News

What to look for and how to stay safe when a bloom occurs

Hot August days are great for spending time outdoors, but also create the perfect conditions for algae to grow and bloom in large bodies of water like the Grand River Conservation Authority’s (GRCA) Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, and Woolwich reservoirs.

Algae thrive on nutrients from fields and lawns that find their way into local waterways and reservoirs during heavy rainfall and spring melts and cause their populations to grow rapidly, forming blooms or scum on the surface of the water.

Despite higher than normal precipitation across much of the Grand River watershed in June and July, groundwater and river base flow levels are still low due to the extremely dry spring. As a result, water users throughout the watershed are asked to continue to reduce their consumption by 10 per cent until conditions improve.

Cover crops grown over winter are just the right thing to do, according to some local producers who participated in the Grand River Conservation Authority’s (GRCA) Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP).  The program offers a per acre incentive to farmers in the Region of Waterloo, Haldimand, Dufferin, Brant, Wellington Counties, and in Perth County within the Nith River watershed. 

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be reopening the Elora Quarry Conservation Area for day-use access, beginning June 7, however a number of new restrictions will be in place to help reduce the number of visitors to this popular local attraction this season.

Those who wish to visit Elora Quarry will now be required to purchase tickets and vehicle passes online, in advance, before they are permitted to enter the property. 

Farmers in Waterloo Region have reached a milestone in making farm improvements to protect water quality. As of December 2020, more than $20 million in total capital projects have been completed through support from the Region’s Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP).

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be spraying an organic pesticide at two of its properties this spring to control growing populations of gypsy moth. Aerial applications are planned over susceptible forest areas at Pinehurst Lake and Brant conservation areas.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) annually installs warning booms or buoys upstream of GRCA dams to warn paddlers, anglers and boaters to stay away from the dams.

This is one of many safety procedures used by the GRCA to reduce the risk for people who enjoy water activities on local reservoirs and waterways. The hazards around dams can result in serious injury or death if warning signs are ignored.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is taking steps to help support the mental health and well-being of watershed residents by providing additional opportunities to get outdoors while staying local this spring. Effective April 23, all Grand River Parks, with the exception of Elora Quarry, will open for limited day-use access ahead of the previously scheduled May 1 opening date.

Camping season opens May 1 with restrictions

The 2021 camping season is just around the corner and the Grand River Conservation Authority campsite reservation system will be open to take reservations online beginning April 6.

The reservation system at www.grcacamping.ca provides a 24-hour, online-only reservation service until mid-October, when the camping season closes. 

Applications are now being accepted for grants for schoolyard and community environmental projects offered by the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Grand River Conservation Foundation.

Applications must be submitted electronically by April 30. Successful applicants will be notified in late May.