What you can do to protect the Rideau

Shoreline     Yard     House     Boating     Further Reading

Shoreline

• leave a natural strip of uncut grass or shrubs along the water’s edge
• plant native shrubs and trees along the water’s edge
• let imported beach sand erode naturally and let native plants grow back
• let natural debris (such as driftwood and fallen trees) accumulate as much as possible
• use a low impact floating dock
• keep pets and livestock away from the water’s edge

Yard

• cut as few trees as possible during construction projects
• prune trees to get a better view, instead of cutting them down
• reduce your use of fertilizers and pesticides (by composting and gardening organically)
• handle fuels and oils carefully to avoid spills - be prepared for spills
• redirect driveway runoff into a soaking / settling area away from lakes and rivers

House

• use phosphate-free soaps and cleaners, and alternatives such as vinegar and baking soda
• have your septic system inspected and pumped every 2 or 3 years
• save water by using low-flow showerheads and toilets
• use rain barrels to collect rainwater for use in the garden

Boating

• use oil-absorbing bilge cloths, instead of bilge cleaners
• practice safe refueling (away from the water)
• reduce your wake by slowing down to 10 km an hour within 30 metres of shore
• buy a 2 or 4 stroke motor that meets EPA 2006 guidelines

Further Reading

• Poster: Ecofriendly waterfronts on the Rideau Lakes
• Poster: Six Steps to creating sustainable property by maintaining natural shorelines
• Report: Ecofriendly waterfronts On the Rideau Canal Waterway
• Information: Good Shoreline Practices (REAL website)

© The Rideau Roundtable