Jackfish Lake Water Quality Assessment Strategy

Kabir Salisu

Project Partner- Katherine Finn, www.nsrbc.ca

Faculty Advisor- Dr. Lori Bradford May-August, 2019

A project report submitted in partial fulfilment for the Masters in Water Security degree Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...... 3 Executive Summary ...... 4 Introduction ...... 5 Objectives ...... 6 Site Description ...... 7 Field work ...... 9 Experimental design ...... 9 Description of instrumentation ...... 9 Results ...... 9 Conclusions ...... 10 Data analysis ...... 11 Baseline Data ...... 11 Management Strategy ...... 11 Long-term Baseline Monitoring Program ...... 11 Water Quality Index ...... 11 Box Plot Analysis ...... 14 Intensive Research Mass Balance ...... 18 Stewardship-Based Approach ...... 19 Social Engagment Activity ...... 20 Summary of findings ...... 21 Towards a solution ...... 22 Recommendations ...... 23 Appendix...... 25

Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere gratitude to faculty supervisor Dr. Lori Bradford and Graham Strickert for providing their invaluable guidance and suggestion throughout the project. I would also like to Katherine Finn from the NSRBC for providing me with resources throughout the project. Also, I am incredibly grateful to Lorelei Ford and Brent Eberly from WSA, Jeff Hudson from U of S, Jackfish Lake Stewards, and the Jackfish Lake Authority for providing me with valuable advice. Executive Summary Algae growth has been a reoccurring issue in Canadian lakes, which is increasingly present in nutrient-rich prairies waters. In more recent years, water quality hydrology has gained prominence by concerned citizens. Spring runoff from agricultural fields and possible septic tanks leakage may accelerate the release of nutrients and other contaminants into a lake. However, nutrient monitoring strategies are a significant challenge for small and rural communities due to limited knowledge and lack of resources. This paper reports on the development of nutrient (nitrate and phosphate) monitoring strategies for the improvement of water quality in Jackfish and Murray lakes. The approach will enable the community to manage the lake by acquiring water quality data beneficial scientific evident-based decision making. The developed strategies are capable of monitoring short and long term water quality parameter, including nutrients, pH, metals, ions, and many more based on cost and community objectives. The three recommended approaches highlighted in the report includes long-term baseline monitoring program, an intensive research mass balance approach through consultants, and stewardship-based approach. The health of the lake was analyzed using WQI and Box plot analysis under the long term baseline monitoring approach. The result shows that the WQI rating score falls within the historical baseline rating range of 56-79. A sampling program using nutrient monitoring app was experimented to investigate the feasibility of using the developed approach in the watershed. The paper concludes with a discussion, future research needs regarding environmental challenges and the use of visual representative tools for monitoring and managing eutrophic prairie watersheds. Introduction The North Saskatchewan River Basin Council (NSRBC) is a non-profit organization that has formed to support and direct the implementation of the Source Water Protection Plan for our watershed. The organization vision is providing for the social, economic, environmental, and cultural water needs of future generations. They support interested communities tackle various water issues according to watershed objectives (NSRBC, 2019). Lakes provide us with many environmental benefits, influence our quality of life, and strengthen the local economy (Government of New Brunswick, 2019). Prairie region contains many water bodies that play an essential role in the ecology and hydrology of the region’s landscape (van der Kamp et al., 2008). Monitoring of aquatic ecosystems is of vital importance, especially in shallow eutrophic lakes. Eutrophic lake systems are characterized by poor water quality (Paerl & Huisman, 2008). They provide limited value for human use, preventing their use as drinking water reservoirs, irrigation, commercial fishing, and recreation purposes (Brönmark et al., 2010). With the increasing cottage property value, agricultural activities to feed the global population, and climate change, algae bloom becomes an ever-growing issue in prairie lakes (Sereda et al., 2010). Phytoplankton biomass alters very rapidly in response to modifications of nutrient levels, mainly phosphorus, and nitrogen in shallow lakes (Robin et al., 2014, Li et. al, 2010). Saskatchewan water bodies essential for drinking, fishing, and other recreational activities undergo severe changes from domestic, agricultural, and industrial over time (Pearl & Huisman, 2008). Anthropogenic activities such as intense agricultural practices or poor wastewater treatment system are responsible for nutrient transport, hence affecting the nutrient cycle in aquatic systems (Audet et al., 2014). Changes in water levels, along with other factors, present a unique challenge for prairie water bodies (van der Kamp et al., 2008). As a result, Jackfish and Murray lakes pose significant water quality challenges resulting from nutrient transportation. Waterbodies rich in nutrients are generally characterized by poor ecological quality and low biodiversity (Robin et al., 2014). Excessive nutrients in water body result in the growth of cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) and produce toxins that are harmful to human and wildlife (Weatherly, 2013). These toxins can pose serious human health issues interfering with daily activities such as drinking, swimming, fishing, and recreations (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2017). Although nutrient fuels the growth of algae in Canadian lakes (ECCC, 2017), other parameters like total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, water level, amount of precipitation, flushing rate, and evaporation should be considered in water quality monitoring (Sereda et al., 2010). Nutrient are found in many forms, including total phosphorus, and orthophosphate, nitrogen as ammonium and nitrate, nitrite. WSA is responsible for managing and protecting water bodies and water supply in Saskatchewan. It has produced water quality and quantity for various water bodies in the province since the 1960s (WSA, 2017). However, limited data exists for eutrophicated shallow water body such as Jackfish and Murray lakes. The only existing continuous data set is decade data, which has been used in some studies such as 1997-2007 water quality report assessing the health of the lake. The challenge of limited availability of data is due to high inherent natural variability and economic constraint (Robin et al., 2014). For rural communities, the challenge is more significant due to the lack of resources and technical know-how by the majority of the population. As a result, additional knowledge, support, and research are needed in implementing water quality monitoring strategies for rural eutrophic lakes. Objectives To fulfill the role of Masters of Water Security candidate working with NSRBC, the objectives for the Jackfish lake water quality assessment strategy includes; 1. Develop nutrient monitoring strategy and methodology for Jackfish Lake 2. Provide educational tools to support the community in making environmental-friendly decisions 3. Provide visual tools to assist the community in narrowing down nutrient sources and its impact to the lake

