The copyright to this original work is held by Dr.

Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Lecture 3: Drinking Water Quality Source Water Protection

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but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Learning Objectives
Vulnerability Assessment
By the end of this lecture students will be able to:
1. Describe source water protection  After identifying the hazards, the vulnerability of the
2. Describe the vulnerability assessment of source water watershed/aquifer to the identified hazards and to
assess their potential impact on human health has to
3. Describe environmental quality objectives
be determined
4. Describe integrated watershed management in
 Canada  The results will guide watershed/aquifer protection
 Ontario efforts and help determine the type of treatment
 Greater Toronto Area required to render the water safe for drinking
5. Provide examples of source water contaminants  It is important to identify the risk to the source waters
6. List different Canadian water quality guidelines from each threat in the watershed/aquifer
7. List the key water quality parameter thresholds

1 2

Source Water Protection Source Water Protection

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability Assessment
 Major concerns are:  Tasks:
 The quality of the source water as it influences the  Determine the risk to the source waters from each
nature of the treatment process required to reduce threat in the watershed/aquifer
the potential health risk and produce safe and  prior to taking action on the design of a water treatment
aesthetically pleasing water at the consumers’ tap system and watershed/aquifer protection measures
 The quantity, reliability, vulnerability, quality  Obtain monitoring data to complement hazard
(including seasonal variability) and potential for identification data
future degradation of the quality  Gain information on chemical/physical/microorganism
levels present in source water and whether this
concentration fluctuates over time

3 4

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but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 1
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Source Water Protection Source Water Protection

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability Assessment
 This type of data is gathered through long-term  In cases where hazards can be defined numerically (e.g.,
concentration of a toxic substance), the risk is a quotient
monitoring programs between exposure and hazard
 Concentrations can be modeled with such data  Therefore a quotient that is >1 would signify a positive
as likelihood that an effect may be observed

 land-use information  The hazard is defined as a low threshold effects concentration

to be represented by an environmental quality objective
 watershed hydrogeological and soil characteristics (EQOs)
 toxic substance physico-chemical properties  EQOs are often water quality guidelines, objectives or
 However, it is preferable to obtain real standards set out by most provinces and territories or by
Federal/ Provincial/Territorial committees
monitoring data at the site-specific level

5 6

Source Water Protection Source Water Protection

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability Assessment
 Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs)
 Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs)  Should be set for hazards in source waters that are
 Established limits of contaminants in water linked to the hazards in the drinking water supply
 Set by watershed/aquifer committees or other system
 Turbidity,
governing organizations
 Total organic carbon
 Ensure sustained protection of source waters for  Microbiological pathogens
drinking water  Makes them relevant in the risk management
 May be narratives or numerical thresholds process for public health protection
 Are relevant, economically and technically feasible  Only then will mitigative efforts to curtail hazards in
 Easily understood by source water risk assessors source waters contribute to the overall reduction
and managers of risk to human health

7 8

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but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 2
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Source Water Protection Source Water Protection

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability Assessment
 Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs)  Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs)
 When ambient levels are consistently higher than  In this instance, water authorities may want to
provincial guidelines it will be necessary to establish site specific objectives for this compound at
determine if there is a risk to public health the ambient levels
 If there is, the governing body or the authorities  If there are known loading sources of the
may need to try to find the sources of the parameter(s) exceeding provincial guidelines,
contaminant watershed/aquifer, loading models may need to be
 If there are no loading sources from human used to determine the extent of the impact from
activities in the watershed/aquifer, ambient levels discharge sources to ascertain the potential for
will likely reflect natural background levels corrective measures to reduce ambient levels

9 10

Source Water Protection

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Vulnerability Assessment Source Water Management
 Environmental Quality Objectives (EQOs)
 Summary Framework for using EQOs in Source  Watershed/Aquifer Management Plan
Water Protection Programs  Can be developed after assessment has been
completed
1. Compile watershed knowledge base
 Plan introduces measures to reduce the risks
2. Identify and assess issues identified in the assessment
3. Establish watershed goals and objectives  Initial assessment guides the selection and design
4. Implement EQOs of appropriate treatment and distribution
systems to ensure the water reaching consumers
5. Conduct targeted research and monitoring
 Informs step 1
is safe to drink

11 12

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but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 3
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

15
13















Hydrology
required

Water rights
Water quality
treatment

Water resource

Agricultural practice
Land use and zoning

Wastewater disposal
Climate & Environment
Requires data on local

Aquatic & terrestrial habitats

(What is it?)
effective watershed management
minimizes operating costs and reduces

 the quantity of chemicals used during

 the creation of treatment by-products

 the degree of drinking water treatment

Watershed Management
In addition to reducing public health risks,
Source Water Management

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

16
14











Uses





Maps

 Soil
Forestry

Aerial photos
Geological

Vegetation
Multi-disciplinary

Topographical
Scientific monitoring

 Protect water quality

Watershed management

Land management practices

Objective driven activities to :-
H2O

 Enhance environmental health

Improved land management upstream

(What is it?)
(What is it?)

