"We use these lakes the way medical researchers use white mice," says Mike Paterson, the scientist-in-charge at the ELA.

Research from the Experimental Lakes Area, based on laboratory analyses, has had profound impact on environmental policy across North America. In the 1970s, work at the ELA led to an almost world wide ban on dish detergent containing phosphorous. During the1980s, ELA scientists proved harmful effects of acid rain, which led to new standards for airborne pollutants., and cooperation between Canada and the US to reduce acid rain effects.

The Experimental Lakes Area research is invaluable in demonstrating environmental impact of chemicals in water ecosystems. Hundreds of scientists and students have been involved in aquatic and ecosystem research at the ELA. Much of the work from the ELA has been centred in the Fresh Water Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba.