Sampling Methodologies

Surface water sampling is conducted according to guidelines and protocols established by the Ministry of the Environment. The majority of samples collected are grab samples meaning they are taken at the time of the visit by staff as opposed to by automatic samplers. Samples are taken from as close to the center of the channel as safely as possible and from approximately mid-depth without stirring bottom sediment. Samples submitted under the LSEMS program are filtered through an 80-micron filter. Samples to be tested for metals under the PWQMN are fixed with nitric acid.

Tributary sampling under LSEMS are collected approximately bimonthly after rain events when possible. PWQMN samples are collected monthly during ice-free periods under as many different flow conditions as possible. The intention of event sampling (after rain events) is to capture those parameters that may accumulate on the ground over time that are not present under baseflow conditions but are delivered to tributaries by stormwater runoff.

Parameters
Sampling Methodologies
Sampling Locations and Data Download