NEWMARKET (March 22, 2018) - A second set of Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards has begun to roll out today and the grades indicate that many of Ontario’s watersheds – particularly those in southern, more urban areas – are stressed.
Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards show an average grade of 'C' for surface water quality and 'C' for forest conditions. Groundwater appears to be in better shape, however it is much more difficult to assess on a watershed-wide basis.
The first set of Conservation Authority Watershed Report Cards was released in 2013 and showed similar results. The main challenges to healthy watersheds continue to be the impacts of urbanization and climate change.
“March 22 is
World Water Day and one of the reasons we celebrate it is to bring attention to how important it is to protect our lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater. We rely on them as sources for drinking water, in addition to all kinds of other uses,” said Kim Gavine, General Manager of Conservation Ontario.
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