Keep Our Lake Blue (KOLB) is a campaign that LICA began in the summer of 2019, in collaboration with the Moose Lake Watershed Society. The goal of this campaign is to encourage residents to take action to reduce runoff and pollutants from entering the lake, decreasing algae blooms and promoting lake health. Households that sign up for KOLB receive a lawn sign, showing their commitment to clean water, and are provided with a list of 52 actions that they could take to reduce runoff and pollutants. These actions can be as simple as mowing the lawn with a higher blade to installing a permeable-surface driveway. At the end of the summer, participants are asked to complete a survey to demonstrate what actions they took during the campaign.
Why is Reducing Run-off Important?
Impermeable surfaces do not allow water to soak into the ground. Instead, this water runs off the surface, carrying sediments, salts, chemicals, and excess nutrients like phosphorous into the lake. Items like detergents, fertilizer, manure, human waste, and decaying plants are all sources of phosphorous. When excess nutrients such as phosphorus enter the lake, it results in increased growth of algae that is often quite odorous. When mats of algae die, they sink to the bottom of the lake and decay, creating low-oxygen conditions that are detrimental to fish and other aquatic organisms.
Excess nutrients like phosphorus can also result in the formation of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which are a unique group of bacteria that photosynthesize. When cyanobacteria decompose, they produce nerve and liver toxins that can pose a serious health risk to humans and animals.
Get Involved
Taking Action to Improve Water Quality
Small steps lead to significant changes. If you or someone you know wants to learn how to contribute to better lake health, click below to see our list of 52 actions you can take!
Campaigning For Change
LICA has partnered with Moose Lake Watershed Society and Healthy Waters Lac La Biche in the delivery of the KOLB Campaign. We are eager to expand our reach and make an even bigger impact within the LICA region.
Are you or a group that you know interested in bringing KOLB to your local lake? Contact LICA to apply for a campaign partnership! Email Outreach@lica.ca for more details.
Partners are required to engage their community with a number of different activities over the course of their campaign, including:
- KOLB Kickoff community event (i.e. A BBQ)
- A Formal presentation on runoff and water health
- Shoreline cleanups
For more information on blue-green algae download brochure below