Canada-B.C. Water Quality Monitoring Program

Monitoring the water quality and biological health of rivers is essential to understanding current river conditions and how those conditions change over time. This information is critical for effective management of British Columbia's water resources. 

The Canada-B.C. water quality monitoring program aims to collect and produce aquatic information for freshwater resource managers and Canadians.

Vision

To be national leaders in the collection and analysis of aquatic information for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and fulfill the emergent needs of Canadians.

Mission

To establish a long-term monitoring network that collects, analyses and publishes water quality information supporting the health of aquatic ecosystems.  

Agreement

The Canada-B.C. Water Quality Monitoring Agreement, signed in 1985, coordinates and integrates Canada and B.C.’s water quality monitoring activities.

The Agreement allows us to:

• Efficiently operate the long-term water quality river network
• Deliver timely, comparable, water quality data in an open and transparent format
• Jointly manage and assess water quality data and information
• Provide water quality information on a national and provincial scale through reports, such as:
  • The National Freshwater Quality Indicator under the Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program, and
  • The provincial water quality reporting
• Engage with Indigenous Peoples increasing capacity and fostering collaborative water stewardship

Learn more about the Canada-B.C.water quality monitoring activities.