Kinga Ligenza, Realtor® – The Waterfront Guru

photography of boy jumping on body of water during daytime

Water Quality & Weed Control:

Why Testing Matters

When you’re buying a waterfront property, it’s easy to get swept up in the scenery - sparkling water, sandy shores, and endless summer days. But beneath the surface, water quality plays a huge role in your enjoyment, your health, and even your property value.

From safe drinking water to algae blooms and weed growth, knowing what’s in (and affecting) your lake is just as important as understanding septic systems or wells.

This guide breaks down why water testing matters, what to watch for, and how weed and algae control can impact both lifestyle and maintenance costs.

⸻

Why Water Testing Matters

Unlike municipal tap water, lake water quality can vary from season to season and even shoreline to shoreline. Testing ensures that your water is safe for drinking, swimming, and everyday use.

What to Test For

Bacteria (E. coli, coliforms): Key indicators of contamination that can affect health.
Chemical contaminants: Includes nitrates, arsenic, or fuel leaks from nearby properties.
Water hardness & minerals: Impacts plumbing, appliances, and taste.
Clarity & oxygen levels: Affects swimming quality and fish habitats.

When to Test

Before purchasing a property.
Annually (spring is ideal, after snowmelt).
After major storms, flooding, or noticeable changes in water colour or odour.

Costs

Basic water testing ranges from $50–$150 annually, depending on your local lab and the number of parameters you test.

⸻

Swimming & Recreation Considerations

For many buyers, swimming is a top priority - but not all waterfront is created equal. Water clarity, weed growth, and algae can make the difference between a refreshing dip and a murky, unpleasant experience.

Factors That Impact Swimming Quality

Weed growth: Thick weeds near shore can make swimming difficult.
Runoff: Fertilizers from nearby lawns or farms can feed algae blooms.
Boat traffic: In high-use areas, churned-up sediment can reduce clarity.

What Buyers Should Ask

Is this bay or shoreline known for weeds?
Does the lake association test water for E. coli?
Are there designated swimming areas nearby?

⸻

Drinking Water Considerations

If your property draws water directly from the lake, quality testing is even more critical. Lake water can be made potable with proper treatment, but not every system is created equal.

Treatment Options

UV Filtration Systems: Effective against bacteria and viruses.
Reverse Osmosis: Removes minerals, chemicals, and contaminants.
Sediment Filters: Improve taste and reduce particles.

Costs

A UV treatment system can range $1,000–$2,500 plus annual bulb replacement.
Reverse osmosis systems typically cost $500–$1,500.

⸻

Algae & Weed Growth

Weeds and algae are natural in most lakes, but too much can become a nuisance. Beyond making swimming unpleasant, excess growth may signal water quality issues.

Common Causes

Nutrient runoff (fertilizer, septic leaks).
Warm, shallow bays that heat quickly.
Limited circulation in back bays or narrow channels.

Algae Blooms

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria): Can produce toxins harmful to people and pets. Local health units will often issue advisories if blooms appear.
Green algae: Generally harmless but unsightly and slimy.

Control & Management

Manual raking or harvesting weeds from swim areas.
Installing a bubbler or circulator to improve water movement.
Working with local lake associations on broader management plans.

Costs

DIY weed removal tools: $150–$500.
Professional weed harvesting: $1,000+ depending on shoreline size.
Aeration or bubbler systems: $2,000–$5,000.

⸻

Common Buyer Concerns

“Can I drink the lake water?” → With proper filtration, yes, but always test first.
“Will weeds ruin swimming?” → Some areas are naturally weedy, others are sandy-bottomed and clear. Location matters.
“What if there’s blue-green algae?” → Most lakes experience occasional blooms, but recurring issues may signal long-term water quality problems.

⸻

Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Does the lake association or municipality conduct regular water testing?
Are there records of algae blooms in this area?
How weedy is the shoreline in midsummer?
What kind of water treatment system is installed in the cottage?
Is the lake known for clear swimming areas, or more natural/vegetated shorelines?

⸻

Red Flags to Watch For

Reports of recurring blue-green algae advisories.
Murky or foul-smelling water at the shoreline.
Heavy weed mats extending far beyond the dock.
No records of water quality testing or treatment system maintenance.

⸻

Conclusion

Water quality and weed control may not be as glamorous as the view from the dock, but they’re just as important to your enjoyment - and your investment. Testing ensures your water is safe, while understanding weed and algae growth helps set realistic expectations for swimming, boating, and maintenance.

The good news? With regular testing, proper treatment, and a bit of shoreline management, most waterfront properties offer safe, swimmable, and enjoyable conditions. When you know what to ask and what to look for, you can buy with confidence - and dive right in.