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At the Beach

Recreational Water Quality

E-coli levels vary considerably along the South Nation River and in the major tributaries. The minimum E-coli concentration observed at all four stations along the South Nation (1996-2001) was 4.0 cells per 100 ml. The maximum concentrations observed at Spencerville, Chesterville, Casselman, and Plantagenet were 190.0, 3100.0, 1800.0, and 3100.0 cells per 100 ml respectively. Average annual E-coli concentrations generally appear to be below the PWQO for recreational use except in 1996 and 2000 when high average annual discharge likely contributed to elevated levels. Average E-coli levels within the tributaries are all higher than those along the main South Nation River.

Fishing in South Nation

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Natural Resources has for over 25 years been testing contaminants in sport fish. Sport fish are tested from nearly, 1700 locations in Ontario’s inland lakes and rivers and the Great Lakes. The results of contaminant testing are then reported in terms of consumption restrictions. Sport fish are tested for a number of toxins such as mercury, PCBs, DDT, and dioxins. Consumption restrictions are then based on guidelines from Heath Canada. For example, mercury levels above 0.45 ppm results in some restrictions, while levels of 1.57ppm or higher results in a total restriction advisory.Canoeing

Consumption restrictions on fish from the South Nation watershed are only reported for one location (South Nation River: Dundas, Stormont, Russell). Consumption restrictions for most sport fish were reported as either 8 or 4 meals per month. Predatory species including walleye, and sauger and northern pike had higher consumption restrictions. Complete restrictions (no meals per month) were reported for larger species of walleye (>22 inches) and sauger (>14 inches). 

Compared with other Southern Ontario inland rivers, the South Nation would appear to have stricter consumption restrictions on sport fish. In the Rideau River carp, yellow perch, walleye, and northern pike all have lower consumption restrictions and for no species in the Rideau River was there a complete consumption restriction. Similar restrictions (in the Rideau and South Nation) were reported for brown bullhead and pumpkinseed. In other agricultural watersheds such as the Sydenham River and Big Creek River restrictions on walleye and northern pike are not as strict and again for no species was there a complete restriction in either of these rivers.

Volunteering

Volunteering is fun – and a great way to meet people and contribute to the health and vitality of our communities.To volunteer with the South Nation Conservation Authority see Volunteers For Conservation. 

Sourced from the South Nation Conservation: State of the Nation Report