The goal is to help residents reduce phosphorus run-off from their yards.

1. Over the years too much phosphorus has made its way into Lake Simcoe and its tributaries (from urban and rural run-off and through the air) causing algae to bloom and weeds to grow. The situation has been made worse by invasive zebra mussels who are filtering the water allowing more sunshine to nurture the vegetation, and invasive weed species who are thriving in this water weed heaven. The cycle of degradation is called eutrophication , simply described as premature aging. Oxygen is depleted, the cold water fish are stressed so they don’t breed, and the dying, stinking weeds and algae are increasingly making the waters more unpleasant for people. It is a sad situation for a lake the Hurons called Ouentaron , which means Beautiful Lake!

2. No silver bullet will fix Lake Simcoe. Indeed, even with lots of effort, it is unlikely the waters can be noticeably improved in our lifetime. We do know, however, that if residents of the watershed start helping to solve the phosphorus problem by eliminating the chemical fertilizers from their yards, this is a huge step in the right direction. Ultimately, your actions will help. In the meantime, they will send a big message to government that people care and are taking action – and the Lake needs more money from them and attention too. We all need to help make Lake Simcoe a priority for action.

Consider this:
Rural and agricultural phosphorus run-off is on the decrease, but the phosphorus contribution from urban and suburban areas is on the rise. Urban/suburban phosphorus runoff comes from many sources—but the worst offender is the use of yard fertilizers that contain phosphorus.

The Sum...
The "fix" for Lake Simcoe comprises hundreds of solutions involving many thousands of people. The know-how exists, but the momentum is lacking.

The big-picture solution depends on the active participation of many thousands of people. Everyone needs be a part of the cure and become an advocate for change.

The purpose of The WAVE is to help residents take action in their own yards and to send a message to others, including government, that even more action is needed.