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Domestic Well Water Quality in Alberta - Trace Elements

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or... More ≫

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or federal governments. The Government of Alberta along with Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides water chemistry testing of private well water and information and advice on safe water for domestic purposes; however, it is the responsibility of well owners to ensure the quality and safety of their water supply. Water quality may be impacted by contamination from natural sources or human activities and cause noticeable aesthetic issues or potential health concerns. Water samples are collected and submitted by well owners through local AHS sites for analysis of routine chemistry and trace element parameters. Routine chemistry testing focuses on the suitability of the water for drinking and household use with two health-related parameters. For trace elements, testing used to be conducted only when...

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Muskeg River watershed management framework second annual report

Description

In 2008, Alberta Environment adopted a management framework for the Muskeg River watershed. The management framework defines criteria for evaluation of water quantity and water quality in the... More ≫

Description

In 2008, Alberta Environment adopted a management framework for the Muskeg River watershed. The management framework defines criteria for evaluation of water quantity and water quality in the Muskeg River watershed. Observed conditions are compared against scientifically established limits that have been developed specifically for the Muskeg River Watershed. These limits are based on data collected within the watershed, as well as more broad information on streamflow, water quality and requirements of the aquatic ecosystem. One of the key recommendations of the management framework was the development of an integrated monitoring program for the Muskeg River watershed to coordinate offlease monitoring activities that are currently conducted by individual companies and Alberta Environment. The main purpose of the integrated monitoring plan is to support the recommendations of the management framework which specify targets and limits for water quality and water quantity. This report...

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Overview of fish contaminant monitoring programs in jurisdictions and summary of Alberta studies : final report

Description

This report includes an overview of major fish contaminant monitoring programs in Canada and U.S.A., and a summary of available fish contaminant surveys or monitoring studies from Alberta.

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Summary report on the initial assessment of ecological health of aquatic ecosystems in Alberta : water quality, sediment quality and non-fish biota

Description

This is a technical summary of a provincial-scale initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health. It is based on water and sediment quality and non-fish biota information for major rivers, a... More ≫

Description

This is a technical summary of a provincial-scale initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health. It is based on water and sediment quality and non-fish biota information for major rivers, a selection of tributaries and streams in Alberta. It provides an overview of current knowledge for major basins, an initial assessment of aquatic ecosystem health based on published information, and it identifies gaps and provides recommendations for future more comprehensive monitoring.

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Limnological assessment of the Oldman River Reservoir

Description

The Oldman Reservoir was constructed to assure downstream water supplies for consumption and irrigation, and to provide additional water for future expansion of irrigated land. Additional benefits... More ≫

Description

The Oldman Reservoir was constructed to assure downstream water supplies for consumption and irrigation, and to provide additional water for future expansion of irrigated land. Additional benefits included enhancement of downstream fisheries, recreation and increased capability to meet flow commitments to the downstream province. The reservoir attenuates peak flows during flood events, although this capability is limited.

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Low flow conditions in the Lesser Slave River, 1999-2000

Description

The Lesser Slave River (LSR) supplies water to municipalities, industry, and other users, and supports fisheries and recreation. It also receives treated municipal and pulp mill effluent. Flows in... More ≫

Description

The Lesser Slave River (LSR) supplies water to municipalities, industry, and other users, and supports fisheries and recreation. It also receives treated municipal and pulp mill effluent. Flows in the LSR were extremely low within the last year, and emergency works were undertaken by users to ensure water supplies and flow maintenance in the river. As well, Alberta Environment (AENV) increased the monitoring and assessment of flow and water quality in the winter of 1999-2000. This included flow measurements, hydrologic analyses, two water quality synoptic surveys, dissolved oxygen (DO) recording, and enhanced water quality monitoring at the network site on the lower river. This document reports on those activities.

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Water quality of the Elbow River

Description

Alberta Environment initiated a detailed survey of the Elbow River in 1988 to develop a basin overview of water quality. The specific objectives of this survey were to 1) assess the effects of... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment initiated a detailed survey of the Elbow River in 1988 to develop a basin overview of water quality. The specific objectives of this survey were to 1) assess the effects of existing development on water quality on the Elbow River upstream of Calgary; 2) examine phosphorus loading patterns and determine major sources; and 3) provide baseline data to assess the effects of future development.

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Water supplying capacity of Alberta soils

Description

Soils may be rated according to the amount of water they can retain in available form. However, under field conditions there are physical and chemical soil properties which affect the ability of... More ≫

Description

Soils may be rated according to the amount of water they can retain in available form. However, under field conditions there are physical and chemical soil properties which affect the ability of plants to fully utilize all the available water. In Alberta the main factors of concern are dense subsoils that restrict root growth and the presence of salinity which inhibits water uptake. A modification of the available water holding capacity (AWC) that recognizes these limitations has been called the water supplying capacity (WSC). Both the AWC and WSC have been estimated for individual soils in the province.

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Lac St. Cyr : the impact of river diversion on water quality

Description

Lac St. Cyr is a small, mestrophic lake located about 11 km southeast of the Town of St. Paul, Alberta and used by the town as a water supply.

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Minnie Lake stabilization plan water quality assessment

Description

This report was prepared in 1986 to summarize the historical water quality data base for Minnie Lake, assess the implications of using different groundwater and surface water sources for the... More ≫

Description

This report was prepared in 1986 to summarize the historical water quality data base for Minnie Lake, assess the implications of using different groundwater and surface water sources for the municipal requirements of the Village of Glendon, and discuss the water quality impacts of using these same sources to raise and stabilize the level of Minnie Lake.

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