Lake monitoring

Monitoring the water quality of lakes is essential to understanding current conditions, as well as changes in natural processes and the influences of human activities over time.

This knowledge can then be used to determine the ecological health of lakes and lead to the development of sound, science-based plans and tools for watershed management. The need for lake monitoring and watershed planning is increasing due to potential impacts from multiple stressors, including population growth, land development, recreation, and climate change.

The Province's lake monitoring programs aim to better understand and report these changes to help guide resource management decisions and inform decision-makers and stakeholders on lake water quality conditions.

Vision

To be provincial leaders in lake water quality monitoring and experts in B.C. limnology.

Mission

To coordinate and implement science-based provincial lake monitoring programs that provide timely, consistent, and accurate long-term water quality trend data.

Provincial Lake Monitoring Programs

B.C. Lake Monitoring Network

• 61 lakes (82 sites) are sampled each year to determine current water quality conditions and understand long-term trends
• Sampling coordinated and conducted by Ministry staff
• Sampling technique and effort are standardized for a consistent province-wide approach at each lake site.

B.C. Lake Stewardship and Monitoring Program

• The number of lakes sampled per year varies and is dependent on volunteer interest and commitment
• Sampling coordinated by Ministry staff, in partnership with The BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS), and conducted by volunteers
• Sampling frequency - initial three years of sampling and more if warranted
• There are multiple levels of study conducted on lakes that build upon each other