Testing our Lowertown waters

By Mark Gerlich and Sandra Milton

When you dip your toes into the water at Bordeleau Park or at the Ottawa Rowing Club, do you wonder about the water quality? We were among the volunteers collecting water samples for the Ottawa Riverkeepers who work to protect, promote, and improve the ecological health of our rivers. From mid-June to the end of August, we conducted weekly water quality tests along the Rideau River shoreline by Bordeleau and King Edward parks. Other volunteers were taking samples of the Ottawa River at the Ottawa Rowing Club.

Another summer has come and gone and while Lowertown has no beaches, our community has these two fabulous rivers at its borders. People flock to the water in the summer and residents launch kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from the Bordeleau dock and boats from the rowing club dock. Some individuals fish and children scoop up crayfish. 

Although most of our water activities present a low risk of exposure to contaminated water, any contact with the water can present a health risk. Our rivers can be contaminated by birds, dogs, and human activity near the water. These contaminants, combined with stormwater runoff following heavy rainfall, can increase the possibility of negative impacts.

As volunteers, we collected five 100 mL-samples twice a week at evenly and consistently spaced distances to track E. coli levels. This coliform bacteria in water often indicates fecal contamination that can make people sick if exposed to elevated concentrations. In transit to the laboratory for analysis, the samples are kept as cool as possible to mimic the ambient water temperature from the source.

Since swimming is not featured at Bordeleau/King Edward Park or at the Ottawa Rowing Club, Ottawa Riverkeeper applies the secondary contact water quality guideline for these two sites. A passing grade requires an average of less than one thousand colony-forming units of E. coli per 100 ml of water. This guideline is for recreational areas where the risk of water ingestion is limited but possible. The results are posted on the Swim Guide website and shared with local community members. 

So, how did these sites fare this year? Both Bordeleau Park and the Ottawa Rowing Club earned a Grade A for secondary contact activities. Over the summer months, both locations passed water quality tests at least 95% of the time. The water quality data helps Lowertown residents make informed decisions about when and how to enjoy our nearby water.

Healthy rivers give our community many benefits and the opportunity to see active wildlife along the shoreline is just one example that we have experienced. So, when the rivers call, think about what pleasure they give you and what you might do to promote their health going forward into the next summer season.