Clear Water Initiative

The Coquitlam River is an urban watershed and is part of the greater ecosystem of the lower Fraser River. This region is a major stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway and the Fraser River supports the world's largest salmon run. Tributaries to the Coquitlam River include Or, Maple, Hoy, and Scott Creeks. Below the dam at Coquitlam Lake, the Coquitlam River and many of its tributaries are home to Coho, and Chinook salmon.

In 2001, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC identified the Coquitlam River as the third most endangered river in the province. This rating is due to gravel mining along pipeline road: the major point source of sediment in the river. The impacts of the gravel pits on the river are the focus of the Coquitlam Environmental Task Force. The Clear Water Initiative complements the work of the task force by aiming to reducing turbidity in the Coquitlam River from sources other than the gravel operations.

Urban growth in the Coquitlam River Watershed is another major concern to the health of this region. Coquitlam's population is growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing. Major developments have reduced large areas of habitat and have caused the quality of water in the remaining tributaries to the Coquitlam River to deteriorate. The Coquitlam River Watershed is a valuable natural resource and its health has significant impacts on local biodiversity.

The Clear Water Initiative is a project of the Institute of Urban Ecology that began in January 2001. This initiative focuses on the Coquitlam River Watershed below the dam at Coquitlam Lake.

The primary objective of the Clear Water Initiative is to improve water quality in the Coquitlam River Watershed. The project differs from previous initiatives in that is focuses on non point sources of pollution. It complements other initiatives by further stabilizing slopes which otherwise may fail and create turbidity problems. A secondary objective is to enhance wildlife habitat within the watershed through increased plant biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship.

To achieve its objectives, the Clear Water Initiative is:

• Reducing surface erosion in problem areas by planting native plants
• Monitoring water quality
• Providing workshops to increase public awareness and participation

Water Quality Monitoring

From January - December 2001 we monitored water quality in the watershed by collecting weekly water samples at seven sites throughout the watershed. To concentrate on non-point sources of pollution and erosion we monitored turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), depth and wetted width. The results of the water samples indicate that all these streams are fairly healthy except during heavy rainfalls when the sediment load into the creek increases. Due to the increase in turbidity during rainfall, we are planting these sites to reduce the amount of sediment flowing into the Coquitlam River.

Workshops

As part of the Clear Water Initiative the Institute has developed a workshop on monitoring water quality that has been successfully delivered to schools around the watershed. In addition to offering workshops on clean water and water quality, we are also offering workshops on native plants and backyard habitat as part of this Initiative.

Plantings

Planting native species in the riparian areas of the creeks improves the health of the creek by providing cover, stabilizing the bank, reducing runoff of sediment and pollution as well as contributing nutrients and habitat. As part of this initiative the IUE has organized plantings in the following tributaries: Or Creek in the GVRD Watershed, Cewe Gravel Pit, Fulawka Creek, Oxbow Side Channel, Maple Creek, Grist Creek and Scott Creek.

Report

Hillary Rudd, project coordinator, has compiled all the data and written a report on her findings from this initiative. For a copy of this report or for more information on this study contact us .

Thanks to Environment Canada's ecoACTION program for funding the Clear Water Initiative.