Quinte Watershed Report Card

What Are We Doing?

What You Can Do

Surface Water

Be a Watershed Steward

• • • •

Investigating impact of low flows on water quality conditions Public education projects such as Stream of Dreams Stormwater remedial projects and municipal plan inputs Identified intake protection zones to protect municipal drinking water sources

Forest Conditions • • •

All Quinte Conservation properties have managed forest plans Involved in planting millions of trees throughout the watershed Tree seedling program

• • • • • •

Where Are We? We are one of 36 Conservation Authorities across Ontario under the umbrella organization of Conservation Ontario.

Quinte Conservation

Plant native grasses and trees along open and exposed shorelines to improve shade, slow soil erosion and filter pollutants.

Repair or replace faulty septic systems and ensure they are maintained properly.

Avoid using substances near or around wells and shorelines that you do not want in your water supply, such as paint, chemicals or manure.

Properly use, store and dispose of products such as fuel, pesticides, cleaners and manure.

Install docks and boathouses that minimally disturb river or lake bottoms and allow water movement - it is illegal to destroy fish habitat.

Apply for work permits from the appropriate government agency before you begin work in or around water or wetlands - start with Quinte Conservation, we can help you with this process.

Watershed

Report Card 2013 What Does This Report Card Measure?

Groundwater • • •

Public education seminars and participate in the Low Water Response Team Review hydrogeologic land development applications Developed plans for the protection of municipal drinking water sources

Map Disclaimer Produced by Quinte Conservation 2013 under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Copyright © Quinte Conservation and the Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013.

Assessed vulnerability of Quinte watershed to climate change Studying reservoirs to help mitigate low flows due to climate change Established a comprehensive monitoring station to assist in detecting climate change

Forest Conditions

Groundwater Quality

Why Measure?

Digital Mapping Sources: Sampling Sites - Quinte Conservation Base Map - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Climate change • • •

Surface Water Quality

Measuring helps us better understand our watershed. It helps us to focus our efforts where they are needed most and track progress. It also helps us to identify healthy and ecologically important areas that require protection or enhancement.

Maps are for illustrative purposes only. Quinte Conservation makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever regarding the truth, accuracy, currency, or completeness of the maps and their associated data.

What is a Watershed?

A watershed is an area of land drained by a river or stream.

Similar to the branch of a tree, creeks empty into streams, which then empty into larger streams, eventually forming one main trunk.

Within this system, everything is connected to everything else. In other words, actions which take place at the top of the system can and do affect those downstream.

Quinte Conservation 2061 Old Highway # 2, R.R. # 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2 P: (613) 968-3434 P: (613) 354-3312 E: quinteca@quinteconservation.ca www.quinteconservation.ca

Quinte Conservation has prepared this report card as a summary on the state of our forests, surface water, and groundwater resources.

Grading A Excellent B Good C Fair D Poor F Very Poor

The standards used in this report card were developed by Conservation Authorities to ensure consistent reportings across the Province of Ontario and are intended to provide watershed residents with information to protect, enhance and improve the precious resources that surround us.

What Are We Doing?

What You Can Do

Surface Water

Be a Watershed Steward

• • • •

Investigating impact of low flows on water quality conditions Public education projects such as Stream of Dreams Stormwater remedial projects and municipal plan inputs Identified intake protection zones to protect municipal drinking water sources

Forest Conditions • • •

All Quinte Conservation properties have managed forest plans Involved in planting millions of trees throughout the watershed Tree seedling program

• • • • • •

Where Are We? We are one of 36 Conservation Authorities across Ontario under the umbrella organization of Conservation Ontario.

Quinte Conservation

Plant native grasses and trees along open and exposed shorelines to improve shade, slow soil erosion and filter pollutants.

Repair or replace faulty septic systems and ensure they are maintained properly.

Avoid using substances near or around wells and shorelines that you do not want in your water supply, such as paint, chemicals or manure.

Properly use, store and dispose of products such as fuel, pesticides, cleaners and manure.

Install docks and boathouses that minimally disturb river or lake bottoms and allow water movement - it is illegal to destroy fish habitat.