Watershed Management
Watershed Management

Maximizes water quality and availability downstream

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
H2O
H2O
H2O

4
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

19
17















Land use

Industrial
Residential
Agricultural

 Industrial
 Agricultural
 Recreational
Flooding or drought
Source water quality

Beneficial water uses

Drinking water quality

Climate change mitigation

 Drinking and domestic uses

 Aquatic / terrestrial wildlife

Habitats for wildlife and plants

opportunities within a watershed

Impacts

Soil quality for crops and livestock

Water Users

Many provide financial value and create economic

Watershed Management

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

20
18









Industrial (79%) 

 Municipal (12%)

 Agricultural (9%)
watershed location

 mining (1% of total)

Extremely complicated

Integrated approach used

Many jurisdictions involved

Not about water quality alone

Canada

 manufacturing (14% of total)

Main water users in Canada (1996)
Water Users
Facilitates multi-user conflict resolution
Provincial / territorial variation based on

But includes all aspects of watershed use

 thermal power generation (64% of total)

Watershed Management in

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
5
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Integrated Watershed Management Integrated Watershed Management

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
What is it in Canada? What is it in Canada?
(Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment)
 Manages human activities in ecosystems within defined
watersheds
 Continuous & adaptive process  Involves an inclusive decision-making process to
 Integrates multiple concepts & methods manage the
 Environmental, social and economic decisions  protection
 Includes water and land use planning & management  conservation
 Evaluates & manages cumulative effects from multiple  restoration
environmental stressors  enhancement
 Brings together many aspects of watershed governance such as  of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
 policy, planning & legislation

 Brings together people & their activities to build relationships

https://ccme.ca/en/res/summaryofintegratedwatershedmanagementapproachesacrosscanada.pdf
https://ccme.ca/en/res/summaryofintegratedwatershedmanagementapproachesacrosscanada.pdf

21 22
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Integrated Watershed Management Integrated Watershed Management
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
What is it in Canada? What is it in Canada?
(Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment)

 Wide variety of collaborative governance approaches  Legislative Mandate and Authority in different parts of
 From grassroots level organisations Canada (2016)
 Public engagement Mandate Type Jurisdictions
 To jurisdictional authorities None NU
 Work together to target specific aspects such as
Informal PEI
 source water protection
Limited NL, NS, ON, Canada
Shared QC, MB, SK, AB, NWT
Alternative NB, BC, YT
https://ccme.ca/en/res/summaryofintegratedwatershedmanagementapproachesacrosscanada.pdf https://ccme.ca/en/res/summaryofintegratedwatershedmanagementapproachesacrosscanada.pdf

23 24

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but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 6
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Integrated Watershed Management

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Watershed Management in
What is it in Canada?
(Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment)
Ontario
 In Canada, provincial governments have the primary
 Source water protection is a shared responsibility for managing natural resources
responsibility between including
 the province  protecting water quality and
 municipalities  providing and regulating drinking water services

 conservation authorities  Provinces have networks of safeguards in place to

ensure the safety of drinking water including
 public health units
 pollution prevention programs for source water and
 other stakeholders  public health guidelines or standards for drinking water
 source water protection committees quality

25 26
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Watershed Management in Watershed Management in
Ontario Ontario
 Based on 2006 Clean Water Act of Ontario  Other statutes (Acts) in Ontario also provide a legislated
framework for Integrated Watershed Management
 Legislated top-down governance for drinking water
 Limited geographically to the watershed/area of interest
source protection
e.g. the Lake Simcoe Protection Act (2008)
 Establishes mandatory planning requirements for  Local grassroots bottom-up involvement of
designated drinking water source protection areas  Non-profit community-based agencies
 The governance for source water protection in  NGOs
Ontario is complex  Indigenous representatives (especially in Northern
 The Crown approves protection plans developed by multi- areas)
stakeholder committees (including municipalities)  General public
 Committees are overseen and supported by Conservation
Authorities (southern areas mainly)

27 28

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 7
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Watershed Management in the Watershed Management in the
Greater Toronto Area Greater Toronto Area
 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority  GTA watershed health
(TRCA)  Stream (surface) & ground source water quality
 10 different GTA watersheds  Monitoring

