South Frontenac is known for its pristine lakes. Our more than 75 lakes provide important habitat for wildlife, drinking water, recreational opportunities, and are a key draw for tourists to our region who come to admire their vistas and natural beauty. 

We are committed to helping maintain and improve the water quality of our lakes. We do this through a number of ways, by partnering with Conservation Authorities and groups like Watersheds Canada, through our Lake Ecosystem Advisory Committee and Lake Ecosystem Grants, and through public education and policies to protect these important natural assets.

Monitoring the Water Quality and Health of your Lake

You can find out more about lake health from these key resources:

Protecting your Shoreline

There are many benefits to a natural shoreline. Natural shorelines with lots of native trees and shrubs absorb nutrients and contaminants from surface water runoff, prevent erosion and lead to healthier lakes and habitat.  

If you live on a lake and are interested in protecting or naturalizing your shoreline, this Guide to Preparing a Shoreline Naturalization Planting Plan developed in partnership by Watersheds Canada, the Conservation Authorities, the Township of South Frontenac and other partners is a great step-by-step guide. The plan explains the different parts of a resilient shoreline and why natural vegetation is important, walks you through the process of how to assess your property’s site conditions, what factors to consider and how to choose the right plants for your property. It even includes sample planting plans.

Cover of Guide to developing a shoreline protection plan 

Blue-green Algae

Algal blooms are solid-looking clumps that look blueish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Blooms occur mostly during late summer and early fall. If you see blue-green algae, be cautious. 

  1. If you suspect a blue-green algal bloom, assume toxins are present, and call the Kingston Health Unit at 613-549-1232 or the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. See this page on the health unit's site for more information.
  2. Avoid using the water
  3. Restrict pet and livestock access to the water
  4. Avoid activities that increase exposure to toxins during algal blooms;

You can help prevent growth of blue-green algae by

  • Using phosphate-free detergents, personal care and household cleaning products
  • Avoiding using fertilizers on lawns, especially fertilizers that contain phosphorus
  • Maintaining a natural shoreline
  • Reducing agricultural runoff by planting or maintaining vegetation along waterways and minimizing fertilizer use, and
  • Checking septic systems to ensure they don’t leak

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