, a significant number when compared to Lake Simcoe which has 556,000
hours and is ten times the size. This is partly due to our close proximity to large populations in the Greater Toronto Area.
Many people have said in a recent survey conducted through the Blue Canoe project that, over the past decade, there
have been noticeably more weeds and a decline in water quality. This has been impacting swimming, boating and other
recreational activities that contribute to the local and regional economies.
As part of the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan, Kawartha Conservation has been investigating these issues
and found that excessive phosphorous from human sources is contributing to the growth of aquatic plants and impacting
water quality.
While there are many sources of phosphorous in the Lake Scugog watershed, one of the most significant is from towns
and small communities, such as Port Perry, Seagrave, Sonya, Greenbank, Viewlake, Caesarea and Blackstock. These
urbanized areas comprise less than 3% of the total watershed lands that drain to the lake, but contribute over 18% of the
total phosphorus in Lake Scugog.
“Towns and small communities make up only 3% of the area that drains to Lake Scugog,
but contribute 18% of the phosphorous that promotes aquatic plant growth in the lake.”
Our actions on the land are impacting the lake, and we are all responsible. This guide suggests easy and inexpensive
ways to reduce your phosphorous contribution and encourage a healthy environment.
This guide has been developed by Kawartha Conservation to help support the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan (LSEMP) and its implementation. The
LSEMP is supported by the Region of Durham, the City of Kawartha Lakes and the Township of Scugog
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What happens if there is too much phosphorous?
All lakes age naturally, becoming shallower with the build up of sediments and decomposed aquatic plants. This aging
process can happen much more quickly when there are high levels of phosphorous from human activities. It’s important
that we reduce our impact, so that we can extend the life of Lake Scugog.
“Our actions on the land are causing Lake Scugog to age more quickly”
This faster aging process is called eutrophication, and there are many consequences:
• Increased algae and aquatic plant growth
• Reduced dissolved oxygen concentrations in water for fish and other organisms
• Stress on fish species and other organisms
• Decreased clarity of water
• Poor taste and odour of water
• More complicated and expensive water treatment processes
• More potentially harmful chemicals in our tap water
• Reduced recreational opportunities
• Faster sedimentation resulting in lower lake level
How much phosphorous is in Lake Scugog?
Every year, over 9 tonnes of phosphorous enter Lake Scugog, with two-thirds of it remaining in the lake. It takes only 1
tonne of phosphorous to promote the growth of 500 tonnes of aquatic plants, which eventually die and build up on the
bottom of the lake to feed new plants.
Phosphorous concentrations are very high in the rivers flowing into the lake. Average concentrations are typically two
times higher than the Provincial Water Quality Objective of 30 micrograms/litre. Some of the highest levels are found in
Cawker’s Creek, the Nonquon River, Blackstock Creek, Layton River and the bay immediately fronting Port Perry.
We need to reduce the amount of phosphorous entering Lake Scugog each year by 3.4 tonnes. This will help improve
water quality and maintain the lake’s ecosystem.
As part of the Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan, Kawartha Conservation has developed a wide range
of strategies that target phosphorous from the various sources. Visit www.kawarthaconservation.com/lsemp for more
information.
Phosphorous Sources in Lake Scugog
Natural Sources 21.4%
There are many sources contributing to phosphorous levels in Lake
Scugog.
Rural Road Runoff 6.4%
(roads make up 1.56% of land use)
Port Perry Sewage
Treatment Plant 1.8%
3 .4 tonnes
Septic Systems
9.7%
The total amount of phosphorous
we need to
keep out of Lake Scugog each year
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Agricultural
Runoff 23.5%
(agriculture makes
up 53% of land use)
Atmospheric
Deposition
19%
Urban Runoff 18.2%
(urban areas make up 3.56% of land use)
1 tonne
The reduction in phosphorous needed from towns and small communities
each year to help improve water quality and maintain the lake’s ecosystem
Where does the phosphorous from towns and urban areas come from?
In urbanized areas, much of the phosphorous comes from our activities in and around the yard, such as:
• Fertilizing the lawn
• Washing the car with soap that contains phosphates
• Sweeping or blowing leaves and grass clippings onto the road
• Pet waste
• Erosion
Phosphorous from these sources are washed into the stormwater system when it rains, or when there are excessive
amounts of water from washing the car, watering the lawn or rinsing the driveway. This runoff goes through a series of
pipes or ditches, downhill, and into the nearest water body, such as Lake Scugog or the rivers that drain into the lake.
There is often no treatment done to this water. This means everything the water picks up goes right into the lake.
It’s not only phosphorous washing into the lake
Any substance on the ground can be found in stormwater runoff. This often includes motor oil, gasoline, asphalt and
wood treatment residues, car wax and antifreeze. These toxic substances can damage the aquatic ecosystem and harm
fish and other wildlife.
