1860’s – “Cottagers” first start coming to Muskoka. First steamship arrives in 1866

1894 – The MLA is founded “To preserve the healthful sanitation and scenic beauty of the Muskoka Lakes”

1903 – The MLA recommends a septic tank design to local residents

1910 – MLA efforts result in septic holding tanks being added to Steamships

1914 – MLA works with Dept of Health on inspecting waste management systems at 56 Muskoka resorts

1960’s – Overuse and poor disposal of harmful detergents and fertilizes results in Algae blooms in the lakes.

1971 – The MLA initiates a “Swap” program whereby volunteers went to lake side cottages and ‘swapped’ their harmful phosphate detergents for “Ivory Soap Flakes”. Algae blooms were almost eliminated.

1970’s – MLA commences water quality testing.

1980’s – MLA helps lead the Canadian coalition that was fundamental in bringing an end to Acid Rain’s destruction of Ontario lakes when  the Clean Air Act is ratified into US and Canadian law

2001 – The modern “Water Quality Initiative” was created by MLA Board members Joe Moher, John Mollard and John Curran. Dr. Neil Hutchinson of Gartner Lee Ltd. was engaged, and a science-based water quality research program was developed.

Today the WQI continues with close to 100 volunteers annually sampling at 190 locations up to 4 times each. Sampling begins on May 24th and continues into September.