Watershed Health

As snow falls in Ottawa and Gatineau, we prepare for another season of road salt monitoring. Read about our latest evolution of the program, changes to our methodology, and what we are seeing so far!

We recently released a detailed report on the changing flow patterns we’ve uncovered in the Ottawa River watershed. From earlier spring freshets to low summer water levels, these changes are indicative of how climate change will influence watershed health in the coming years.

We have just released a detailed report on surprising and concerning findings related to mercury levels in fish within the Ottawa River watershed. While most species have mercury levels within safe limits, this emerging trend warrants closer monitoring and further study.

Ottawa Riverkeeper has released a new, comprehensive Watershed Report Card for the Ottawa River. The results tell a story of a watershed under threat from recent human activity. Development, land use, and climate change are reshaping Canada’s capital river system.

In the southern portion of the watershed, many have noticed a remarkably short period of ice cover on the river this year. This can have consequences not only for our winter activities but also for wildlife and broader watershed health.