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Gatineau River Water Testing Results for June 27, 2010
Friends of the Gatineau river (FOG) – Ami(e)s de la rivière Gatineau (ARG) is a non-profit volunteer organization that is committed to the preservation of the Gatineau River watershed. FOG conducts water quality tests of the Gatineau River as a public service with support from the municipalities of La Pêche, Cantley and Chelsea and clubs and associations that use the river for recreational purposes.
The first day of water testing for the 2010 summer season was conducted on Sunday, June 27th. This series of test results, based on over 70 water samples taken from Farrellton to the Farmers Dam indicated that the Gatineau River is “good” quality recreational water. Several days of heavy rains in the previous week increased run off and turbidity and produced E Coli values that are slightly higher than in past years.
In undertaking the tests, FOG respects the standards established by the Québec Ministry of the Environment. An “A” rating – excellent for recreational purposes, is between 0 and 20 coliforms per 100ml, “B” – good is between 21 and 100 coliforms per 100ml, “C” – acceptable is between 100 and 199 coliforms per 100 ml and “D” – not recommended above 200 coliforms per 100ml. Analysis is done by MicroB, a Québec government certified laboratory.
For La Pêche, the waters at the Farrellton Bridge rated “B” or good. On the basis of a few samples, the Wakefield Covered Bridge also rated “B”. The test of the mouth of the La Pêche River indicated a “B” rating or “good”. The Wakefield public dock also indicated “B” on the basis of a few samples.
In Chelsea, the water quality at the Farm Point Community public dock showed a “B”, or ‘good’ rating. The Cascades Club water front, and the Burnet Rd. access point both tested “B”, good, as did the tests at the Gatineau River Yacht Club. The Tenaga Property Owners’ Association Beach tested ‘A’ excellent.
In Cantley, the Mary Anne Phillips Park beach showed an “A” or excellent rating, as did the outflow near Romaniuk Rd. Tests in the mouth of the Blackburn Creek indicated a “B” or good results.
In addition to the E Coli testing FOG has, with the assistance of the Chelsea H2O program, conducts a range of tests being performed to include other criteria including water temperature, ph, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen. Average water temperature on June 27th in the lower Gatineau was 19.8 degrees Celsius. We also test strategic points for nutrients to create a baseline of data for future year comparisons.
For further information: Alain Piché, (819) 827-3750 / Neil Faulkner (819) 459-3810, Ronnie Drever, (819) 459-3037