Surface Water Quality is an important component within our watersheds, as it assesses the quality of the water for both human and aquatic life. Surface Water Quality in our region is monitored primarily through chemical analysis and the identification of aquatic bugs. Between the chemical makeup of our water, and the presence of certain insect species, we can determine the health and anthropogenic disturbance level of our creeks and streams.

What did we find?

• B and C grades, with improvement in the Trent River Corridor Tributaries and Mayhew Creek.
• With the increase in sampling sites and inclusion of E. coli analysis for all of our 18 sampling sites, LTC has been able to provide grades for all 12 watersheds. This has allowed us to gain a better understanding of seven of our watersheds that weren’t previously graded and we saw an improvement in two of our watersheds.

Check out the modified Lower Trent Conservation 2023 Watershed Report Card.