Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Colour in BC

Water Quality

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Colour in British Columbia: Technical Appendix

May 23, 1997

Water Quality Branch
Environment and Resource Management Department
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

D. R. J. Moore, Ph. D and P.-Y. Caux, Ph. D, The Cadmus Group
A report submitted to
N. K. Nagpal, Ph. D, Contract Manager
Water Quality Section
Water Management Branch

Victoria, BC
May 23, 1997

Project funded by Forest Renewal, British Columbia

Table of Contents

Summary of Recommended Criteria

1. Definitions, Concepts and Analytical Measurements

8. Recreation and Aesthetics

9. Industrial Water Supplies

10. Research and Development Needs

11. References

Preface

The BC Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (BC Environment) develops province-wide ambient water quality criteria for substances and physical attributes of importance in both fresh and marine surface waters. These threshold values provide a basis for developing site-specific ambient objectives, used to set wastewater discharge limits and fees, and help to identify areas with degraded conditions. The criteria are not legally binding but are intended as tools to provide policy direction to those making decisions affecting water quality issues (BC Environment 1995).

Anthropogenic activities such as forest management, road building, construction, dredging, gravel pit operations, and industrial waste management can cause marked changes in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the watercourses located nearby and those located downstream. Changes in water colouration can be used as an indicator of environmental impact arising from anthropogenic activities. For example, timber harvest releases organic matter into water systems that impart a colour to the water. BC Environment has identified the need for the development of ambient water quality criteria for colour in both freshwater and marine conditions. The criteria will function as management tools, against which to assess whether a water use is adequately protected.


	Water Quality Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Colour in British Columbia: Technical Appendix May 23, 1997 Water Quality Branch Environment and Resource Management Department Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks D. R. J. Moore, Ph. D and P.-Y. Caux, Ph. D, The Cadmus Group A report submitted to N. K. Nagpal, Ph. D, Contract Manager Water Quality Section Water Management Branch Victoria, BC May 23, 1997 Project funded by Forest Renewal, British Columbia *Table of Contents* Summary of Recommended Criteria 1. Definitions, Concepts and Analytical Measurements 2. Occurrence 3. Drinking Water 4. Aquatic Life 5. Wildlife 6. Livestock 7. Irrigation 8. Recreation and Aesthetics 9. Industrial Water Supplies 10. Research and Development Needs 11. References Preface The BC Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (BC Environment) develops province-wide ambient water quality criteria for substances and physical attributes of importance in both fresh and marine surface waters. These threshold values provide a basis for developing site-specific ambient objectives, used to set wastewater discharge limits and fees, and help to identify areas with degraded conditions. The criteria are not legally binding but are intended as tools to provide policy direction to those making decisions affecting water quality issues (BC Environment 1995). Anthropogenic activities such as forest management, road building, construction, dredging, gravel pit operations, and industrial waste management can cause marked changes in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the watercourses located nearby and those located downstream. Changes in water colouration can be used as an indicator of environmental impact arising from anthropogenic activities. For example, timber harvest releases organic matter into water systems that impart a colour to the water. BC Environment has identified the need for the development of ambient water quality criteria for colour in both freshwater and marine conditions. The criteria will function as management tools, against which to assess whether a water use is adequately protected.