Fall Groundwater Sampling in the Upper Thames River Watershed听

Under the Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) manages a total of 28 wells at 22 different sites across the watershed. The program was launched in 2001 as a partnership between the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) in response to the low groundwater levels that were experienced in 1998. The purpose of this monitoring program is to collect long-term groundwater quality and quantity data at the predetermined sites. Ambient water levels and water quality of the major aquifers in the area are the focus for the UTRCA.听

This fall, 22 wells underwent sampling for water quality monitoring. The samples collected were analyzed for general chemistry (phosphorus, nitrogen, chloride), and metals.听听

Additionally, another subset of wells chosen by Health Canada were analyzed for the presence of pesticides.听

Each well and aquifer is unique, including static water level, depth, and volume, requiring water quality monitoring staff to pay careful attention to detail in order to uphold a high quality of both monitoring and sampling protocols. Each well must be purged with a certain amount of water before sampling can be conducted. Deeper wells require longer purge times. This is because we need to ensure that we are sampling the true conditions of the aquifer. Deeper aquifers require more time to access and pump out anything that may skew results, such as anything that may leech in from the surface. The purge time for groundwater wells within the UTRCA watershed ranges from 1 hour to 6.5 hours. During purging, parameters including pH, water temperature, static level, and clarity are taken at pre-determined intervals. 听

In addition, there are multiple types of pumps used to sample the water. Some wells are equipped with dedicated pumps built in, while others require staff to bring power sources and dedicated tubing to prevent contamination from the surrounding environment and separate wells.听 Each sample is sent off to a provincial lab that conducts the analysis, and the data is then made available to the public听

Volunteering at a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the 糖心直播听听

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Freshwater Mussel Survey with the 糖心直播 (UTRCA). It was such a rewarding experience!听

For those who may not know, the Thames River supports one of the richest communities of freshwater mussels in Canada. Historically, it was home to 32 species of native freshwater mussels. Unfortunately, studies have shown a continuous decline in mussel diversity over time. Many of the species that have disappeared were key indicators of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Their disappearance reflects a decline in water quality and habitat conditions.听

Mussel surveys help us gather comprehensive and up-to-date data on species distribution, which is essential for the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.听

Our field days involve some essential gear, including waders, polarized sunglasses, aquascope, calipers, and digital equipment to measure water parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, water velocity, and more.听

It was great to have the opportunity to get hands-on, take measurements, identify species, and learn more about the creeks and streams here in the London region. Field surveys like this help monitor species at risk, assess habitat conditions, and guide conservation efforts. They also remind us how much there is to learn under the surface.听

I鈥檓 grateful to have been part of this important work and look forward to contributing more to biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.听

Submitted by UTRCA volunteer: Clara Alhanati听

If you are interested in volunteering, please apply through听our website. Aquatic biology helpers are needed from May to September, with sign-up opportunities each spring. Typically, volunteers are 18 and older. 听