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| Water Classification -
Pilot Project Eastern Charlotte Waterways Inc. was given the immense task of developing and promoting the pilot program for Water Classification in New Brunswick by the NB Department of Environment. This pilot will develop and promote, via community capacity, the classification of all waters in New Brunswick for the purpose of water quality management similar to our US neighbors. When ECW began, the site focus was primarily on coastal issues and concerns. Other groups in the area had looked at the inland waters of Charlotte County but studied primarily fish habitat and the waters of the Magaguadavic River. ECW found a need to gain knowledge about the general condition of the watershed and waters including but not limited to the Magaguadavic River. EEC's first involvement with inland water quality started with volunteer monitoring when a Swim Watch Program was started to monitor fecal coliform levels to ensure the safety of swimmers during hot summer months. However, understanding the quality of the water above the swimming areas was still lacking. In 1997 ECW began partnering with the New Brunswick Department of Environment through the Environmental Trust Fund. The partnership began with a two-year pilot classification of the watersheds of Eastern Charlotte including the Digdeguash, Magaguadavic, Pocologan, New and Lepreau Rivers. This provided the opportunity to get involved with water quality assessment at a watershed level. Water Classification is a water management tool that can be used by New Brunswickers to manage their surface water resources. The new regulation, getting its start under the provincial Clean Water Act, creates the framework for water protection based on its use including drinking, recreation and industrial demands. The community and concerned groups who use the water can decide how the water should be classified. The NB Department of Environment has developed the criteria for six different classes for water in the regulation (see fig.1). The rules that govern how the water can be used are different depending on it's level of classification. The bottom line of the regulation is to provide future generations of New Brunswickers a safe drinking water supply, places to swim and fish and ensure quantities of water need for industrial processes.
Through the partnership with NBDELG, ECW developed a guidebook to help other watershed groups participate in the classification process. A Geographic Information System was developed on site to aid in the planning for water classification. The GIS system included distinct layers of information such as hydrography, road networks, property ownership, eco-regions and many others. Water quality data was collected throughout the watershed including initial benthic macro invertebrate data. Volunteers were recruited; many who participated in the Swim Watch Program, to help collect water to be used for classification. Not only did volunteers provide the people power to handle the workload, but also gave valuable insight into activity around the watershed. The two-year pilot project culminated with the preliminary classification report. The watershed was given a preliminary classification based on the current condition of water quality. This document was produced to help in discussions with stakeholders throughout the watershed and guide the implementation of the Water Classification Regulation. ECW hosted an open house with stakeholders and conducted one-on-one meetings to discuss water classification concerns or questions. As of 1999, the Water Classification Regulation was in its final draft form. The partnership with NBDELG continued through 1999 with volunteer water quality monitoring expanding to include areas identified as knowledge gaps in the preliminary classification report. Benthic macro invertebrate data was also further enhanced. Heading into the new millennium ECW is committed to water quality and water classification. Our role is to continue the exchange of information with stakeholders, helping the synthesize a vision for the watersheds of Eastern Charlotte County. Water quality will continue to be monitored for the watershed with a goal of classification. For More Information Please Visit the Watersheds of New Brunswick! |