Include references as appropriate and write down all reference information in the file references.md Site Description Jackfish and Murray lakes are Located in the aspen parkland ecoregion approximately 30 km north of the city of North Battleford, Saskatchewan at longitude 53.040" N, and latitude 108.0240" W). The region is historically known for commercial and recreational fishing since the early 1900s, but has ceased fishing commercially since 1980s (SWA, 2011). However, both Lakes are prominent for irrigation, boating, and swimming. The lakes are located in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Meota, with settlements in various communities including Meota, Metinota, Cochin, Aquadeo, and two first nations, Moosomin and Saulteaux, communities.

Figure 1: Jackfish and Murray Lakes locations Both are shallow, well-mixed, isothermal lakes with a surrounding watershed of approximately 8200 square kilometers (SWA, 2011). Connected by Lehman’s creek, both lakes are sensitive to climate change because of the semi-arid climate condition (Sereda et al., 2010). Murray Lake is a deeper water body with a maximum depth of 8.5m, while Jackfish has a depth of 4.5 m (Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, 2005). Surface and groundwater are the main sources of water supply into the watershed. Spring runoff accounts for the majority of inflow, with groundwater accounting for up to 30% of the annual water inflow into both lakes (Sereda et al., 2010). Surface water supply for Jackfish is primarily supplied from Jackfish creek, while Losthorse and Crystal’s creek supply surface water for Murray Lake Jackfish Lake is characterized by excessive weed growth susceptible to elevated levels of unionized ammonia (Sereda et al., 2010). Both lakes are classified as sub-saline, with Murray lake having higher dissolved oxygen level because it is deeper than Jackfish (SWA, 2010). The soil is black with nutrient-rich loam to silt loam surface texture (Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, 2007). Less is known about fertilizer applications used on the farmland at the creek, and other agricultural land uses surrounding the watershed. There are no sewage treatment plants located in the study area, and there is scarcity in the knowledge of nutrient loss. Most of the farms and smaller towns within the catchment do not have proper sewage treatment systems and rely on septic tanks. These sources have been identified as a possible source of pollution resulting from septic tanks leakage The water level has been consistent since the 1960s except for the period between 2003-2004 where historical lows were recorded as seen in figure 2

