 |
|
|
|
 |
| Eastern elliptios, Elliptio
complanata. |
Healthy water is often thought to be crystal clear,
and purely H20.
Actually, natural bodies of water naturally contain
fertilizers, dissolved salts,
and metals, which are chemical components, as
well as bacteria, which are biological.
|
| Microscopic algae, Pediastrum
boryanum. |
Each of these components plays an important part in
maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Pure water, without these ingredients,
cannot sustain aquatic life.
Regrettably, urban development and intensive agricultural
practices increase the quantities of fertilizers, metals and dissolved
salts in waterways and lakes. The increase upsets the natural chemical
balance that is necessary for the health and diversity of animals and
plants.
Urban development and agricultural practices change
the mix of species of bacteria from beneficial to harmful species.
The following table compares the water of the Rideau
River with pure water and with an ideal of healthy water.
| Dissolved Salts |
None. |
Naturally present, abundant. |
Naturally present in abundance. |
| Fertilizers (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) |
None. |
Naturally present, moderately
abundant. |
Moderately abundant to levels
slightly higher than recommended maximum*
because of nearby agriculture and urbanization. |
| Metals |
None. |
Naturally present, trace quantities. |
Naturally present in very small
quantities. |
| Pesticides |
None. |
Should not be present in healthy
water. |
The level of pesticides in sediment
is lower than detectable limits and recommended maximum.** |
| Bacteria |
None. |
Naturally present, moderate
quantity. |
Nearby agriculture and urban
development are the sources of the faecal coliforms found in
small or moderate quantities in most of the River and in larger
quantity near Ottawa. |
| Aquatic Life |
None. |
Abundant. |
Abundant. |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
It is a mistake to think that brown or green
water is polluted. In fact, the different colours reflect the composition
of the bottom substrate, the amount of algae growing in the water,
and even the types of trees growing along the shoreline.
Algae make water look green. Sediment from the
bottom suspended in the water makes it look brown. If the water
looks reddish, it is probably because pine trees surround the water;
pine needles contain humic acid, which tinges the water red.
Very little animal life is present in
clear, relatively colourless water because it contains little algae,
which is the primary aquatic food resource.
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*
Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for Freshwater
Aquatic Life [11]
** Canadian Sediment
Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life [12]
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