 Review the watershed map  Grab samples

 Which watershed is TMU located in?  Key water quality parameters used for water
A. Humber River quality index calculation
B. Don River  Total phosphorus
C. Highland Creek
 Nitrogen
 Chloride
D. Waterfront
 Escherichia coli

29 30
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Watershed Management in the Watershed Management in the
Greater Toronto Area Greater Toronto Area
 Key water quality parameters thresholds  Legislated, recommended or guideline
 Total phosphorus 0.03 mg/L (PWQO) thresholds
 Nitrogen 2.93 mg N/L (CWQG)  PWQO: Provincial Water Quality Objective
 Nitrogen 10 mg/L nitrate (ODWS)
 CWQG: Canadian Water Quality Guideline
 Nitrogen 1.0 mg/L nitrite (ODWS)
 ODWS: Ontario Drinking Water Standard
 Chloride 120 mg/ml chronic (CWQG)
 ODWO: Ontario Drinking Water Objective
 Chloride 640 ml/ml acute (CWQG)
 Chloride 250 mg/L (ODWO)
 Escherichia coli 100 CFU/100 ml (PWQO)
 Escherichia coli 0 CFU/100 ml (ODWS)

31 32

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 8
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

35
33








Source
Phosphorus
Contaminants

Fertilizers
Types of water

Animal waste
Sanitary sewage
 Surface water (raw)
 Ground water (raw)

 Drinking water (treated)

Greater Toronto Area
Different threshold levels for different

Source Water Contaminants

Watershed Management in the

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

36
34














Phosphorus

concentrations
for aquatic plants
Naturally occurring

growth & toxin production

growth & toxin production
Kills fish & other aquatic life

Nitrogen (nitrate and nitrite)

Increases algal blooms, cyanobacterial

Increases algal blooms, cyanobacterial

Water is dangerous to drink or swim in

Elevated concentrations undesirable

Elevated concentrations undesirable
Essential nutrient for living organisms

Eutrophication (elevated nutrient levels)

Eutrophication (elevated nutrient levels)

Nitrites kill fish & other aquatic life at low

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Source Water Contaminants
Source Water Contaminants

Nitrates are primary sources of nitrogen

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
9
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

39
37












Chloride
Source
Source

Fertilizers
Fertilizers

Septic tanks
Animal waste

Industrial discharge
Municipal wastewater
Nitrogen (nitrates and nitrites)

Source Water Contaminants

Source Water Contaminants

Winter deicing applications (brine/road salt)

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

40
38












Chloride

Humans
(chronic)

Escherichia coli

water are safe to use

Livestock e.g. cows, pigs
Contaminates ground water

fecal contamination in water

Gut flora of warm-blooded animals
Toxic to aquatic life when levels are

Affect water quality from private wells

Ensures that both drinking & recreational

very high for short periods of time (acute)

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Used as an indicator for the presence of
Source Water Contaminants
Source Water Contaminants

above background for long periods of time

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Monitored by municipal water testing labs

10
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

43
41















grow
Source

clog gills
Affect fish
Escherichia coli

May carry metals

Organic fertilizers

Total Suspended Solids

destroy spawning grounds

Combined sewer overflows

Suspended silt, clay, (in)organic matter

Block light required by aquatic plants to

Livestock, companion animals and wildlife

Source Water Contaminants

Source Water Contaminants

reduce visibility, fish unable to see & catch prey

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

44
42






 Iron
 Zinc
 Total

 Copper

Source

Farm fields
suspended solids

Construction sites

Road grit accumulation

Total Suspended Solids

Stream channel erosion

5 ug/L (PWQO)
Greater Toronto Area

20 ug/L (PWQO)
30 mg/L (CWQG)

300 ug/L (PWQO)

More water quality parameters thresholds

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Source Water Contaminants

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Watershed Management in the

11
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

47
45












Metals

Nitrate
Chloride
Chloride
 Escherichia coli
various levels

Total phosphorus
Bind to sediments

Ground water quality

Reported parameters

 Total suspended solids

Kill fish & aquatic life

Stream (surface) water quality

Greater Toronto Area
Heavy metals are toxic to aquatic life at
Source Water Contaminants

Watershed Management in the

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

48
46














Metals

Soils
Source

Parks (MECP)
Urban runoff

 Good or bad?
Sewage treatment
Industrial discharge

Fertilizers/pesticides
Atmospheric deposition

GTA stream water quality

Tire wear, pavement & road dust

the region’s watersheds(since 2002)

Water Quality Monitoring Network sites

 analyzed for water quality parameters
Greater Toronto Area

Toronto & region conservation authority (TRCA)

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Source Water Contaminants

 Monthly grab samples at TRCA & Ontario’s Provincial

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Watershed Management in the

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and

Surface water quality monitoring partnership across

12
 The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

51
49

>100 - 500
36.15 - 100
0.0151 - 0.03
>0.03 - 0.046

>500 – 1,080
>0.046 - 0.1455

2021: Median E. coli counts

• 1 station had increasing trends over time

Escherichia coli
Total Phosphorus
• 26% of stations increasing in concentration over time
2021: Median total phosphorus concentrations were high

• all others either decreasing or staying the same over time.

