EASTERN ONTARIO, August 1, 2014 — Noticing green algal blooms or excessive aquatic plant growth in Sharbot Lake? You can now easily report it! The Citizen Water Watch website (www.citizenwaterwatch.ca) allows recreational water users to report any observations of green algal blooms or excessive aquatic plant growth to a central data base. These observations will help to better monitor green algae and aquatic plant growth in Eastern Ontario lakes and rivers.

Algae and aquatic plants are a part of a healthy aquatic ecosystem but in excess they can put stress on other organisms in our lakes and rivers. Many local recreational water users have noted an increase in algae and aquatic plant growth, despite little observed change in nutrient concentrations which are often the cause of algal blooms and excessive aquatic plant growth. Reporting observations of algae and aquatic plants will help us better understand the excessive plant growth and find ways to improve aquatic environments.

To report a sighting go to www.citizenwaterwatch.ca, create an account and click on the “Report a Sighting” tab, fill out the form and hit submit. Knowing the name of the waterbody and nearest town where your observation took place as well as a picture will be helpful information to include.