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4. Monitoring our Waterways

Phosphorus is the nutrient responsible for potentially harmful algae blooms on Lake Winnipeg – but in order to take effective action on phosphorus reduction, we must fully understand how, when and from where phosphorus is reaching Lake Winnipeg.

The Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network

The Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network (LWCBMN) was launched in fall 2015. Supported by LWF’s Science Advisory Council, this growing network engages citizen volunteers to collect water samples across Manitoba using scientifically vetted protocols. Samples are then analyzed in a lab to measure phosphorus concentration and calculate the amount of phosphorus begin exported off our landscapes.

While Lake Winnipeg receives its water from a vast watershed, not all areas of the watershed contribute equal amounts of phosphorus. By sampling frequently at many sites, LWCBMN is able to pinpoint phosphorus hotspots – areas that contribute a disproportionate amount of phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg.

Snow melts, floods and heavy rainfall events are responsible for most of the phosphorus that is flushed from the land into our waterways. Special care is taken by network staff and volunteers to ensure phosphorus runoff is captured during these high-water events. And, because these volunteers live, work or commute near their sampling sites, LWCBMN can quickly mobilize citizen scientists to collect samples when it matters most.

If you’re interested in volunteering with LWCBMN, email chelsea@lakewinnipegfoundation.org or call 204 956-0436.

Using LWCBMN data

LWCBMN data can be used by conservation districts, land managers and other decision-makers to more effectively target resources in phosphorus hotspots in order to get the best bang for our buck when it comes to phosphorus reduction.

Data can also be used to supplement and enrich existing federal and provincial data sets, deepen our understanding of water-quality trends, and monitor the impact of on-the-ground phosphorus-reduction and water-retention initiatives.

Multiple years of LWCBMN data are needed to identify trends over time and ensure we aren’t being misled by annual variation. All network partners are committed to expanding the network to build a multi-year data set for southern Manitoba.

What we’re learning

LWCBMN is already demonstrating the value of citizen-generated data. The network has identified high spatial variation in phosphorus exports between sampling sites – even sites that are side by side. LWCBMN is also reporting some of the highest phosphorus exports that have ever been reported in Manitoba.

LWCBMN's 2019 report 

Our LWCBMN report highlights what we learned from data collected during the 2019 sampling season.

LWCBMN 2019 REGIONAL REPORTS

Our regional reports provide a detailed look at data collected from each sampling region.

Past reports are available below:

LWCBMN'S 2018 REPORT
LWCBMN 2018 REGIONAL REPORTS

LWCBMN 2017 REGIONAL REPORTS

 

Lake Winnipeg Health Plan Action 5: Managing Our Shorelines