Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Shead, R. 2004. Summary of surface water quality sampling on sumas River and tributaries, Abbotsford, British Columbia. BC Ministry of Environment. |
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| Organization | Ministry of Environment |
| URL | http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/regions/lower_mainland/water_quality/reports/sumas_river/sumas_river.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | In November 2001, WLAP established a water quality trend monitoring station at Saar Creek in Abbotsford, BC. Saar Creek, a tributary to the Sumas River, is located in an area of the Fraser Valley that has been intensively utilized for agricultural activities since the 1950’s. The intent of the Saar Creek trend monitoring station is to identify trends in water quality in a system that is influenced by agricultural NPS pollution. The general objective of this report is to summarize historical water quality information within the lower reaches of the Sumas River watershed to provide context to the above-described Saar Creek Water Quality Trend Monitoring Program. Specific objectives of this report are to: • Summarize findings of previous water quality studies undertaken within the Sumas River watershed; • summarize results of historic surface water quality sampling undertaken by WLAP in the lower Sumas River watershed; • discuss potential impacts characterized by WLAP sample results on designated water uses by comparing results to federal and provincial water quality guidelines/objectives; and, • offer recommendations to reduce water quality impacts caused by non-point source pollution. It is important to note that this report summarizes a relatively small data set collected over a large time period. As such, a detailed assessment of water quality trends and/or impacts is precluded. This report briefly discusses adjacent land uses, instream habitats, and riparian habitats within the study area as these factors play an important role in water quality. Fish utilization of aquatic habitats is also discussed as utilization can be a reflection of water quality. Also, the ability of aquatic habitats to function as salmonid spawning and rearing habitat is discussed as such values likely influence management decisions within the watershed. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Lower Fraser |
| Sub-watershed if known | Sumas River |
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| Project status | complete |
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