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The Gatineau River rises in lakes north of the Baskatong Reservoir and flows south to join the Ottawa River at the city of Gatineau. The river is 386 km long and drains an area of 23,700 km². From the 19th century up until the second half of the 20th century, the river was used to transport logs to sawmills near the mouth of the river. In more recent times, with declining quality in the forests of the region, logs are used for pulp and paper. This river was an important transportation corridor for native people of the region and early explorers. Later, roads and railways followed the river valley. The river has been extensively dammed and is an important source of hydroelectric power.
The “Friends of Gatineau River”:http://www.fog-arg.org/ (FOG) is a non-profit volunteer organization that is committed to the preservation of the Gatineau River watershed and an active participant in the River Watch program.
FOG conducts water quality tests of the Gatineau River as a public service with support from the municipalities of Cantley and Chelsea and clubs and associations that use the river for recreational purposes.
Lower Gatineau River Water Quality for Swimming and Recreation, Summer 2009
| Test locations | Date | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Farrellton | 13-07-09 | A |
| Wakefield Covered Bridge | 13-07-09 | A |
| Rivière LaPêche River | 13-07-09 | B |
| Farm Cohen Ferme | 13-07-09 | A |
| Quai Farm Point dock | 13-07-09 | B |
| Chemin Burnett Road | 13-07-09 | B |
| Parc Mary Anne Philips | 13-07-09 | A |
| Ruisseau Blackburn Creek | 13-07-09 | B |
| Ruisseau Romaniuk Creek | 13-07-09 | C |
Water quality standard for bathing in Quebec
| Number of fecal coliform (Colony forming units(CFU) by 100 ml) | Quality |
|---|---|
| 0 — 20 | A excellent |
| 21 – 100 | B bon / good |
| 101 – 199 | C acceptable |
| 200 — | D non / not recommandé |
Monthly Detailed reports:
Contact: Alain Piché Ph. (819) 827-3750 Email