The rehabilitation of Oxbow Lake in St. Francois Xavier has begun to pay dividends, according to municipal officials.

The lake had become oxygen-depleted several years ago and was overrun with blue-green algae blooms.

In 2010, the municipality undertook steps to rehabilitate the lake, including the installation of a fountain to help pump more oxygen into the lake and curb the growth of algae blooms.

Municipal officials now say they have noticed significant improvements in the health of the lake.

"We haven’t had a study of the lake yet because it would be too expensive," said chief administrative officer Robert Poirier. "But a quick...indicator is the reduction of algae in the water."

Reeve Roger Poitras said area residents have told municipal officials that the lake is much more aesthetically pleasing since the rehabilitation efforts began.

"We have been getting a lot of compliments on the fountain...mainly that people like how it looks at night with the lights on," he said.

Jim Bakken, a member of the RM’s sustainable development committee and owner of the White Horse Escape Bed and Breakfast, said last year’s spring flooding had a positive impact on the rehabilitation of the lake.

"I think the flood of last year has refreshed the Oxbow," he said. "For most of the summer the lake has looked pretty clear so far."

Bakken said the problem with the lake is that the water doesn’t circulate much during the summer months. As a result, it becomes loaded with nutrients and phosphorus, which produce the blue-green algae blooms.

Poitras said that while there are no immediate plans to make further improvements to the lake, council is considering its options.

"There was one recommendation at our last meeting that we add another fountain," he said.

prescott.james@canstarnews.com