Nutrient pollution in lakes leads to harmful blue-green algae, and a network of citizens, scientists, and conservation professionals is gathering data on phosporous in southern Manitoba waterways.

The Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network is mobilizing for its 2018 season, with a goal of collecting 1,500 samples this year.

Lake Winnipeg Foundation executive director Alexis Kanu says the network is designed to generate robust and useful data about phosphorous. Kanu says the LWF coordinates the LWCBMN in partnership with conservation districts and government partners and citizen volunteers.

Kanu says algae blooms are starting to impact how we use and interact with water.

"Algae blooms were sort of unavoidable on Lake Winnipeg last summer," she says. "We have a few short and beautiful summer months here in Manitoba and when we go to the lake, which is one of the pleasures of our Manitoba summers, it's so disappointing to not be able to go in the water. And the fact that we would accept that as a condition of life here in Manitoba is a little bit mind-boggling to me. Our lakes are part of what defines us as a province."

Through its work last year, the LWCBMN gathered 800 samples and confirmed the existence of phosphorous hotspots -- localized areas contributing disproportionately higher amounts of phosphorous to waterways than other areas.

"What these hotspots allow us to do is to zero in on the places where we're going to have the biggest impact. So instead of blanketing the entire watershed with our efforts, we're able to pinpoint the areas that are the largest contributors to the problem and to focus our resources and energy in those spots," says Kanu.

Peter Williams is a volunteer with the organization. He lives in the RM of Springfield and collects samples with a partner in the Cook's Creek area. Williams says he's a member of the baby boomer generation, and though he didn't join the group out of guilt, he does feel a sense of responsibility.

"It's probably my generation and those before me that are primarily responsible, through neglect, for the health issues that are facing Lake Winnipeg," he says. "I think I should be able to look my grandchildren in the eyes and say I've done my part."

Kanu says they're always looking for citizen volunteers to take part, and they have some key areas they want to sample this summer.

"Particularly on the west side of the Red River as you head from Winnipeg down to the US border, and in sort of the western part of the province around the towns of Cartwright and Killarney we're looking for volunteers... but certainly anybody who's interested who lives near a waterway who's concerned about its health can get in touch with us to join the network," says Kanu.

Kanu says volunteers are provided with the equipment they need and are trained by a coordinator.

Williams says he doesn't have a background in the field, he's just "John Q. Public."

2018 will be the organization's third field season.

Today is World Water Day.