The Bow River emerges from glaciers in the Rocky Mountains and many might consider the river's water to be quite pure. Yet, quality concerns persist in the watershed. The Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) aims to improve water quality in the Bow River watershed by setting water quality objectives.

In 2006, the Bow River Basin Council initiated Phase One of the Bow Basin Watershed Management Plan (BBWMP) focused on setting surface water quality objectives. Water quality objectives are site specific, depending on the characteristics of the river, lake, or estuary, and they identify the concentrations of substances permissible for all intended water uses at that location. Water quality objectives are based on the water quality guidelines for the uses at that location, and on socio-economic considerations and public input (EC 2004).

This initiative is a multi-stakeholder process, where municipal, environmental, industrial, agricultural, and governmental representatives bring multiple perspectives to the table. This process aims to create stakeholder buy in from the beginning. The multi-stakeholder committee that is steering the process and the technical committee are looking at the Bow River and tributaries on a reach by reach basis.

The Plan is intended to 1) protect and enhance the watershed, 2) recommend changes in public awareness and education, public policy, practice and regulation, and 3) serve as a catalyst for proactive, voluntary action by land, water and resource managers. Based on the BRBC's assessment of outcomes, planning priorities, and available resources, Phase One of the BBWMP will focus largely on issues of surface water quality. However due to linkages between water quality and other ecosystem components, the scope of the plan is not limited to water quality, and may include recommendations (both regulatory and non-regulatory) on riparian areas, source protection, water quantity, land-use planning, groundwater, wetlands, biodiversity, recreation, industry, and others. The scope of BBWMP Phase Two has yet to be determined.

Sources

Bow River Basin Council. 2007. Watershed Management Plan.

Environment Canada (EC). 2004. Canadian water quality guidelines.