Figure 2: Annual Water level for Jackfish lake 1975-2016. https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/data_availability_e.html?type=historical&station=05EG003&p arameter_type=Level Field work We explored several approaches of implementing nutrient management strategies for Jackfish Lake. The bulk of water quality data for the watershed was acquired from Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA). Unfortunately, there was limited sampling conducted this year due to the limited time and economical budget constraints. Regardless, sampling was conducted over the summer of 2019 using the global water future (GWF) nutrient app by Diego Costa from the University of Saskatchewan. Only two water quality parameters mainly nitrate and phosphate, were sampled using the app Experimental design Water Samples were taken onshore in the epilimnion region of the lake (Boehrer & Schultze, 2008). Water is evenly mixed in this region and shown to be reasonably representative of the water quality of a lake (Ontario Ministry of Environment, 2009). For phosphorus measurement, 5 ml of water sample was mixed with two solutions and allowed to settle for three minutes for colors to develop. Phosphorus concentrations were detected by taking a picture of the vial next to the reference sticker background. Nitrate was measured in situ by dipping the litmus paper in a water sample. Again, the test paper was left to settle for 30 seconds before taking a picture next to the desired reference card sticker. Georeferenced results for both nitrate and phosphate were displayed instantly on the app. Description of instrumentation Sampling was conducted over the summer of 2019 using the global water future (GWF) nutrient app by Diego Costa from the University of Saskatchewan. Only two water quality parameters mainly nitrate and phosphate, were sampled using the app. The nutrient monitoring kit contained apparatus for sampling nitrate and phosphate concentration in a water body. A test strip litmus paper and reference card sticker were included for sampling nitrate, while two solutions, a vial, and reference sticker used for the phosphate sampling. The measurement range of the app is between 0–10 mg/l for phosphate, and 0-50 mg/l for nitrate. There was no additional instrumentation used in taking water samples. All sample tests were conducted in the absence of rainfall. Results Table 1: Results of 2019 Experiment

Conclusions Colour interpolation was based on the Delta E approach with linear biases correction. The result from the app shows a reasonable relative error of 30% for both nitrate and phosphate (Costa et al., 2019). Note lighting is critical in getting optimum nutrient concentration result. biases correction. Data analysis Baseline Data Baseline Data Jackfish, Murray lakes, and the five creeks were monitored by Stewards of Jackfish and Murray Lakes (SJML) using intensive water quality monitoring approach between 1997 and 2007 producing a baseline record of water quality parameters including nutrients, heavy metals, major ions, dissolved oxygen, water depth, bacteria. Sampling frequency varied from two to six times per year during summer seasons. Different nutrient forms including orthophosphate, total phosphorus, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia as nitrogen were monitored over the 10-year period. Another sampling was conducted in the summer of 2014 and 2017. The complete set of data can be found in the appendix section of this report Management Strategy The three recommended nutrient management strategies approach for this project are long-term baseline monitoring, intensive research mass balance, and stewardship-based approach Long-term Baseline Monitoring Program This approach uses existing historical data using a box plot and water quality index (WQI) analysis. A comparison between the historical baseline and recent data will be analyzed using box excel plot and WQI model illustrating health of the watershed over time. The developed approaches will be based on the objectives of a lake.

Water Quality Index Water quality index (WQI) is a model by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) that aids in processing and communication of complex water quality data. It summarizes vital water quality parameters in a single index providing overall health of watershed that can be reported consistently. It compares several water quality parameters (i.e. nutrient, dissolved oxygen, pH, metals, chlorophyll a, TDS) to a set water quality objective resulting in water quality ranking (poor, good, excellent) ranging from 1-100. The set water quality objectives of different parameters are found in table 2 below. Table 2: WQI Water Quality Objectives

The WQI calculation is based on three factors, mainly the scope, frequency, and amplitude as explained in the CCME (2017). WQI rating score was conducted for 2014 Jackfish lake Sample data. Complete data can be found in the appendix section of this report. Table 3: 2014 Jackfish Lake Water Quality Result

