Dataset

Phosphate Testers

Dataset by Water Rangers

Dataset summary

This dataset is inactive (last observation on 9 October 2023).

Observations

  • 22 June 2019

    Marie Curtis Beach, Mississauga by Korice Moir

    Water temp of Lake Ontario finally above 15 degrees to do phosphate test. Summer rocks

  • 18 June 2019

    Outlet River at Bridge on County Rd 18 by Don Ross

    Sunny, hot and calm day. No rainfall in past 48 hours. Some kayakers paddling by, minnows in the water and some birds around. Cottages along Log Cabin Point Rd here have sandbagged their properties due to high water this spring. Depth at test site below bridge on north side was .4 M and from middle of bridge above it was 2.5 M in centre of river ...bottom visible still. One of the highest phosphate levels I've tested this year is here..... 40…..must indicate a lot of agricultural runoff from farms surrounding East Lake I suspect?

  • 9 June 2019

    Port Perry Marina near Palmer Park by Don Ross

    Bit overcast tonight and calm winds. No rain fall in past 24 hours. Lots of people on the docks fishing and boats in the harbour and at the docks. Big sections of green algae floating out further in the water off the dock area .

  • 8 June 2019

    Pt. Petre Provincial Wildlife Area by Don Ross

    Sunny day with medium winds and no rainfall in past 24 hours. Lake is calm but much further up along the shoreline than normal...at least 8-10 metres....but given how the limestone ledges here are so flat and extend out into the lake so far, the actual water depth doesn't very much . Lots of seagulls around squawking and flying about.

  • 6 June 2019

    South Bay Cres Public Boat Launch by Don Ross

    14 MM rainfall in past 24 hours, presently sunny and calm. Water here is so high that the county has closed off this boat launch. I was able to carefully get to the dock without getting feet too wet. Some water bugs, few frogs, red winged blackbirds , songbirds and flock of canada geese flying overhead. Lots of slimy green algae on the surface of the creek and where water has ponded from the overflow. Plenty of weeds under the surface.

  • 6 June 2019

    Centennial Park in Town of Deseronto by Don Ross

    About 14 MM rainfall in past 24 hrs Sunny and calm day now. Water levels very high and the boat launch is under water that normally would be visible. Lots of boats out fishing on the bay. Spoke with one person as they were setting out and gave them the info about Water Rangers and he thanked us for doing this sort of volunteer work. Pair of swans and ducks on the lake.

  • 4 June 2019

    Little Bluff Conservation Area by Don Ross

    No rainfall in past 24 hours but has been spitting rain now and more expected as the day goes on. Overcast and calm...barely a ripple on the lake right now. Some blackflies, few seagulls, squirrels and songbirds around.

  • 2 June 2019

    Small stream that flows across farm fields under culvert on County Road 10 just north of Royal St by Don Ross

    Sunny and medium winds. About 3 MM rainfall in past 24 hours, including a bit this morning. Some birds and bugs around as would be expected. Normally we don't test this stream as it is often dry but with the rainy springs of late and higher water levels, it seems worthwhile doing these tests today, especially given that this creek collects water from lots of farm fields along the way before passing under the road and then on into South Bay and Lake Ontario. Gentle flow of water now.

Concerns
Take sample below the first 10cm of the water. Rinse cup 3 times before taking your sample. Phosphate teststrips: Follow instructions on package. These should be used when you suspect rates above 0.01ppm (100ppb). - Dip strip in the sample - Wait 45 seconds - Compare results with colour scale - Record results - Take a photo of the strip on the reference card. Other test strips: - Dip strip in sample for 2 seconds - Compare results right away - Hold strip vertically and compare values for Alkalinity, pH and Hardness - Record results - Take a photo of the strip on the reference card For more information on the protocols of this program, visit https://waterrangers.ca/research