Actions at the Cottage
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Reduce nutrients and other harmful substances from entering the drain.
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Keep track of Household Hazardous Waste Days at the Landfill Site and dispose of batteries, paint, fuel and other related items accordingly.
On Your Property
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Make sure only rain and snow melt drains to the waterways.
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Ensure all wastewater management systems—septic systems (tank and disposal field) and/or holding tanks installations and maintenance—comply with The Provincial Parks Act, The Environment Act and associated regulations.
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Consider installing a holding tank rather than septic system to store wastewater at your cottage.
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Use an alternative to a standard flush toilet such as a composting toilet.
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Maintain a buffer zone of trees and natural vegetation along the shore to minimize erosion and assimilate nutrients before they reach the lake. Keep land clearing to a minimum. Revegetate bare areas with native trees and plants to minimize erosion to the lake.
In Cottage Country
Reduce the potential for nutrients and other harmful substances from entering waterways.
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When boating, never discharge black or grey water overboard. Be cautious when refueling and remember to fill portable tanks on shore.
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Bathe on land, far away from the shore - adding suds directly to the water, even if the soaps are biodegradable, can kill off wildlife species and create algae blooms.
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Become familiar with potential invasive species and report findings to Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship.
Cottage Associations and Partnerships
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Join or start a Lake or Cottage Association and be part of developing a lake management plan to sustain or improve water quality.
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Help concerned citizens, lake users, resource managers, local governments, and other special interest groups to work together.
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Share Lake Friendly messages to raise people's awareness of issues and support protecting all lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands.
In Your Cottage or Home
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See Action for the Home to learn more you can do