On Saturday morning, May 28th (2022), the public was encouraged to enjoy their morning by the Teeswater river with a coffee complements of Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA), and learn about water quality testing at the Teeswater River.
In concert with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), SVCA held the event to provide the public with the opportunity to observe surface water quality sampling techniques and to use the sampling equipment themselves.
Staff from NWMO and SVCA shared information about the water quality sampling work being done in the area, discussed the parameters of the study and the benefits of data collection, and to answer questions.
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photos by SVCA
A dozen members of the public came out to the event. There were multiple stations, beginning with an introduction to Saugeen Conservation, their work, and the work of the Water Resources department, manned by Elise MacLeod, Manager of Water Resources at SVCA and Ashley Richards, SVCA Communications Coordinator.
The second station was manned by NWMO staff, and outlined their interests in water quality testing.
The third station was manned by Nicole Gibson, SVCA Water Resources Technician and Jennifer Stephens, SVCA General Manager, who demonstrated macro-invertebrates (ie. bugs) that can be found in the sediments of lakes, rivers and wetlands. These bugs have narrow tolerance ranges for environmental conditions and are thus, excellent indicators of water quality.
The fourth station was manned by Jo-Anne Harbinson, Coordinator of NWMO Aquatic Programming for SVCA. Harbinson demonstrated how water quality tests are conducted at a laboratory using samples collected from the Teeswater River. A model showing the relationship between groundwater and surface water was also on display.
The fifth and final station was a hands-on experience, led by SVCA Water Resources Technician Jody Duncan. Duncan guided the public through the sampling procedure whereby water is collected, and a digital meter is used to collect sample information, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity.
