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Water quality

Last updated on June 22, 2026

Water is an important resource that must be used appropriately.

The B.C. government:

  • Monitors fresh and marine water
  • Undertakes assessments, and
  • Gathers data to protect water quality for human and ecosystem health

On this page

Algae bloom alerts

Many lakes have algae blooms each year. Algae is a natural part of a lake's ecosystem and will bloom when the conditions are optimal. In recent years, some blooms have become longer lasting and more intense due to changing climate conditions and increases in nutrients. 

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) is a type of algae that can produce toxins. Those toxins can be released into the lake when the algae begin to die.

If you think there's an algae bloom on your lake, remember: 'If in doubt, stay out.' This applies to pets and livestock, too.

For more information on beach advisories related to algae, contact your local beach owner or operator. 

For more information on cyanobacteria:

For more information on potential impacts from cyanobacteria to humans:

Water quality for drinking and recreation

Drinking water

Clean, reliable and safe drinking water is essential to maintain our health and well-being:

Recreational water quality

Clean and accessible water sources provide opportunities for exercise, play and relaxation in our communities:

Scientific guidelines and objectives

Scientific guidelines, designations, and policies keep water safe. 

The following guidelines and information are considered by those who make decisions about regulated activities taking place on the land that might affect water quality.

Water quality guidelines

Water quality guidelines are benchmarks for fresh and marine water quality that are used to assess and manage the health and sustainability of B.C.’s aquatic resources.

They may be put in place to protect:

  • Aquatic life
  • Wildlife
  • Agriculture
  • Drinking water sources
  • Recreation activities

Water quality objectives 

Water quality objectives are numbers or statements that reflect low-risk conditions to protect a specific waterbody. 

Water quality monitoring

Biomonitoring evaluates river health across B.C. through the collection of benthic macroinvertebrates (small aquatic organisms), along with measuring river characteristics.

Monitoring occurs across B.C. as part of a federal and provincial program, primarily in rivers and streams, to understand current conditions and track changes over time.

Lake water quality monitoring looks at long-term trends and current conditions for comparison with conditions in other regional lakes, as well as lakes across the province.

Volunteers also collect water quality data on nearby lakes under the B.C. Lake Stewardship and Monitoring Program.

Help us keep water safe

Report incidents and concerns

Spills

To report an accidental spill or the risk of a spill:

Pollution

To report pollution:

Wildfire

HealthLink BC has updated information on water quality after a wildfire.

Algae

Learn how to recognize and identify algae blooms in B.C. lakes.

Any questions or concerns about algae and safe use of water should be referred to your local health authority:

Regional data

Collect data in your area and help steward water quality:

Find water quality information for your area

B.C. collects and analyzes a variety of data, reports and tools about water quality in the province.

Water quality data

Maps

Explore an interactive map showing surface water quality monitoring sites:

  • Surface water quality monitoring map (updates coming soon)

Explore an interactive map showing groundwater wells, their water levels, and water quality monitoring data:

Tools

Learn more about scientific data and tools that help with planning and protecting water resources:

Directly access water quality data from rivers, streams, lakes and aquifers:

Reports and documents