2008 Watershed Report Card
Surface water is the water that moves through rivers and lakes. We looked at the levels of nutrients and metals in these waters to assess their overall health. The black dots on the map below indicate surface water sampling locations.
Two of the main nutrients that we examined were nitrogen and phosphorus. High levels contribute to excessive aquatic plant and weed growth, higher water temperatures and less oxygen in the water. These factors combine to reduce water quality and can impact recreational opportunities.
We also tested water samples for metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc, aluminum, cobalt and iron. These metals in the water can pose immediate and long-term health concerns to both humans and wildlife alike.
Another indicator of surface water quality is bacteria in the form of E. coli. High levels of E. coli often prompt local beach closures. These bacteria may come from leaky septic tanks, an overloaded sewage treatment plant, agricultural runoff, or even high numbers of waterfowl such as Canada geese. E. coli data is collected through our Kawartha Water Watch program and by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
* The overall subwatershed grade was calculated by averaging the grade for phosphorus, metals and nutrients. Example: Phosphorous C, Metals B, Nutrients D produces an average grade of C.
** The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) was developed by water quality experts in Canada to provide a snapshot of water quality using complex technical data.
Surface water quality throughout the watershed can be improved. Lower grades in the southern part of the watershed are often a result of high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. In the north, low grades are more often due to elevated metals.
The water quality within our lakes is influenced by the rivers flowing into them. Maintaining the water quality of rivers and lakes requires good land-use practices on properties across the watershed.