The Lake

Lake Water Management Committee 

A Lake Water Management Committee has been set up, consisting of Board Members and Lake Management.

Committee Mandate: The Committee has the overall responsibility for regularly reviewing the lake water management and policies and reporting its findings to the Board.

Specifically, the Committee's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1) Liaison with Management and Consultants

2) Protect the lake water health for continued enjoyment by the community

3) Maximize the lake value in a cost-effective and sustainable way

4) Recommend fisheries management policies

Lake Health 

Please help protect the quality of our lake by thoroughly cleaning all toys and equipment used outside of Lake Sundance. Although tests have shown Lake Sundance to be free of Whirling Disease, we must work together to prevent other hazardous invasive plants, fish, animals, crustaceans, mud or water from entering our lake.  Ensure all beach  and water toys and equipment used elsewhere are cleaned and dried for 5 days before using in our lake.  Please refrain from bringing anything into the lake that has been used outside the Province of Alberta. Thank you!

Lake Water

Prior to 2011, we topped up the lake with City water at a considerable expense. In 2011, we drilled a water well and found 15 gal/min at 162 feet in the sandstone Paskapoo Formation. This well paid for itself in water savings in about 3 years and continues to be a source of water. However, this 1st well did not meet all of the water needs and, as water costs continued to increase, the board voted to drill a 2nd well. In 2018, the 2nd well found 55 gal/min in the Paskapoo Formation at 228 feet. This additional well fully supplies our lake with water and saves significant money for residents, as well as the added environmental benefit of not withdrawing water from the Bow River.

Water Quality 

The Board has hired a Limnologist to work with us on understanding issues related to weeds and algae.

Treatment of Weeds and Algae in the Lake

As Lake Sundance enters its 46th year, the Sundance Lake Residents Association (SLRA) remains committed to maintaining a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable lake environment for all residents.

One of the greatest challenges facing our lake is the increasing accumulation of nutrients within the water. Over the years, aquatic weed and algae management has relied on chemical treatments. While these treatments have provided temporary control, they have not delivered the long-term water quality improvements the Board is seeking. Treatment costs have continued to rise, while excess nutrients remain within the lake system.

When aquatic vegetation is chemically treated, the plants eventually decompose in the lake, releasing nutrients back into the water. These nutrients can then continue to support the growth of algae and blue-green algae. After certain research and the engagement of a third-party expert it was determined that this cycle is no longer the most effective approach to improving long-term lake health.

For the 2026 season, SLRA will eliminate chemical treatments and focus on the manual removal of aquatic vegetation. By physically removing excess weeds and algae from the lake, we can also remove the nutrients contained within that plant material, helping to reduce nutrient levels over time.

As we transition to this new approach, residents may notice differences in vegetation levels throughout the season. Our efforts will focus on maintaining lake access and usability while evaluating the effectiveness of this nutrient-removal strategy.

SLRA will be monitoring results and assessing long-term requirements.  At the end of the season, your feedback is welcome regarding water clarity, vegetation levels, and overall lake conditions.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work to preserve and enhance Lake Sundance for current and future generations.