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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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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Swan Hills Treatment Center: PCBs and PCDD/F in wild game and fish tissue (1999-2014)

Description

The Swan Hills Treatment Centre (SHTC) is a facility for the safe disposal of special wastes located approximately 12 km northeast of the town of Swan Hills, AB. On October 16, 1996, a malfunction... More ≫

Description

The Swan Hills Treatment Centre (SHTC) is a facility for the safe disposal of special wastes located approximately 12 km northeast of the town of Swan Hills, AB. On October 16, 1996, a malfunction of a transformer furnace was discovered to have caused the release of a portion of process gases containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) into the ambient air. These chemicals can be harmful to human health. Therefore, in 1997 Alberta Health (AH) conducted a human health risk assessment study to estimate human exposure and to evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions. As a result of the study, food consumption advice for wild game and fish taken within a 30 km radius of the facility were issued out of concern that PCBs and PCDD/Fs were accumulating in these locally caught foods. A long-term environmental monitoring and human exposure assessment program has been ongoing since 1998 to monitor concentrations of...

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AEIR Air Emission Rates

Description

These datasets contain information on industrial sources and air emission rates collected under the Alberta Annual Emissions Inventory Reporting (AEIR) Program.

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Alberta Wildlife Watch Animal Carcass Records

Description

The Alberta Wildlife Watch program collects data related to Animal-Vehicle Collisions in Alberta. This data are records of animal carcasses resulting from animal-vehicle collisions reported... More ≫

Description

The Alberta Wildlife Watch program collects data related to Animal-Vehicle Collisions in Alberta. This data are records of animal carcasses resulting from animal-vehicle collisions reported within the province of Alberta.

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Qualitative assessment of the comparability of Alberta's laboratory analytical method descriptions. Part 1 : trace elements in water

Description

This report provides information for surface water quality data users to qualitatively compare datasets using method description information.

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List of Elements in Alberta - insects - snowflies

Description

List of snowflies documented for the province of Alberta including native as well as exotic (introduced) species.

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List of Elements in Alberta - insects - dragonflies

Description

List of dragonflies documented for the province of Alberta including native as well as exotic (introduced) species.

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List of Elements in Alberta - spiders and water ticks

Description

List of spiders and water ticks documented for the province of Alberta including native as well as exotic (introduced) species.

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List of Elements in Alberta - millipedes and centipedes

Description

List of millipedes and centipedes documented for the province of Alberta including native as well as exotic (introduced) species.

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