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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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OTT Pluvio precipitation gauge field protocols

Description

Describes the field protocols and methods for the measurement of precipitation using the OTT Pluvio precipitation gauge. These protocols are important to ensure that data are collected... More ≫

Description

Describes the field protocols and methods for the measurement of precipitation using the OTT Pluvio precipitation gauge. These protocols are important to ensure that data are collected consistently and the data obtained are accurate and scientifically sound. The information that is gathered is critical for flood forecasting and water supply, the accurate prediction of runoff, long-term hydrological analysis, agricultural insurance assessment, and to assist in the operation of reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities in Alberta.

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Snow surveying field sampling protocols

Description

This document contains field protocols and methods for the measurement of snow depth and water content in Alberta. These protocols are important to ensure that samples are collected consistently... More ≫

Description

This document contains field protocols and methods for the measurement of snow depth and water content in Alberta. These protocols are important to ensure that samples are collected consistently and the data obtained are accurate and scientifically sound. This information is critical for the accurate prediction of runoff potential, flood forecasting and water supply, and to assist in the operation of reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities.

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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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An initial assessment of microcystin in raw and treated municipal drinking water derived from eutrophic surface waters in Alberta

Description

Microcystin, a widespread hepatotoxin, has been the topic of recent research in Alberta and it is suspected that certain communities may be exposed to this toxin because elevated levels have been... More ≫

Description

Microcystin, a widespread hepatotoxin, has been the topic of recent research in Alberta and it is suspected that certain communities may be exposed to this toxin because elevated levels have been measured in their raw water supplies. However, the total extent of microcystin in Alberta’s raw drinking water sources remains largely undetermined. Furthermore, it is unclear whether traditional drinking water treatment practices effectively remove microcystin. The objectives of this study were: to assess the prevalence of microcystin in selected municipal raw water sources; to determine if current water treatment practices adequately remove the toxin; and to determine the efficacy of an experimental bio-filtration process for the removal of microcystin.

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Predictive equations for suspended solids and dissolved oxygen in the Highwood River

Description

This report presents equations that can be used to predict total suspended solids and dissolved oxygen as functions of flow and maximum water temperature, respectively.

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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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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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