Environment

The lake is much more than just a basin of water. It’s a living, breathing thing and needs everyone’s help to stay alive. Here are some tips to ensure McGregor Lake’s preservation.

DO CHECK YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM AND ENSURE IT MEETS HEALTH AND SAEFTY STANDARDS: Sewage carries bacteria and viruses, inadequate septic systems are a serious health hazard to everyone.

DO BUILD A DOCK WHICH ALLOWS WATER TO FLOW FREELY: any blockage of water movement leads to erosion and sediment accumulation.

DO USE PHOSPHATE-FREE DETERGENT IN YOUR HOME/COTTAGE: phosphates do not “break down” and end up as excess in the ecological cycle.

DO REPORT ALL WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES.

DO NOT WASH IN THE LAKE: that includes your hair, your dog and your children. Do not pour dishwater in the lake! Detergent, soap and shampoos lead to increased algae, less oxygen and kill fish.

DO NOT CUT DOWN TREES OR DEFOLIATE SHRUBS TO ARTIFICIALIZE THE SHORELINE: this leads to erosion of the land into the lake. The lack of natural shoreline reduces the water quality, increases algae and kills fish. The first 10 meters preserved in its natural state is essential to the survival of the lake: “Please plant shrubs”.

DO NOT BRING IN SAND OR SOIL FOR FILL: you will possibly bring in bacteria or chemicals from another location and alter the lakes natural survival mechanisms.

DO NOT SPILL GAS OR OIL WHEN FILLING MOTORS: one gallon of oil can cover 4 acres of water and never leave the lake. Do maintenance on your motors and fill them away from the lake. Pour the fuel carefully with a wide funnel and stop before it overflows.

DO NOT USE FERTILIZER OR PESTICIDES CLOSER THAN 100 METERS FROM THE LAKE: fertilizers drain into the lake causing algae growth, which leads to decreased oxygen and dead fish. Pesticides can poison the lake.

DO NOT POUR PAINT, OIL OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN DRAINS: as they may find their way to the lake.

DO NOT DISCARD GARBAGE NEAR WATER.