Water Quality Monitoring Project

The objective is to determine which factors are affecting water quality, particularly the sources of pollutants that cause beach closures and impact the growth of Cladophora (algae) – a major contributor to summer odour problems along the waterfront.

Water entering Lake Ontario from Duffins Creek, Carruthers Creek, Rouge River and storm sewer outfalls near and on the waterfront will be studied. Other sources that will be tested include waterfowl populations and discharge from the Duffins Creek Water Pollution Control Plant.

Water sampling will occur during dry and wet weather and will be collected between May and October. Samples will be tested for nutrients, ammonia, total phosphorus, general chemistry, metals and E.coli. The final report, highlighting key findings of the study, will be released in the fall.