NLIS 5
November 3, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)


Ambient water quality contour maps now available online

Newfoundland and Labrador ambient water quality contour maps are now available to the general public on the Department of Environment and Conservation�s Web site. The Minister of Environment and Conservation, Tom Osborne, said the maps are an effective visual tool for reporting collected ambient water quality data.

The ambient water quality contour maps have been developed using up to 15 years of data collected under the Canada-Newfoundland Water Quality Monitoring Agreement with Environment Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador is first province to develop digital water quality contour maps for use by the general public.

�Reporting ambient water quality data using contour maps gives the public an opportunity to quickly and easily see a spatial summary of ambient water quality in Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Osborne. �The contour maps are an excellent public awareness and educational tool. The maps show water quality variations across the province and highlight regional or local patterns.�

The minister added that the contour maps are very useful for screening water quality for various industries and facilities, such as freshwater aquaculture sites, that require water quality parameters to be within optimal levels. The maps identify natural and anthropogenic causes for higher-than-expected levels of particular parameters such as those for metals and salts.

�As a monitoring agency, we have a responsibility to make the public and our stakeholders aware of the results of our ambient water quality programs, and government remains committed to its responsibility,� said Minister Osborne. �Water quality data is very technical in nature and, therefore, visual reporting, such as contour maps, provides a good method for communicating data in a simple and effective manner to the general public.�

The ambient water quality contour maps are also of use to other provincial and federal government departments, consultants and environmental groups for various water projects.

The maps will be updated every five years as new water quality data becomes available. For more information on the contour maps, call the water resources management division at (709) 729-2563 or visit //www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/Env/waterres/WQMA/Contours/WQMA_Contours.asp

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 11 03                                   1:30 p.m.


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