Apply for work permits from the appropriate government agency before you begin work in or around water or wetlands - start with Quinte Conservation, we can help you with this process.

Watershed

Report Card 2013 What Does This Report Card Measure?

Groundwater • • •

Public education seminars and participate in the Low Water Response Team Review hydrogeologic land development applications Developed plans for the protection of municipal drinking water sources

Map Disclaimer Produced by Quinte Conservation 2013 under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Copyright © Quinte Conservation and the Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013.

Assessed vulnerability of Quinte watershed to climate change Studying reservoirs to help mitigate low flows due to climate change Established a comprehensive monitoring station to assist in detecting climate change

Forest Conditions

Groundwater Quality

Why Measure?

Digital Mapping Sources: Sampling Sites - Quinte Conservation Base Map - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Climate change • • •

Surface Water Quality

Measuring helps us better understand our watershed. It helps us to focus our efforts where they are needed most and track progress. It also helps us to identify healthy and ecologically important areas that require protection or enhancement.

Maps are for illustrative purposes only. Quinte Conservation makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever regarding the truth, accuracy, currency, or completeness of the maps and their associated data.

What is a Watershed?

A watershed is an area of land drained by a river or stream.

Similar to the branch of a tree, creeks empty into streams, which then empty into larger streams, eventually forming one main trunk.

Within this system, everything is connected to everything else. In other words, actions which take place at the top of the system can and do affect those downstream.

Quinte Conservation 2061 Old Highway # 2, R.R. # 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2 P: (613) 968-3434 P: (613) 354-3312 E: quinteca@quinteconservation.ca www.quinteconservation.ca

Quinte Conservation has prepared this report card as a summary on the state of our forests, surface water, and groundwater resources.

Grading A Excellent B Good C Fair D Poor F Very Poor

The standards used in this report card were developed by Conservation Authorities to ensure consistent reportings across the Province of Ontario and are intended to provide watershed residents with information to protect, enhance and improve the precious resources that surround us.

What Are We Doing?

What You Can Do

Surface Water

Be a Watershed Steward

• • • •

Investigating impact of low flows on water quality conditions Public education projects such as Stream of Dreams Stormwater remedial projects and municipal plan inputs Identified intake protection zones to protect municipal drinking water sources

Forest Conditions • • •

All Quinte Conservation properties have managed forest plans Involved in planting millions of trees throughout the watershed Tree seedling program

• • • • • •

Where Are We? We are one of 36 Conservation Authorities across Ontario under the umbrella organization of Conservation Ontario.

Quinte Conservation

Plant native grasses and trees along open and exposed shorelines to improve shade, slow soil erosion and filter pollutants.

Repair or replace faulty septic systems and ensure they are maintained properly.

Avoid using substances near or around wells and shorelines that you do not want in your water supply, such as paint, chemicals or manure.

Properly use, store and dispose of products such as fuel, pesticides, cleaners and manure.

Install docks and boathouses that minimally disturb river or lake bottoms and allow water movement - it is illegal to destroy fish habitat.

Apply for work permits from the appropriate government agency before you begin work in or around water or wetlands - start with Quinte Conservation, we can help you with this process.

Watershed

Report Card 2013 What Does This Report Card Measure?

Groundwater • • •

Public education seminars and participate in the Low Water Response Team Review hydrogeologic land development applications Developed plans for the protection of municipal drinking water sources

Map Disclaimer Produced by Quinte Conservation 2013 under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Copyright © Quinte Conservation and the Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013.

Assessed vulnerability of Quinte watershed to climate change Studying reservoirs to help mitigate low flows due to climate change Established a comprehensive monitoring station to assist in detecting climate change

Forest Conditions

Groundwater Quality

Why Measure?

Digital Mapping Sources: Sampling Sites - Quinte Conservation Base Map - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Climate change • • •

Surface Water Quality

Measuring helps us better understand our watershed. It helps us to focus our efforts where they are needed most and track progress. It also helps us to identify healthy and ecologically important areas that require protection or enhancement.

