| Identifying Potential Contamination Sources on Winnipeg's Urban Streams |
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| Investigators |
| Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, Department of Botany, University of Manitoba
Sharon Gurney, Manitoba Department of Conservation
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What is the Issue? |
| SURFACE WATER POLLUTION |
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Several creeks run through the city of Winnipeg. However, the quality of the water running through them has not been fully evaluated. Biologists are comparing water quality, sediment and insect populations along Omand's Creek and other nearby streams. These results are being used to identify sources of contamination to the streams. In addition, this study is helping to create a stream water-quality management strategy for the city of Winnipeg.
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What is our goal? |
| MONITOR AND ENHANCE STREAM WATER QUALITY IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT AS A MEASURE OF QUALITY OF URBAN LIFE.
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| Identifying potential contamination sources on Winnipeg's urban streams. |
Where we currently stand. |
| Water samples were collected from Omand's Creek, and analyzed for comparison with data collected at other sites along the creek, in other waterways in the City of Winnipeg, and in other Manitoba rivers. Water quality assessments were based on provincial objectives for the protection of aquatic life, recreation, and other uses. In general, water quality in the Assiniboine River, Red River, La Salle River, Omand's Creek, Sturgeon Creek, and Truro Creek was rated "marginal". Water quality for those rivers farther away from the City of Winnipeg (Boyne River, Ochre River, and Turtle River) was rated "good". Water quality ratings at sites along Omand's Creek ranged from "marginal" to "fair". Water quality was poorest in the stream reach with the heaviest concentration of commercial and industrial development. There was no significant difference in water quality over the four year period (1995-1998) for which data were available. This study indicates that conditions in Omand's Creek have deteriorated as a result of passage through the city of Winnipeg but, in general, no more so than in other urban streams. A final report on the study is forthcoming.
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You can help this project - find out how. |
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