The scope is the percentage of parameters that do not meet the set objectives CCME guidelines. The bolded values in table 3 do not meet the set parameter targets in table 2. The scope is calculated as follows; 푁푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푓푎푖푙푒푑 푝푎푟푎푚푒푡푟푠 퐹1(푠푐표푝푒) = × 100 푇표푡푎푙 푛푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푝푎푟푎푚푒푡푒푟푠 3 퐹1 = × 100 13 퐹1 = 23.08 F2 (frequency) is the percentage of test samples that failed the test 푁푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푓푎푖푙푒푑 푠푒푡푠 퐹2(푓푟푒푞푢푒푛푐푦) = × 100 푇표푡푎푙 푛푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푡푒푠푡 3 퐹2 = × 100 13 퐹2 = 23.08 F3 (Amplitude) represents the amount by which failed test values do not meet their guidelines and calculated in three steps. First, we calculate excursion as; 퐹푎푖푙푒푑 푡푒푠푡 푒푥푐푢푟푠푖표푛 = − 1 푂푏푗푒푐푡푖푣푒 251 푒푥푐푢푟푠푖표푛 = − 1 100 푒푥푐푢푟푠푖표푛 = 1.51 We calculate for pH and arsenic respectively as 0.00111 and 2.4 using the above formula. Next the normalized sum of excursions is calculated as; ∑푛 푒 푥푐푢푟푠푖표푛 푛푠푒 = 푖 푛푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푡푒푠푡푠 where n represents number of excursions 1.51 + 0.00111 + 2.4 푛푠푒 = 13 푛푠푒 = 0.30085 Therefore, yield is calculated using the formula below; 푛푠푒 퐹3 = 0.01(푛푠푒) + 0.01 0.30085 퐹3 = 0.01(0.30085) + 0.01 퐹3 = 23.13

2 2 2 √〖퐹1〗 + 〖퐹2〗 + 〖퐹3〗 푊푄퐼푆푐표푟푒 = 100 − 1.732 √(23.08)2 + (23.12)2 + (23.12)2 푊푄퐼푆푐표푟푒 = 100 − 1.732 푊푄퐼푆푐표푟푒 = 76.9 ≈ 77 Figure 3: Jackfish lake Water Quality Index (WQI) Result The WQI score values for Jackfish Lake ranges from 56 to 79 for the historical data and the 2014 data, as shown in figure 3. WQI analysis gives the lake a health score range of marginal to poor WQI rating based on CCME grading scale. Although other parameters might have contributed to the outlier score in 2004, water levels in 2003-2004 reached their lowest point since 1966. This is understood to be the factor responsible for that, as explained by Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (2010). For the 2014 data, only arsenic, pH, and sodium are parameters that do not meet their guidelines for the sampling period. Murray Lake is a deeper lake compared to Jackfish Lake. Farming activities at the jackfish creek, irrigation, water levels, and climate change might have contributed to the depleting score in Jackfish lake.

Box Plot Analysis Box plot (also called box and whisker) is an analysis of representing the distribution of a data set constructed based on a 5-number summary. The summary includes mainly minimum, interquartile range (first quartile, median, third quartile) and maximum number, as shown in figure 4 below. It shows how far the extreme values are from the majority of a dataset and compare how close other data values are to them. The box plot gives a good, quick visual of complex data. Figure 4: Box Plot Summary Number Box plot analysis indicates how symmetrical, outliers, and how compactly skewed a group of data is. The relationship between nutrient concentrations and other parameters during blooms were examined using box plot analysis. The decade historical data for nutrients from 1997-2007 can be compared to the current 2017 data to illustrate how water quality parameters have differed over time in the lakes and the creek. A box plot analysis was performed using the nitrate and phosphate dataset.

