The Township of Huron-Kinloss has two surface water quality sampling programs which began in 2001. These are described below and the data is presented in chart form. The purpose of these programs is to develop a data base of information about water quality in the Township. The data is presented here for information purposes only. It is updated throughout the sampling season as it is received from the consultants. Previous years data, and annual reports, are located in our "Documents Library" or found by clicking here.
The Township is not conducting a beach monitoring program for purposes of advising residents about the safety of the water for recreational use. The results posted on this site are dated and should not be relied on with respect to swimming in the lake on any given day.
The Township of Huron-Kinloss initiated a water quality sampling program of the Pine River Watershed in 2001. The purpose of the program is to:
Sampling is conducted monthly for E. coli, total phosphorus and nitrates at 33 sites. The parameters were chosen because of the potential for agricultural activities to discharge them into the watercourse. The sampling sites were selected based on sites sampled as part of the Pine River Watershed Study prepared for the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority dated January 1991. Additional sites were added in order to monitor the beaches, which were not included in the 1991 study.
As a condition of the approval of the Lakeshore Water Supply project, the Township undertook a Risk Assessment Study for Continued Development on Septic Systems in the Lakeshore Area. The study, completed in October 1997, identified that the principal risk associated with the continued use of private disposal systems is the potential for contamination of beach areas, by harmful micro-organisms. Risk management guidelines that form part of that document, included the establishment of a monitoring program for surface water quality in the Point Clark North sub-area. This program is meant to continue on an annual basis, which will allow for the accumulation of a data base for comparative use.
Initially, sampling for E. coli was carried out for four lake sites and 3 inland sources. Later three more sites, along Jardine Creek, were added for investigative purposes. Data is collected every two weeks from April until November.
Phone: 519-395-3735
Fax: 519-395-4107
Email: info@huronkinloss.com
Address:
21 Queen Street, P.O. Box 130, Ripley ON N0G 2R0