In addition to these substances, soil and other less toxic sediments can pass through the stormwater system, eventually
building up in certain areas of the lake. These sediments decrease water depth for boaters, make the water cloudy, and
even carry phosphorous that has attached to the particles.
Sediments can be washed into the stormwater system from a pile of sand or sod; grass clippings, leaves and silts that are
swept onto the road; construction sites; and street sanding during the winter.
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YOUR LAWN
Use natural lawn care techniques
You can have a healthy, natural lawn without a lot of watering or the use of chemical fertilizers that can easily wash
into the stormwater system and lake. Here are some simple steps.
In the spring…
1. Thatching - Remove dead grass from your lawn. Thatching is a great way to help aerate your lawn and can
easily be done using a standard leaf rake.
2. Aeration - Aerating every couple of years is a great way to loosen soil to allow for more water and nutrients to
enter the earth. This involves the use of an aerator that removes small plugs of earth from the topsoil layer.
3. Apply compost to your lawn - A thin layer of compost (or a top-dresser containing compost) will contribute to a
healthy lawn by nourishing the grass and increasing the organic matter in your soil.
4. Over seeding - Over seeding will help create a thick and lush lawn and will also help choke out weeds. The
thicker the grass, the less chance the weeds have to survive. Over seeding can also be done mid to late August.
Make sure to use grass species that are suitable to your growing area. Species such as rye and fescue grass are
native, drought tolerant species that do not require extra fertilizer and
water (labelled endophytic or endophyte-enhanced). Native grass
species are more pest-resistant and hardy.
Throughout the growing season…
5. Don’t cut it too short! - When mowing your lawn, leave the grass at
a length of 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 inches). This will help keep out weeds,
as well as shade the grass roots and keep the soil moist. Keeping grass
taller encourages a deeper root system and allows a lawn to be more
drought resistant.
6. “Grass-cycling”- Leaving grass clippings on your lawn after mowing is a great way to fertilize your lawn, and it’s
free! Ensure they do not end up in the stormwater system by keeping them off the driveway, sidewalk and road.
Grass clippings are full of nutrients that promote healthy plant growth and increase organic matter levels in
soil. Mulching fallen leaves and retaining them on the lawn over the winter helps to prevent
erosion and provides a natural fertilizer.
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ENVIRONMENTALLY
FRIENDLY WEED
AND PEST CONTROL
Pulling weeds
This can be labour intensive
work, but it will pay off. A
vigilant weed puller will notice
fewer weeds in their lawn over
the years. New and improved
tools (available at most hardware
stores) can make this job a lot
easier.
7. Be wise about watering - A healthy lawn requires only 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water a
week. Using a rain gauge can help you determine when it is necessary to water. Each
time you water your lawn, be sure to water deeply. This promotes deep root growth,
and will prevent the grass from drying out during periods of drought. Try watering
before 8 a.m. or at dusk to prevent burning and evaporation. Be sure to keep the
sprinkler from watering the driveway, sidewalk and road.
Helpful Hint - After watering, use a garden trowel to check how deep the moisture
has gone. The ideal is to water 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) deep.
Use corn gluten meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural
by-product of corn that is wetmilled. When spread on a lawn,
it can prevent many common
weeds from germinating and
establishing in the soil. This
natural substance can be
purchased at most garden
centres.
Home made remedies
Simple solutions such as pouring
boiling water or white vinegar on
weeds have proven to be quite
effective.
Diatomaceous earth
This dust contains microscopic,
razor-like edges that injure
insects, causing mortality. This
type of pest control works
well on insects such as aphids,
earwigs and slugs.
Nematodes
These naturally occurring,
microscopic, predatory worms
are an effective way to kill grubs,
leatherjackets, and other insects
that can cause damage to your
lawn. They are available at most
garden centres.
YOUR DITCH OR SHORELINE
Create a natural filter along ditches, streams and
shorelines
Plants within 3 metres of any ditch, stream or lake can help stabilize soil, while also
absorbing excess water, nutrients and sediments. Even uncut grass can act as a natural
filter.
Here are some tips for helping your natural filter:
• Leave an un-mowed area 1 – 3 metres between the edge of the water or ditch
and your lawn; allow it to naturalize on its own – you may be pleasantly surprised.
• Plant native shrubs, flowers or trees to further help filter run-off and reduce
erosion.
The plants that grow naturally in this area will generally be more tolerant to extreme
changes such as flooding or drought.
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YOUR PET
Scoop the poop
When water passes over pet waste, it takes some of that waste with it down the storm
drains and often directly into the lake. Pet waste contributes to higher phosphorus,
nitrogen and bacteria in the lake.
