What Can I Do?

HOW DO I AFFECT WATER QUALITY? Did you know that the human waste from one person, in one day, can contaminate one acre of water and force shellfish closures?   Shellfish closures are the first indication of deteriorating water quality There are already over 30 shellfish closures in the Bras d'Or Lakes YOU CONTAMINATE THE WATER IF YOU: Flush waste into an overloaded sewage system. Most sewage treatment facilities in the Bras d'Or are overloaded. Have an on-site septic system that is leaking and not properly maintained. Are boaters flushing human waste directly into the lake. How Does Water Quality Affect Me? HEALTH: Bacterial contamination of water can cause skin rashes, eye and ear infections or, if ingested, can make one ill. Shellfish closures are an indication that water quality is deteriorating. Because of threats to human health, a number of beaches around the Bras d'Or have been closed for swimming. RECREATION: If water quality is not ensured, recreational fishing, boating, and swimming in the Bras d'Or Lakes could become things of the past.

CONSERVE WATER Did you know that every time we flush, we use up to 22 litres of clean water? Using less water ensures less pressure on village sewage systems and on your septic system. PRACTICE THE 3 R'S OF WATER CONSERVATION REDUCE: Use water saving devices such as shower savers and toilet dams. REPAIR: One small leak can waste thousands of litres of water per year. RETROFIT: Choose water efficient fixtures and appliances when replacement is needed. TAKE CARE OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM A malfunctioning septic system can contaminate ground-water and effluents will leak into the Bras d'Or. Eventually, this will reduce your property value. Make sure your septic system is working, and have it pumped every 3-5 years. You can contact your local Department of Environment for information on Septic System Maintenance. The less water you flush into your septic system, the more completely treated each litre of waste will be. Do not feed your septic system any oils or garborated foods. This slows the effectiveness of your system and causes it to malfunction. BE A RESPONSIBLE BOATER Stop flushing raw sewage into the lake. Deteriorating water quality will affect the enjoyment you get out of boating around the Bras d'Or Lakes. Have a holding tank installed and pump regularly. Pumping stations around the Bras d'Or are located in: Baddeck, Dundee, and St. Peters.

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