Water Stewardship Information Sources
| ID | 1427 |
|---|---|
| Citation | Perrin, C.J. and C.A. Blyth. 1999. Index sites for aquatic Ecoregions of British Columbia. Prepared by Limnotek Research and Development Inc. and AXYS Environmental Consulting for Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Water Quality Branch. Victoria, B.C. 56p plus map. |
| Organization | Ministry of Environment |
| URL | http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hts/risc/o_docs/aquatic/aexindex/assets/aezindex.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | The aquatic ecozone classification for British Columbia was further developed by selecting and assigning index lakes and streams to each aquatic Ecoregion. An index site was defined as: 1. a sampling location from which water quality data have been collected and can continue to be collected; 2. a location having ready access for routine sampling. 3. a location that is not affected by pollution sources or is affected less than other sites in the Ecoregion. 4. a location considered representative of general limnology and water quality in the Ecoregion in which it is present. When maintained as an operational activity, compilation of data from index sites helps to: ﾷ simplify searches via a graphical user interface for chemical characteristics of Ecoregions in B.C. ﾷ provide zonal reference locations from around the Province that can be used in impact assessments, monitoring programs and Province-wide water management. Three tasks were involved in selecting and mapping the index sites. First, the aquatic ecozone classification database (AECD) that was developed in phase 1 of the aquatic ecozone classification was searched to select candidate sites within each Ecoregion on the basis of data adequacy. A survey was then sent to water quality specialists in regional offices of BC Environment requesting recommendations on the selection of sites. Interactive discussion between the regional specialists and the project manager resulted in the final selection of sites. A colour themed map was then produced to display the distribution of index sites for streams and lakes throughout the Province. A total of 55 index lakes and 50 index streams were selected among the 45 Ecoregions of British Columbia. With the exception of the very remote Hecate Lowland where only an index lake was selected, at least one stream and one lake or reservoir was selected from each Ecoregion. In some Ecoregions where large ecological variability existed, more than one lake or stream was selected. The sites are identified on a map that accompanies this report. Sample sizes for each of the chemical attributes that characterised the sites in the existing AECD were generally small. 58% of the 170 lake site and attribute combinations had sample sizes ﾣ10. 50% of the 158 stream site and attribute combinations had sample sizes ﾣ10. Some sites where long term monitoring has been active had abundant data. Water quality at 27% of the recommended lake sites and 28% of the stream sites was thought to be modified to some extent by land disturbance, point source discharges or non-point source discharges of contaminants. All other sites were not affected by pollution sources. The impacted sites were thought to be least affected of all lakes and streams in the respective Ecoregions. Disturbance or pollution sources potentially affecting these sites included forest harvesting, agriculture, shoreline development (mainly cabins or houses on septic tanks), wastewater treatment plants, and low level metals transport from inactive mine sites. Routine and standardised water monitoring is required to maintain index sites. It is recommended that water samples be collected seasonally and analysed for basic variables used in the aquatic ecozone classification plus variables of regional interest. Logistics of sample collections should be managed from regional offices, but data compilation should be organised centrally. Field costs may be reduced by using volunteers to collect samples under supervision of regional water quality specialists. Some hard decisions are required for maintaining an index site network, particularly at times severe funding restrictions. There are great benefits to maintaining index sites but they come with some, albeit not large, direct and indirect costs associated with sample collection, lab services, data compilation, data management and ideally an interactive internet web site to facilitate access to information. The process will be highly cost effective in contributing to water management in B.C. over the long term, but there must be a sincere willingness to contribute and use the system to realise its greatest benefits and fully justify its costs. aquatic ecology, aquatic habitat, water quality |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | all |
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| Project status | complete |
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