The bacteria in any animal waste can cause large amounts of E. coli to form in water
systems. The bacteria levels can get so high that beach closures are enacted. Reducing
bacteria levels can be easily accomplished by scooping the poop on a regular basis so it
does not have a chance to be carried away with the next rain event.
Pet waste should be put into the garbage, a separate container or composter. When composting, for every layer of pet
waste, there should be an equal layer of soil, or leaves and twigs, put on top to reduce odours and flies, and to speed
decomposition.
YOUR CAR AND DRIVEWAY
Avoid drips and leaks from your car
Be aware of any leaks or drips from your car. Many of the fluids in your car
are toxic to the environment. When they leak or drip onto a hard surface
like asphalt, they cannot absorb into the ground and are washed away into
the stormwater system, and then into the lake. If your vehicle does have a
leak or drip, use an absorbent material, towel, or bucket to catch the fluid,
and promptly have your mechanic attend to the leak.
When your car needs a wash, wash it on the lawn. The soap is absorbed into
the soil and your lawn gets watered at the same time. Try using a phosphate
free soap to further reduce contamination. Even using a car wash facility is
better than using the paved driveway, as car wash businesses generally treat and recycle their water.
Dispose of all car fluids properly. Every municipality has a location to properly dispose of toxic materials. Contact your local
municipality for further details.
If you’re thinking of paving or re-paving your driveway, consider permeable
pavers instead. These are driveways that allow water to be absorbed
through them. Permeable pavers can be as elaborate as ground fencing
or moulded brick, to being as simple as just using gravel. Giving your
driveway a permeable surface can save you money and help reduce
the amount of runoff contaminants that are washed into the lake.
SOME DRIVEWAY TIPS
Sweep your driveway instead of
rinsing it with water
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Wash your car on the grass using
phosphate free soap
YOUR RAINWATER RUNOFF
Reduce and collect rainwater runoff
Reducing the amount of rainwater runoff from your property can help stop contaminants and sediments from entering the
stormwater system and reaching Lake Scugog.
During a heavy rainstorm, water can come out of your eavestroughs with a great amount of force. Not only can this water
overflow your yard, it can wash soil into the streets, ditches and stormwater systems.
Eavestroughing can be a great tool if you can point the outlet pipe to a grassy area where
some will infiltrate, or where the water can either be stored or used in a more efficient
manor (see below).
Rain Barrels
With a rain barrel, you can reduce
the sediment and over flow on your
lawn and provide the best watering
source for your garden during drought
conditions. Rain barrels come in many
different shapes, sizes, colours and
options.
Rain barrels can be purchased from
many different sources such as local hardware stores, farm suppliers,
some municipal offices, environmental agencies, and on-line suppliers.
Pricing generally ranges from $50 to $350.
Cisterns
A cistern is a large storage tank that is normally underground or inside
the house which is used to collect rain water for home usage.
This system has been used for generations in rural communities, and is now being used by urban residents. Cisterns can be
expensive to implement but will provide water relief in drought conditions.
The cistern is hooked up to your already existing water pipes and can switch back and forth from town supplies. There are
different set ups for cistern use. Some pass the water through an ultraviolet filter so it can be used through out the entire house, including for
drinking water. Other systems only provide water to toilets, outside taps,
and laundry facilities and do not pass through a filter.
An experienced professional should be brought in to install a cistern.
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from
roofs, driveways and other hard surfaces to be absorbed by water loving
plants. Native wetland edge species should be used in a rain garden to
achieve the best water absorption.
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YOUR YARD
Use more plants and trees in your yard
An abundance of plants in your yard has many benefits. They will help stabilise the soil and reduce erosion, increase the
filtering capacity of your lawn, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Wild Flower Meadows
Native wild flowers can be used to create a meadow on your lawn or edging around your property. These plants have a
natural tolerance to our climate and provide biodiversity for pollinators of all types. These pollinators can be beneficial in
many ways such as pollinating other plants around your home and controlling unwanted insects and bugs that may harm
your gardens.
Wildflower seeds can be purchased from any gardening store. Sometimes if grass is left to grow, wildflower seeds already
present will grow among the grass.
Trees
If there is enough space on your property, consider planting trees. They will provide shade to your home, lowering cooling
costs, and can protecting your house from cold winter winds. Trees can also help absorb excess amounts of water and
contaminants through their large root systems.
Special care should be taken when choosing a tree for an urban site.
Native plants
Extend your summer by choosing native species of plants, shrubs and trees. These species are native to Canada for a
reason. Native species are better suited to our continually changing climate from cold to hot and hot to cold. These plants
are more drought-tolerant (less watering time is needed), more disease resistant (less fertilizer and care are needed), and
can survive the freezing temperatures of our winters without much attention.