Maps are for illustrative purposes only. Quinte Conservation makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever regarding the truth, accuracy, currency, or completeness of the maps and their associated data.

What is a Watershed?

A watershed is an area of land drained by a river or stream.

Similar to the branch of a tree, creeks empty into streams, which then empty into larger streams, eventually forming one main trunk.

Within this system, everything is connected to everything else. In other words, actions which take place at the top of the system can and do affect those downstream.

Quinte Conservation 2061 Old Highway # 2, R.R. # 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2 P: (613) 968-3434 P: (613) 354-3312 E: quinteca@quinteconservation.ca www.quinteconservation.ca

Quinte Conservation has prepared this report card as a summary on the state of our forests, surface water, and groundwater resources.

Grading A Excellent B Good C Fair D Poor F Very Poor

The standards used in this report card were developed by Conservation Authorities to ensure consistent reportings across the Province of Ontario and are intended to provide watershed residents with information to protect, enhance and improve the precious resources that surround us.

Surface Water Quality B

Surface water quality reports on the water chemistry (total phosphorus) and aquatic species.

Total Phosphorus is naturally occurring, but can have elevated concentrations due to products such as soaps, detergents, and fertilizers as well as sewage. Although it is a required nutrient in streams, high concentrations contribute to excessive algae growth and low oxygen levels in streams and lakes.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates are small creatures without backbones that live in the sediment on the bottom of streams and include aquatic insects, snails, clams and worms. They are good indicators of water quality and stream health.

Surface water quality in the northern third of the Quinte watershed is excellent. The lower two thirds of the watershed is in excellent to fair condition, decreasing where human population and activities increase, impacting local streams. Urbanization, climate change, and agriculture pose threats to the condition of the watershed and efforts must continue to encourage landowners and the agricultural community to preserve and enhance features through stewardship initiatives in order to maintain the current grades. The Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN) is the main source for the water chemistry data. Benthic macroinvertebrate data is collected as part of the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network.

Forest Conditions A

Forests provide a variety of benefits to a healthy environment including wildlife habitat, improved air and water quality, sediment and erosion control, reduced flooding and low flow events, and help to counteract the greenhouse gas effect and global climate change. For these reasons and more, it is essential to monitor our forests to ensure they are sustainable.

The amount of Forest Cover represents the percentage of the watershed that is forested or wooded, including both upland and wetland forest types. Environment Canada recommends a minimum of 30 % forest cover for sustaining plant and animal species within a watershed. Within the Quinte watershed, overall forest cover is approximately 59 % with the majority of large forest patches covering the northern half of the watershed.

A Forest Interior is the portion of a forest that remains when a 100 metre buffer is removed from the inside perimeter of a woodlot. Forest interior refers to the ‘protected core’ of the forest. It is recommended that a minimum of 10 % forest interior exist. Quinte’s forest interior far surpassed the minimum with a forest interior of approximately 25 %.

The Riparian Zone (or buffer zone) is a band of land, 30 metres wide, along both sides of an open watercourse. This zone is important in maintaining water temperature, ensuring bank stability, and filtering out excess nutrients before they reach the watercourse. It is recommended that 50 % of the 30 metre wide riparian zone should be forested. Within the Quinte watershed, the forested riparian zone is approximately 62 %.

Groundwater Quality

Climate Change

A

The quality of groundwater is dependent on many factors including the initial source, the type of soil or rock that the water is flowing through and impact from human activities. To assign an overall groundwater quality score the following were used as indicators: Nitrate & Nitrite: These are forms of nitrogen which can occur naturally. High levels can be associated with leaching of contaminants from excessive amounts of fertilizers and manure or septic systems. Excessive nitrates in drinking water can adversely affect children’s health, sometimes causing blue baby syndrome.

Chloride: This is also naturally occurring and elevated levels can be related to contamination from road salting activities, landfills, septic systems and water softeners. Elevated levels can give water a salty taste, increase the corrosiveness of the water and be of concern to persons on low salt diets.

