The TRCWR is developing a water quality and quantity database for the Thames River watershed, with funding provided through the Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA).
One of the goals of the Thames River Water Management Plan is to improve the water quality of the Thames River watershed and reduce the river’s impact on Lake St. Clair, Detroit River and Lake Erie. The Water Quality and Quantity working group identified compilation of water quality and quantity data as a priority. We need to understand nutrient enrichment in the watershed by identifying baseline conditions, trends and gaps.
Data needs to be:
- Compiled in a standardized and comprehensive manner.
- Assembled and maintained in a reliable, secure and flexible web-based database.
- Managed and shared through greater coordination by partners in the watershed.
The database project is using Kister’s WISKI (Water Information Software KISTERS) software, which many conservation authorities and agencies in Ontario already use for environmental data management and reporting. The UTRCA and LTVCA rely on this software for water quantity data (i.e., flood forecasting and warning program) and were already considering using it for water quality and ecological data. The UTRCA is leading the database project, using and adding to the existing water quantity infrastructure to create a central shared repository and tools.
Project Deliverables:
- Inventory of all surface water and groundwater quality data.
- Populated database of surface water quality, groundwater and ecological parameters.
- Interactive website for output and input of data.
- Feasibility study of a community-based monitoring network for water quality.
- Development and implementation of procedures for collaborative data submission, data management, data protection and data access.
- Training session and workshop for partners.