Closed waters:
Managing toxins in Alberta’s surface waters will be far from simple

A recent study about high microcystin concentrations in lakes across the country hit the media recently.  The study found that lakes across Canada and many in Alberta had high levels of the liver toxin often exceeding guidelines for potable use and recreational water quality. Microcystin is created by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) which are often found in surface waters rich in nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus. (See a map of eutrophic or hypereutrophic lakes in Alberta).

The study found that microcystin levels occurred where there was low ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) and decreased as the ratio increased;  however, the causal connection between the low ratio and creation of microcystin has not been established. How are we to respond at a policy or regulatory level to such a finding?

Read “Closed waters: Managing toxins in Alberta’s surface waters will be far from simple” on the ELC blog.

ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW CENTRE:

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) has been seeking strong and effective environmental laws since it was founded in 1982. The ELC is dedicated to providing credible, comprehensive and objective legal information regarding natural resources, energy and environmental law, policy and regulation in Alberta. The ELC’s mission is to educate and champion for strong laws and rights so all Albertans can enjoy clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. Our vision is a society where laws secure an environment that sustains current and future generations.

As a charity, the Environmental Law Centre depends on your financial support. Help us to continue to educate and champion for strong environmental laws, through tools such as our blog and all of our other resources, so that all Albertans can enjoy a healthy environment. Your support makes a difference.
Donate online today