You've given a good summary of the evidence, Mr. Bigras. I thank you for your question.
We wondered why we wouldn't act immediately. Manitoba and Nova Scotia are experiencing the same phenomenon, but I'm going to talk to you about Quebec, which I know better.
People are ready and organized. We travel to certain regions where there are lakes. As I mentioned to Mr. Scarpaleggia, phosphate-free products can be found. People are aware. The municipalities are legislating on shoreline vegetation. They want to take measures to monitor and supervise septic tanks to a greater degree. Why not act now, when we know that the phenomenon is increasing year after year?
Last year, 200 lakes were affected. How many will be in 2008? The number of lakes affected could increase by 100 or so and reach 300, and this trend will continue. Once a lake is affected, it takes a few years before it becomes healthy again and people can carry on aquatic activities safely.
The eutrophication of Lac Mandeville, which is located in my riding, is extensive. The lake is dead right now. It contains such a high quantity of phosphorus that one of the solutions contemplated is to empty the lake. That's incredible but true. Some studies are looking at that option. Of course, there is the matter of phosphates in detergents, septic tanks and agricultural pollution. We're talking about lakes in which people have swum for years.
Our freshwater is our wealth of the future. If we can't guarantee the safety of aquatic activities, there's a serious problem. We have the means at our disposal, and we can act quickly. The phenomenon is growing. Why wait another two years?