Surface water is monitored at 31 sites along major streams and rivers in our watershed. This monitoring happens through the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN) and through Saugeen Conservation's own network. Sampling occurs monthly from April to November each year. Surface water quality for this report was graded on phosphorus, Escherichia coli (E.coli), and benthic macroinvertebrates.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all living organisms, however it can have harmful effects on aquatic life at high levels. Phosphorus levels can be natural, and increase with human influence.
E.coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm blooded animals. E. coli is often used as an indicator of contamination from human and animal waste. E.coli levels may increase after heavy rainfalls and snowmelt.
Benthic macroinvertebrates refer to small aquatic bugs that live on the bottom of streams, rivers, and lakes; they can tell us about long term water quality because they are sensitive to their environments. Certain types of bugs can only thrive in good water, as they have a low tolerance to pollution.
What's different in this report card?
Previous watershed report cards only used the downstream monitoring sites. This report card used data from all surface water sites in our watershed. Using more data allows us to have more confidence in our findings.
Our Findings:
- Overall grades range from A (Excellent) to C (Fair), with mostly (60%) B (Good) grades.
- Most overall grades have not changed from the 2018 report card, however the Beatty Saugeen River, Lake Fringe and Upper Main Saugeen River areas have improved.
- Phosphorus grades fell in the South Saugeen River and Lower Main Saugeen River. Remaining grades stayed the same.
- E.coli grades remained mostly unchanged across the watershed, with improvement for the Penetangore River area.
- Benthic macroinvertebrate grades generally improved.
Note:
- Streams and rivers are constantly changing, and water quality results represent only a snapshot in time.
Learn about surface water quality:
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