Ambient Water Quality Guidelines

Last updated on September 22, 2021

Ambient water quality guidelines are benchmarks for fresh and marine water quality which are used to assess and manage the health and sustainability of B.C.’s aquatic resources. Water quality guidelines may be established for the protection of aquatic life, wildlife, agriculture, drinking water sources and recreation.

Approved Guidelines

Current approved ambient water quality guidelines that serve as environmental benchmarks for safe levels of specific water quality parameters across B.C.

Working Guidelines

Working water quality guidelines provide benchmarks for those parameters not yet fully assessed and formally approved in B.C. 

Draft Guidelines

Draft ambient water quality guidelines in development and open for public review.