Keeping Henderson Lake healthy

Every two weeks, Tyler Branson and Jin Kim unhook their small boat and take to Henderson Lake. Although they both love being on the water, this isn’t a pleasure cruise. It’s serious work: ensuring the lake is safe for public use.

Tyler and Jin work at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Tyler is an Aquaculture Operations Specialist; Jin works as a Greenhouse Technician. Their bi-weekly monitoring work is a partnership with the City of Lethbridge.

Jin Kim and Tyler Branson stand beside their Environmental Sciences boat

During the summer months, the duo collects water samples and measure oxygen levels and temperatures at the lake. They examine water clarity, nutrients and algae abundance – all indicators of the lake’s overall health. Of particular interest is the nutrient phosphorus – the fuel behind algae blooms. It’s this nutrient level that caused an extended Cyanobacteria (more commonly known as blue-green algae) advisory in August 2024.

“We always want to see a diversity in algae samples,” says Tyler. “Once the monoculture begins, that’s when we want to limit the spread and population. It’s important that multiple species are present in the water.”

Lethbridge’s typical summer climate can feed those blooms, and quickly. The pair works to proactively identify and predict the blooms, but it’s not always possible.

“The warmth of the water increases the metabolic rate of the algae, so they can grow faster,” notes Tyler. “They also use the sun’s energy to make their own food through photosynthesis, so it’s a double whammy.”

Cooler temperatures and heavy rainfall have helped keep algae levels low this summer. Regular copper algaecide treatments by City of Lethbridge Parks staff have also played a key role.

For Jin, the work represents a full circle moment. While completing his environmental assessment at then-Lethbridge College, he worked in the campus aquaculture centre and greenhouse. He later completed his environmental sciences degree at the University of Lethbridge.

Jin holds an algae-capturing tool

“The hands-on learning allowed me to absorb the information much better,” Jin says. “It’s more productive than just sitting in a classroom staring at PowerPoints and presentations. It’s one of the most important ways to build your experience and knowledge.”

That practical learning allows Jin to make a meaningful difference every time he applies his education in the field.

“Being able to put my education into something that everyone can enjoy is great,” he adds.

Beyond the obvious improvements to lake health, the City–Polytechnic partnership creates opportunities and impact that reach even further.

“It’s a really good, collaborative team effort,” Tyler says. “It benefits both of us. It gives us a chance to bring students out and help train them on these field techniques that are hard to get experience in.”

“The partnership provides the City important data,” says Jackie Cardinal, Parks Natural Resources Coordinator. “We use the information to monitor conditions and plan treatments, which are crucial steps to maintaining the health of Henderson Lake. With climate change making water quality and algae blooms a bigger deal, keeping tabs on our lakes and ponds is more important than ever.”

At the end of the season, Tyler and Jin will put together a detailed report on the lake’s health. It’s one more way they’re helping keep Henderson Lake clean, safe and enjoyable for the community.

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