Figure 5: Nitrate for Jackfish Lake Figure 5 represents the box plots showing the historical and current nitrate as nitrogen data for Jackfish lake baseline. The minimum and maximum nitrate concentration values are 0.01 mg/L and 0.16 mg/L respectively. In contrast to 2017, the nitrogen concentration recorded is 0.04 mg/L in May and October. From figure 5, it can be seen that the 2017 nutreient data agrees with the historical nitrate data. Figure 6: Phosphate for Jackfish Lake The same analysis was done for phosphate in Jackfish baseline. Figure 6 shows a minimum concentration value of 0.04 mg/L and an outlier maximum concentration value of 0.14 mg/L for the historical value. The 2017 data falls below the interquartile range with a maximum reading of 0.03 mg/L recorded in May of 2017.

Figure 7: Phosphate for Jackfish Creek A box plot analysis was conducted for the Jackfish creek. The figure shows 0.03 mg/L and 0.21 mg/L for minimum and maximum phosphorus content with a mean of 0.085 mg/L for the historical data in the creek. Phosphate content for 2017 data falls below the interquartile range when compared to the historical data. The 2017 data shows a minimum phosphorus concentration of 0.02 mg/L, with a mean concentration value of 0.03 mg/L.

Figure 8: Nitrate for Jackfish Creek Similar analysis was done for nitrate as nitrogen for jackfish creek as shown in figure 8. The chart shows a different trend compared to phosphate. The 2017 data falls within the interquartile range for the historical data. This suggest the nitrate content in the creek is within the acceptable historical nitrogen concentration. The mean nitrate concentration for the historical data is 0.06 mg/L, and two outliers one been the maximum as 0.28 mg/L.

Figure 9: Nitrate for Murray lake The only sample was conducted for the year 2017 in Murray lake. The nitrogen data is not evenly spread out, hence resulting in a lot more outliers. The historical data shows four maximum outliers and a minimum nitrate concentration value of 0.01 mg/L as shown in figure 9. The lone 2017 data box plot analysis falls within the historical nitrate data interquartile range.

