ABSTRACT
Changes in the timing and duration, height and elevation of annual and seasonal water levels may also lead to beach closings. Lower lake levels will impact beaches, with the amount of new exposure a function of water depth, lakebed composition and slope, and water level decline (Wall 1998), such that larger beach surfaces could affect recreation space. Furthermore, exposed mud flats could reduce shoreline aesthetics, and there is the potential that exposed lakebeds could include toxic sediment (Mortsch et al. 2000). Pollution problems may also be exacerbated on some beaches due to low water levels, resulting in more beach closures. With reduced water levels, there could be decreased depth of navigation channels, stranded docks and harbours impacting marinas and shipping ports.
