LaHave Water Rescue Project (LWRP)
BCAF is expanding on its LaHave River WATERS project which developed a community stewardship strategy for the LaHave River watershed. We are now focusing on a Monitoring project where the water quality of the LaHave River will be monitored and assessed to identify existing or potential problems.
Since water bodies are always changing, particularly on a seasonal basis, and often on a yearly basis, it is important that these changes be documented so that natural variability can be separated from variability that reflects a positive or negative change. With long-term data, we will be able to determine if there are changes occurring that are a cause for concern, and make recommendations for action.
BCAF hopes to establish and support a regular observation system which will provide an early warning of environmental problems, provide a long term record of the river's health, and develop interest in the LaHave River by the community to ensure a viable resource for future generations.
Sample Sites
- Upper LaHave
- Dayspring
- Bridgewater
- Centennial Trail
- West Branch
- Northfield
- Pinehurst
- New Germany
- Simpsons Corner
- Main Branch
- Brandy Lane
- Meisners Bridge
- Falkland Ridge
- Franey Corner
- Sherbrooke
Parameters Tested
- Temperature
- Total Dissolved solids
- Ammonia
- pH
- Total Suspended solids
- Chloride
- Dissolved oxygen
- Total Phosphorus
- Biochemical Oxygen Demand
- Conductivity
- Total Nitrogen
- Fecal Coliform
- Salinity
- Nitrates & Nitrites
LaHave sampling trips were initiated in August 2007 and occur biweekly. During each trip, BCAF records the parameters in the first column (temperature, pH, DO, conductivity, and salinity) at each of the 15 sample sites. Every second trip consists of grab sampling at 9 of the 15 sample sites in addition to the regular testing. These grab samples are submitted to a certified laboratory and give results for the rest of the parameters listed.
Partners
- Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
- LaHave River Salmon Association
- Environment Canada
- Dalhousie University
- Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
- RH Loucks Oceanology Ltd.
- Nova Scotia Salmon Association
- Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labor
- Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Saint Mary’s University
- South Shore Naturalists
- Local Residents
The LaHave Water Rescue Project receives direction from an advisory committee made up of the partners you see above. All partners associated with the project bring a different strength allowing this project to be well-rounded and beneficial to many. Partners of the LaHave Water Rescue Project provide funding, experience, advice, technical support, and most importantly unique perspectives and ideas. BCAF would like to sincerely thank all those who made the LaHave Water Rescue Project possible and are helping to improve and maintain into the future the water quality of the LaHave River watershed.
We are interested in what you think. If you or your community groups, class, friends or family are interested in learning more about the project, please contact Wendy at 624-9888 or by
Last Modified: Sun, Jun 8, 2008