Figure 10: Phosphate for Murray Lake Unlike nitrate, phosphate historical data was evenly distributed, resulting in an acceptable box plot summary. The phosphate analysis differs from nitrate as shown in figure 10. The chart shows a minimum and maximum phosphate concentration values of 0.02 mg/L and 0.11 mg/L, respectively. Again, the lone sample for 2017 is 0.01 mg/L and falls below the historical data minimum value. Intensive Research Mass Balance Having data is essential and aids in better decision making. In terms of water quality, it helps track changes in water quality and provides researchers the opportunity to study trends of a particular watershed. Jackfish has limited water quality data with lots of gaps. The approach is an increased cost option that will provide the authority with reliable data using a consulting company. This approach offers the opportunity to look at multiple parameters of water quality. However, the community is at risk of losing authority over data due to the nature of working with a third party. There are concerns over the administration of the program, including the duration of the research program, staff time, and interpretation of data to the community. There also exists the challenge of reliance on volunteers. Having all this place will result in extensive water quality data for the period of the research program. Sampling should be conducted based on the water quality objectives of a community as budget constraints dictate the intensity of sampling to be undertaken. The primary goal of Jackfish Lake is algae bloom control using nutrient monitoring management. Conducting an intensive research will provide long-term monitoring of lake because of farming activities, discharge from sewage septic tanks and fisheries management in the lake. Water quality parameters to be tested includes inorganic, organics, metals, bacteria, nutrients, ions, hardness, pH, pesticides, total suspended sediments (TSS), total dissolved solids, carbon, dissolved oxygen. This approach brings extra levels of complexity to the project due to multiple partners involved (RM, citizens volunteers, consulting company). The estimated cost of this approach option is between $5000-$30000 per year, depending on the nature of sampling, location, and consulting company. Community should have solution in place on how to benefit from data generated at the end of research period. Stewardship-Based Approach This option is a long-term approach with an organized body that oversees activities of the larger group. It should be a proactive committee pursuing both educational and scientific programs with a common objective of protecting and enhancing the water quality of Jackfish lakes. The group should work on implementing various projects over a specific period. These projects include tree planting, shoreline restoration, educational programs, shoreline assessment, and many more. The stewardship group should have representatives of different stakeholders, including farmers, first nation, government, and cottage owners in the various communities surrounding the lakes. The stewardship approach will provide fair decision making based on environmental concerns of the different stakeholders. Social Engagment Activity To identify and prioritize the goals and objectives of the community, we met with the Jackfish Lake Stewards (JLS) and the Jackfish Lake Watershed Authority. The JLS is a community group consisting primarily of cottage owners, nominated by their respective communities to express perceived concerns with the goal of improving water quality for recreational use. The JLS volunteered in the past with citizen science, a program that monitors water quality parameters such as nutrients, water depth, algal biomass, salinity, and PH for recreational waters in Saskatchewan. The critical goal highlighted by the JLS during the meeting on May 21 was nutrient monitoring around the lake including; creeks, golf course, and the cottage houses. Nutrient sampling at the tributaries was identified of high priority due to the intensive agricultural activity at that location. The JLS expects to narrow down the primary source of nutrient into the lake and implement a practical environmental friendly solution to the problem. Furthermore, this will provide the opportunity of educating the community on maintaining a healthy lake, erosion prevention, and possibility of wake-board restrictions. The JLS expressed their interest in having a visual representation of results as opposed to traditional reports that end up in an office shelf. The second engagement activity took place on June 25 in the RM of Meota, Saskatchewan with the Jackfish Lake Watershed Authority (JLWA). In contrast to the JLS, this group has greater diversity with representatives from different stakeholders including, cottage owners, First Nation representatives, farmers, Water Security Agency (WSA), private business and governmental representatives from most of surrounding communities. NSRBC presented solutions to water quality challenges in the water body. Several long- and short-term nutrient monitoring options for improving water quality in Jackfish lake were highlighted to the group. The JLWA expressed their interest in working with NSRBC to implement cost-effective long-term nutrient monitoring. Some of the questions that came up includes; • The associated cost of each nutrient monitoring option • Advancement in the sampling testing process over the decade and how current data might differ from the historical data • Determining the location, time, and frequency of water sampling Note: Meeting minutes can be found in appendix section of this report Summary of findings The project has validated the practicality of several nutrient assessment strategies for Jackfish Lake water quality, highlighting the interplay between natural and social science. The study demonstrates new developments in understanding community values and concerns in terms of water quality for the benefit of communities and researchers. More data will be required to study the long-term impact of nutrients in lakes dominated by agricultural activities and human waste from cottage houses. A more promising approach would be an intensive long-term water quality monitoring over 5-10-year window aligning naturally with the CCME objectives for recreation and fishing. The relationship between nutrient and algae growth in surface water shows considerable similarities in the creeks. Such similarities can be explained by nutrient concentration, circulation patterns, and mixing process, combined with the geographical and hydrological variations in water bodies. Many sources can contribute to eutrophication, including agricultural runoff, livestock manure, and human waste from septic tank leakage. This suggests that the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate might have been due to natural runoff from agricultural farmland or sewage leakage. Although it is difficult to predict precisely the cause of an algal bloom due to the complexity of nutrient cycle, runoff in the spring and internal release of nutrient could be a potential cause of river eutrophication in Jackfish and Murray lakes. Attention should be paid to human activities and their impacts on algae growth. The box plot analysis approach worked well with the set of data and provided broadly similar comparison and conclusions for other water quality parameters. Analysis such as WQI and heat map provides the community with visual tools to tackle various water quality challenges. Both groups expressed genuine interest in protecting the lake for fishing and recreational uses. However, there is a difference of opinions on approaching the ongoing lake water quality challenge. We provided visual tools to help educate the community on water quality challenges in addition to the three nutrient monitoring options strategies. To address specific management issues, models need to be selected that operate at temporal and spatial scales appropriate to the management issue and the data available. Towards a solution The project has aimed to understand nutrient loading in lakes and implement monitoring strategies for lake water quality. The analysis highlighted the need to collect and interpret long- term water quality parameters datasets. Such data sets are needed to describe the changes of watersheds in response to human activities and climatic changes over time. The historical data suggests that water quality remained consistent compared to the 2017 data. The outcome of community engagement provides opportunities for improving and protecting water quality in the lake for future generations. Furthermore, participants in both meetings expressed their interest in having a visual tool representation of data. A heat map was created to support community need of improving water quality in Jackfish Lake. Heat map is an excel add-on tool that represents data such as water quality parameters visually in a map. This analysis is essential as individuals perceive/understand data visually, providing the opportunity of ease in the decision-making process. Since one of the major community concern is algae bloom controls, the heat map for nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus was performed displaying intensity of different parameters analyzed. The representation is based on colors and can be customized based on individual preference. For this project, green color represents the high value, while yellow represents moderate value, and blue color represents low value.