Groundwater quality data from the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN) was used as a source of information about groundwater in the Quinte watershed. Quinte Conservation has been monitoring 30 wells since 2002 with 20 of the wells included in the current assessment. The other 10 wells were not included in this review due to insufficient data or because the wells are not indicative of normal conditions. Local changes in water quality can occur quickly due to human activities and improper well construction. People using private wells for drinking water should have their well inspected and test the water quality regularly.

Quinte Conservation analysed the historical and recent flow patterns of rivers in the Quinte watersheds. The long and short term trends suggest the area is experiencing some effects of climate change.

Some local effects of climate change are: • Trend towards lower springtime snowmelt peak runoffs • Reduced spring runoff volume • Earlier and wintertime snowmelt runoff events • Greater flows in winter months • Lower average flows during the summer months Quinte Conservation will continue to study climate change throughout the watershed. To provide additional accurate and relevant data, a remote climate change monitoring station was established on the Skootamatta River. This is one of only five reference sites across the province established to detect climate change. It provides automated continuous measurements not previously available for study. Quinte Conservation plans to add and study more sites over time.

Surface Water Quality B

Surface water quality reports on the water chemistry (total phosphorus) and aquatic species.

Total Phosphorus is naturally occurring, but can have elevated concentrations due to products such as soaps, detergents, and fertilizers as well as sewage. Although it is a required nutrient in streams, high concentrations contribute to excessive algae growth and low oxygen levels in streams and lakes.

Benthic Macroinvertebrates are small creatures without backbones that live in the sediment on the bottom of streams and include aquatic insects, snails, clams and worms. They are good indicators of water quality and stream health.

Surface water quality in the northern third of the Quinte watershed is excellent. The lower two thirds of the watershed is in excellent to fair condition, decreasing where human population and activities increase, impacting local streams. Urbanization, climate change, and agriculture pose threats to the condition of the watershed and efforts must continue to encourage landowners and the agricultural community to preserve and enhance features through stewardship initiatives in order to maintain the current grades. The Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN) is the main source for the water chemistry data. Benthic macroinvertebrate data is collected as part of the Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network.

Forest Conditions A

Forests provide a variety of benefits to a healthy environment including wildlife habitat, improved air and water quality, sediment and erosion control, reduced flooding and low flow events, and help to counteract the greenhouse gas effect and global climate change. For these reasons and more, it is essential to monitor our forests to ensure they are sustainable.

The amount of Forest Cover represents the percentage of the watershed that is forested or wooded, including both upland and wetland forest types. Environment Canada recommends a minimum of 30 % forest cover for sustaining plant and animal species within a watershed. Within the Quinte watershed, overall forest cover is approximately 59 % with the majority of large forest patches covering the northern half of the watershed.

A Forest Interior is the portion of a forest that remains when a 100 metre buffer is removed from the inside perimeter of a woodlot. Forest interior refers to the ‘protected core’ of the forest. It is recommended that a minimum of 10 % forest interior exist. Quinte’s forest interior far surpassed the minimum with a forest interior of approximately 25 %.

The Riparian Zone (or buffer zone) is a band of land, 30 metres wide, along both sides of an open watercourse. This zone is important in maintaining water temperature, ensuring bank stability, and filtering out excess nutrients before they reach the watercourse. It is recommended that 50 % of the 30 metre wide riparian zone should be forested. Within the Quinte watershed, the forested riparian zone is approximately 62 %.

Groundwater Quality

Climate Change

A

The quality of groundwater is dependent on many factors including the initial source, the type of soil or rock that the water is flowing through and impact from human activities. To assign an overall groundwater quality score the following were used as indicators: Nitrate & Nitrite: These are forms of nitrogen which can occur naturally. High levels can be associated with leaching of contaminants from excessive amounts of fertilizers and manure or septic systems. Excessive nitrates in drinking water can adversely affect children’s health, sometimes causing blue baby syndrome.

Chloride: This is also naturally occurring and elevated levels can be related to contamination from road salting activities, landfills, septic systems and water softeners. Elevated levels can give water a salty taste, increase the corrosiveness of the water and be of concern to persons on low salt diets.

