THE LAKE | arbourlake

Arbour Lake: A Managed Ecosystem

Arbour Lake, like other residential lakes in Calgary, is a man-made lake with a liner and a carefully managed ecosystem. Unlike natural lakes, maintaining water quality is crucial for the Arbour Lake Residents Association (ALRA). The primary focus is ensuring the lake remains healthy for the community and its ecosystem.

Water quality is our top priority. Every week, water samples are sent to the Provincial Lab for testing, and the results are monitored by the Calgary Regional Health Authority. Calgary’s water quality guidelines are strict, and any changes in the water samples prompt immediate action to address the issue.

A healthy lake isn’t always the clearest one. While some people admire the clear, clean appearance of the lake bottom, a certain level of weed and algae growth is necessary to provide habitat and food for fish. Maintaining this balance is crucial for the health of the lake ecosystem.

Water Quality Update

We’ve enhanced our efforts to improve the water quality at Arbour Lake. This year, we replaced our old diffuser system with six brand-new diffusers, significantly improving oxygen levels and water clarity. Our lake visibility has reached up to 18 feet on some days, and the oxygen levels are the best they’ve been in over seven years.

Birds & Eutrophication

Birds, particularly geese and gulls, pose a challenge as their droppings can increase fecal coliform counts and introduce issues like leeches. We’ve implemented effective measures to discourage seagulls and protect the lake. Tinfoil pie plates on fences help deter gulls, and low rope fences along the shoreline prevent geese from crossing. Additionally, kites and tapes that mimic the cries of injured gulls have proven successful. We ask residents to help by avoiding feeding the birds, as this encourages them to stay. The impact of bird droppings is clear at places like Prince’s Island Park, where the large bird population has caused noticeable damage.

Aeration and Oxygenation

Aeration is vital for maintaining water quality in smaller lakes like Arbour Lake, where natural wind patterns aren't enough to circulate the water. We’ve addressed this by installing three submersible fountains at strategic locations to aerate and circulate the water. Additionally, a rock and stream feature in the northwest corner adds to the water movement.

The Impact of Fertilizers and Lawn Care

Fertilizers can contribute to excessive vegetation growth, impacting the lake’s health. The foam that sometimes gathers on the shore during storms is often a result of phosphates from fertilizers and detergents. Residents are encouraged to use lawn fertilizers sparingly and consider liquid fertilizers, which are absorbed more quickly, reducing the risk of runoff into the lake. Granular fertilizers take longer to absorb and are more easily washed into the water. Additionally, picking up dog droppings regularly is important to prevent contamination from runoff.

Arbour Lake as a Fishery

Each year, we stock Arbour Lake with Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout. These hardy fish thrive in the lake, and ice anglers remain active throughout the winter. Our sport anglers play an essential role in monitoring the health of the fish and the lake’s ecosystem, ensuring that both remain in optimal condition.