Figure 11 Heat map representing the Jackfish, Murray lakes, and its various tributaries. It can be seen from the chart, in figure 11, that the lakes have lower nitrate concentration compared to the tributaries for May 2005 as represented by the color. This visual tools can be useful for communities as it presents a visual representation of lakes health and helps narrow down nutrient hot spot. Recommendations The government at all levels should support existing stewardship groups with resources for a healthy lake. Government should encourage environmental friendly activities that promote water quality in Jackfish Lake. The researcher is to develop a management strategy that could detect human waste nutrient from agricultural nutrient. In the future, researchers should focus on providing an environmental-friendly solution that supports sustainable agriculture and housing on the lake. Future research should look at possible impact of climate change. They should be a fair representation of various stakeholders, including First Nation community surrounding the Lake for more beneficial outcomes of stewardship groups. Jackfish Lake communities can take these simple steps to prevent the growth of blue-green algae: * Educate the community on the use of phosphate-free personal care and household cleaning products. * Abstain from fertilizer application on lawns * Reducing agricultural runoff by planting trees and maintain a natural shoreline on lake and riverfront properties * Regularly check septic systems to ensure they do not leak into the water source Audet, J., Martinsen, L., Hasler, B., De Jonge, H., Karydi, E., Ovesen, N. B., & Kronvang, B. (2014). Comparison of sampling methodologies for nutrient monitoring in streams: Uncertainties, costs and implications for mitigation. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 18(11), 4721–4731. https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4721-2014 Boehrer, B., & Schultze, M. (2008). Stratification Lakes. 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Retrieved from https://www.ec.gc.ca/grandslacs-greatlakes/default.asp?lang=En&n=6201FD24-1#a3 Government of New Brunswick (2019). The importance of lakes. Retrieved from https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/elg/environment/content/water/content/l akes/importance.html) Li, Y., Cao, W., Su, C., & Hong, H. (2011). Nutrient sources and composition of recent algal blooms and eutrophication in the northern Jiulong River, Southeast China. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 63(5–12), 249–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.02.021 Ontario Ministry of Environment (2009). Water Quality Sampling Report. Retrieved from https://watersheds.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CruikshankLakeLinks2009.pdf Paerl, H. W., & Huisman, J. (2008). Blooms like it hot. Science (New York, N.Y.), 320(5872), 57–58. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1155398 Robin, J., Wezel, A., Bornette, G., Arthaud, F., Angélibert, S., Rosset, V., & Oertli, B. (2014). Biodiversity in eutrophicated shallow lakes: Determination of tipping points and tools for monitoring. Hydrobiologia, 723(1), 63–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1678-3 Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (2005) Jackfish and Murray Lakes Water Quality Report 2003-2004 Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (2007). Preliminary Background Report North Saskatchewan River Watershed. Retrieved from http://www.nsrbc.ca/mrws/filedriver/North_Sask_Background_report.pdf Saskatchewan Watershed Authority (2011). Jackfish and Murray Lakes Water Quality Report 1997-2007 Sereda, J., Bogard, M., Hudson, J., Helps, D., & Dessouki, T. (2011). Climate warming and the onset of salinization: Rapid changes in the limnology of two northern plains lakes. Limnologica, 41(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.limno.2010.03.002 van der Kamp, G., Keir, D., & Evans, M. S. (2008). Long-Term Water Level Changes in Closed-Basin Lakes of the Canadian Prairies. Canadian Water Resources Journal, 33(1), 23–38. https://doi.org/10.4296/cwrj3301023 Water Security Agency (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wsask.ca/About-WSA/About/ Weatherly, K. (2013, Feb 26). How blue-green algae is taking over Canadian lakes. CBC News. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/ Appendix Jackfish Authority Meeting Minutes

2014 Jackfish Lake data