• 57% of stations remained above guidelines (PWQO 0.03 mg/L)

• 53% of stations above provincial guidelines (PWQO 100 CFU/mL)

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

52
50

<30
>120 - 640
36.15 - 120
>640 – 1,080

• all below guidelines (CWQG 30 mg/L)

Chloride
2021: Median chloride concentrations

2021: Median total suspended solids concentrations

• 70% of stations had similar concentrations over time

Total Suspended Solid
• 79% of stations had increasing concentrations over time

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
• 72% of stations surpassed guidelines (chronic CWQG 120 mg/L)

13
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course Chloride

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Watershed Management in the 2019: Chloride concentrations
• Most wells had chloride concentrations below the ODWO
Greater Toronto Area (250 mg/L aesthetic objective)

 GTA ground water quality

 Good or bad?
 very important for :-
 ecosystems where it discharges to natural features

 in locations where it is used for drinking water 3 out of 4 wells met

the ODWO target
 Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network
 Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Trend 2003-2019:
 Provincial government • All 4 wells have stable water quality

53 54

Chloride Chloride
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
2019: Chloride concentrations 2019: Chloride concentrations
• Most wells had chloride concentrations below the ODWO • Most wells had chloride concentrations below the ODWO
(250 mg/L aesthetic objective) (250 mg/L aesthetic objective)

4 out of 6 wells met

the ODWO target All 5 wells met the
ODWO target
Trend 2003-2019: Trend 2003-2019:
• 4 wells have stable water quality • 3 wells have stable water quality
• 2 wells have declining water quality • 2 wells have declining water quality

55 56

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 14
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Ground water: Chloride Ground water: Chloride Source

 ODWO for chloride - aesthetic objective  Chloride is present in high concentrations in

 Aesthetic objectives for drinking water the shale bedrock underlying the Toronto
 established for parameters that may region
 impair the taste, odour or colour of water or  Additional chloride is from road salt/brine
 interfere with good water quality control practices application in wells located near major roads
 Chloride concentrations above 250 mg/L do or highways
not pose a health risk but may impart an  Elevated concentrations in a well are not
undesirable salty taste to drinking water indicative of conditions across a watershed

57 58

Nitrate Nitrate
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
2019: Nitrate concentrations 2019: Nitrate concentrations
• All wells had nitrate concentrations below the ODWS (10 mg/L • All wells had nitrate concentrations below the ODWS (10 mg/L
maximum acceptable concentration) maximum acceptable concentration)

4 out of 4 wells All wells were

were below the below the ODWS
ODWS
Trend 2003-2019: Trend 2003-2019:
• All 4 wells have stable water quality • All wells have stable water quality

59 60

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong 15
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course Nitrate

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
2019: Nitrate concentrations
• All wells had nitrate concentrations below the ODWS (10 mg/L
Ground water in Ontario
maximum acceptable concentration)

 Concentrations of nitrate remain below the

drinking water standard with stable or
improving trends for all wells across the
Toronto region
All wells were
below the ODWS
 ~ 3 million residents rely on groundwater
from municipal and private wells as their
primary source of drinking water
Trend 2003-2019:
• All wells have stable water quality

61 62
The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB 409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
Best Practices for Source Best Practices for Source
but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong

but no other use is permitted, and there can be no sale or transfer or use of the work for any other purpose without explicit permission of Dr. Corinne Ong
Water Protection in Ontario Water Protection in Ontario
 For non-municipal drinking water systems  80% of the Ontario population have access to
and users municipal water which is regularly monitored
 Drinking water sources and systems that are and treated by professionals
not included in a source protection plan  20% of Ontarians depend on non-municipal
and/or are not regulated by the Clean Water water supplies which are not protected by the
Act government’s multi-barrier approach ( Clean
 Educates communities on how to keep their Water Act, 2006 , Nutrient Management Act,
drinking water safe and remove potential 2002 , Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 )
threats to their drinking water systems

63 64

The copyright to this original work is held by Dr. Corinne Ong and students registered in course PUB409 can use this material for the purposes of this course
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