Before purchasing any new plant species, special attention should be given to the plant’s requirements. There is no point
in purchasing a plant that will not survive in the area you want to plant it. Save more time and money by making sure the
plants you buy are suitable for your planting area.
When selecting shrubs or trees on your property, consider how much space the shrub or tree needs to grow. In
addition, urban forests are subjected to higher pollution levels and salt than some species can tolerate.
Look into proper planting techniques for trees. They cannot be planted the same way as a flower, vegetable or
shrub.
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Native plant nurseries
There are many local nurseries that supply a large selection of native plant species. Please note that this is not a complete list
and we do not recommend any specific nursery.
4965 Westney Road
Pickering (Claremont), ON L1Y 1A2
T: 905.649.8176
www.nativeplants.ca
T: 705.374.4700
www.rockwoodforest.com
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Looking for more information and help?
Qualified staff at the following organizations can provide advice and help identify financial incentives and other resources
that may be available. You are also welcome to drop by their offices during business hours to access available publications
and other information resources.
DURHAM
REGION
Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay
www.kawarthaconservation.com
T: 705.328.2271
Scugog Connections
126 Water Street, Unit 3, Port Perry
www.scugogconnections.ca
T: 905.985.3279
Region of Durham
605 Rossland Road E, Whitby
www.durham.ca
T: 905.668.7711
City of Kawartha Lakes
26 Francis Street, Lindsay
www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca
T: 705.324.9411
Township of Scugog
181 Perry Street, Port Perry
www.township.scugog.on.ca
T: 905.985.7346
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
REFERENCES
A Homeowner’s Guide to Stormwater Management
www.delawareestuary.org/pdf/HomeownersGuideSWMgmnt.pdf
Green Eco Services. 2009. 27 tips for conserving water in your yard. [online].
Available from: www.greenecoservices.com/27-tips-for-conserving-water-in-your-yard
Accessed May 19 2010.
Aquatic Plants in Lake Scugog: What’s causing them and what you can
do
www.kawarthaconservation.com/pdf/LakeScugogNutrientFactSheet.pdf
Hale, G., Ambrose, N., Bogen, A., Spicer-Rawe, K., Uchikura M., and Saunders, E. 2005. A field
guide to common riparian plants of Alberta. Cows and Fish Program:Lethbridge:63pp.
A Shoreline Owner’s Guide to Lakeland Living
www.kawarthaconservation.com/pdf/Lakeland_Living_Guide.pdf
Green Lawns, the Green Way
www.kawarthaconservation.com/pdf/GreenLawns.pdf
Kawartha Conservation. 2009. Lake Scugog Environmental Management Plan. [online].
Available from: www.kawarthaconservation.com/lsemp
Accessed May 19 2010.
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. 2010. Ontario Weeds. Government of Ontario.
[online].
Available from: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/ontweeds/weedgal.htm
Accessed May 27 2010.
Office of Sustainability. 2009. Make my yard environmentally friendly. City of New Haven,
Connecticut. [online].
Available from: www.cityofnewhaven.com/Sustainability/Resources/Green_Up_My_Home.asp
Accessed May 25 2010.
Ontario Invasive Plant Council
www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca
Plant wind breaks, save money
www.kawarthaconservation.com/pdf/MTO291_Windbreaks_Bro_
EN.pdf
The Shoreline Primer
www.kawarthaconservation.com/pdf/TheShorePrimer.pdf
Philadelphia Water Department. 2006. A homeowner’s guide to stormwater management.
Office of Watersheds: Philadelphia: 1. 32pp.
Pridham, D. 2009. The landowner’s guide to controlling invasive woodland plants. Kawartha
Conservation.Victoria Stewardship Council. Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. 24pp.
Shigo. A.L. 2006. Tree basics. Shigo and Trees Associates, LLC: Snohomish:40pp.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2009. Toronto homeowners’ guide to rainfall.
Riversides. City of Toronto. [online].
Available from: www.riversides.org/rainguide
Accessed May 20 2010.
Toronto Homeowners’ Guide to Rainfall
www.riversides.org/rainguide
Toronto Parks and Recreation. 2004. Urban Forestry Services – Tree Fact Sheet #3. [online].
Available from: www.toronto.ca/trees/pdfs/Fact_3_Controlling_Invasive_Plants.pdf
Accessed May 20 2010.
Photo Credits
Rain barrel (p. 9) - Center for Neighborhood Technology
Rain garden (p. 9) - Center for Neighborhood Technology
Down Spout (p.9) - Paul Wicks
Scoop the poop (p. 9) - Daquella Manera
Driveway (p. 9) - Tony Crider
University of Florida. 2009. Cisterns to collect non-potable water for domestic use. [online].
Available from: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae029
Accessed May 20 2010.
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Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.