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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
Workshop: Headwater Drainage Feature Guideline Implementation: Practitioners Experiences — Eastern Ontario
Watershed Watch is a monitoring program on 39 lakes in our valley. The program is building a set of ambient (baseline) data that can be used to show trends and changes in the condition of the watershed lakes. It will act as an early warning system to identify trends or problems in water quality.
The water quality indicators monitored in the program are:
- Total phosphorus (deep points, shoreline)
- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (deep points, shoreline)
- Bacteria (E.Coli) (shoreline)
- Water clarity/Secchi Depth (deep points)
- Dissolved oxygen/temperature (deep points)
- Calcium (deep point)
Over the first five years of the Watershed Watch program (2001 – 2005), 6 or 7 lakes were sampled intensively (8 times) each year at the deep points and at shoreline sites where there appeared to be possible pollution sources. The program was changed in 2006 to monitor 39 lakes 4 times a year (May thru October). Deep points are sampled 4 times a year, while shoreline sites a sampled twice a year through the summer months (June thru September).
Volunteer Opportunities:
Anyone can get involved! Join the group of residents on several lakes who volunteer their time and their boats each summer to provide on the water transportation for RVCA staff and a helping hand taking samples. Or watch for special times of the year where we need a little extra help with sampling.
Want to learn more?
Contact to volunteer or get more information.
RVCA is proud to be part of the City Stream Watch Program. Since 2003, this program has worked with volunteers to monitor and report on information about our urban creeks and streams in the City of Ottawa.
City Stream Watch volunteers:
- conduct stream habitat assessments (physical and biological characteristics)
- sample for and identify aquatic benthic invertebrates
- participate in fish sampling sessions
- monitor stream temperatures
- remove invasive species
- assist in stream rehabilitation and shoreline restoration projects
- clean up streams to remove urban garbage
Monitoring Schedule:
Click to enlarge map
Want to learn more?
Contact:
City Stream Watch Coordinator
613-692-3571 ext. 1155
Volunteer Opportunities
The City Stream Watch is always looking for new volunteers to help monitor, protect and clean up Ottawa streams. No experience is needed and no minimum time commitment.
Sign-up to our mailing list to join our list of volunteers and receive information on City Stream Watch opportunities. You can also check out our latest events on our volunteer calendar.
Reports
View City Stream Watch Reports.
Partners:
The City Stream Watch Program is a community-based partnership which includes the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Heron Park Community Association, Ottawa Flyfishers Society, Rideau Roundtable, Canadian Forces Fish and Game Club, Ottawa Stewardship Council, City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission.
