Approved water quality guidelines

Last updated on August 16, 2024

Approved water quality guidelines are policy statements and apply all over B.C.

Water quality guidelines are used to:

  • Protect water values, including: aquatic life, wildlife, drinking water sources, agriculture (livestock watering and irrigation); and recreation
  • Inform water quality assessments
  • Support resource management decisions
  • Provide the basis for water quality objectives
  • Report on the state of water quality
  • Promote water stewardship

Guideline tools

Guideline summary reports

Guideline technical reports

 

Copper

Fresh Water Aquatic Life:
 
Look-up a copper guideline without using the BC BLM Software

Calculate a copper guideline using the BC Biotic Ligand Model Software

Water quality guideline documents

 

Microbiological Indicators – Bacteria

 

Nutrients – Nutrients and Algae

 

Pharmaceutically-Active Compounds (PhACs): 17 α-ethinylestradiol (EE2)

Guideline supplemental information

Contact information

For more information, or to add your name to the water quality guidelines distribution list, please contact our Water Quality Guidelines Scientists: