Cornwallis Watershed Water Quality Assessment
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An assessment of surface water quality, based on currently existing data, was carried out for the Cornwallis River watershed. The primary objective of the assessment was to determine the suitability of surface water for agricultural use.
The results of the assessment indicate that the Cornwallis River experiences periods of poor water quality with respect to its use for agricultural purposes. The major problem is high fecal coliform bacteria levels, particularly during the summer when the demand for irrigation water is greatest.
There is also evidence that some trace metals may be present at levels above those considered acceptable for livestock watering, but the available data is very limited, and not recent enough to determine the degree to which this currently poses a threat to livestock.
Recommendations are presented for approaches and studies to determine the sources of fecal coliform bacteria, and for management strategies designed to improve bacterial water quality.