Groundwater quality data from the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network (PGMN) was used as a source of information about groundwater in the Quinte watershed. Quinte Conservation has been monitoring 30 wells since 2002 with 20 of the wells included in the current assessment. The other 10 wells were not included in this review due to insufficient data or because the wells are not indicative of normal conditions. Local changes in water quality can occur quickly due to human activities and improper well construction. People using private wells for drinking water should have their well inspected and test the water quality regularly.

Quinte Conservation analysed the historical and recent flow patterns of rivers in the Quinte watersheds. The long and short term trends suggest the area is experiencing some effects of climate change.

Some local effects of climate change are: • Trend towards lower springtime snowmelt peak runoffs • Reduced spring runoff volume • Earlier and wintertime snowmelt runoff events • Greater flows in winter months • Lower average flows during the summer months Quinte Conservation will continue to study climate change throughout the watershed. To provide additional accurate and relevant data, a remote climate change monitoring station was established on the Skootamatta River. This is one of only five reference sites across the province established to detect climate change. It provides automated continuous measurements not previously available for study. Quinte Conservation plans to add and study more sites over time.

What Are We Doing?

What You Can Do

Surface Water

Be a Watershed Steward

• • • •

Investigating impact of low flows on water quality conditions Public education projects such as Stream of Dreams Stormwater remedial projects and municipal plan inputs Identified intake protection zones to protect municipal drinking water sources

Forest Conditions • • •

All Quinte Conservation properties have managed forest plans Involved in planting millions of trees throughout the watershed Tree seedling program

• • • • • •

Where Are We? We are one of 36 Conservation Authorities across Ontario under the umbrella organization of Conservation Ontario.

Quinte Conservation

Plant native grasses and trees along open and exposed shorelines to improve shade, slow soil erosion and filter pollutants.

Repair or replace faulty septic systems and ensure they are maintained properly.

Avoid using substances near or around wells and shorelines that you do not want in your water supply, such as paint, chemicals or manure.

Properly use, store and dispose of products such as fuel, pesticides, cleaners and manure.

Install docks and boathouses that minimally disturb river or lake bottoms and allow water movement - it is illegal to destroy fish habitat.

Apply for work permits from the appropriate government agency before you begin work in or around water or wetlands - start with Quinte Conservation, we can help you with this process.

Watershed

Report Card 2013 What Does This Report Card Measure?

Groundwater • • •

Public education seminars and participate in the Low Water Response Team Review hydrogeologic land development applications Developed plans for the protection of municipal drinking water sources

Map Disclaimer Produced by Quinte Conservation 2013 under license with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Copyright © Quinte Conservation and the Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013.

Assessed vulnerability of Quinte watershed to climate change Studying reservoirs to help mitigate low flows due to climate change Established a comprehensive monitoring station to assist in detecting climate change

Forest Conditions

Groundwater Quality

Why Measure?

Digital Mapping Sources: Sampling Sites - Quinte Conservation Base Map - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Climate change • • •

Surface Water Quality

Measuring helps us better understand our watershed. It helps us to focus our efforts where they are needed most and track progress. It also helps us to identify healthy and ecologically important areas that require protection or enhancement.

Maps are for illustrative purposes only. Quinte Conservation makes no warranties and assumes no liability whatsoever regarding the truth, accuracy, currency, or completeness of the maps and their associated data.

What is a Watershed?

A watershed is an area of land drained by a river or stream.

Similar to the branch of a tree, creeks empty into streams, which then empty into larger streams, eventually forming one main trunk.

Within this system, everything is connected to everything else. In other words, actions which take place at the top of the system can and do affect those downstream.

Quinte Conservation 2061 Old Highway # 2, R.R. # 2 Belleville, ON K8N 4Z2 P: (613) 968-3434 P: (613) 354-3312 E: quinteca@quinteconservation.ca www.quinteconservation.ca

Quinte Conservation has prepared this report card as a summary on the state of our forests, surface water, and groundwater resources.

Grading A Excellent B Good C Fair D Poor F Very Poor

The standards used in this report card were developed by Conservation Authorities to ensure consistent reportings across the Province of Ontario and are intended to provide watershed residents with information to protect, enhance and improve the precious resources that surround us.