Water Quality in Lièvre Watershed

Lièvre WatershedLièvre WatershedLievre River. Source: COBALILievre River. Source: COBALIUntil 1993 the practice of floating logs down the Lièvre River was big business. Unfortunately, as the logs floated in the water the residue of wood and bark began to break down - this had a detrimental effect on the river's water quality as it increased the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), i.e. it reduced the concentration of oxygen in the water.

Wood and bark are made of organic substances (lignin and tannin) and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). The tannins and lignin cause the water to become dark (a yellow-brown colour) in some places where there are a lot of logs.

However, the effects and impact of these organic substances on the water quality are difficult to quantify. In 2002, the Advisory Committee on managing the Lièvre River (CCGRL) organized an initiative to harvesting the floating logs which remain in the river. 150 cords of wood were removed from the river in the Val-des-Bois area, in St. Aimé-du-Lac-des-Iles. Not all of the logs were removed, and many remain at the bottom of the river and on the shoreline.

What is the Status of My Water Quality?

Lièvre WatershedLièvre WatershedThe Lièvre River has two sampling stations. One is located at the Mont-Laurier dam and the other at the road bridge in the Buckingham sector of the City of Gatineau.

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Where Does My Water Come From?

Lièvre WatershedLièvre WatershedMost municipalities obtain their drinking water thanks to a water supply and distribution system that serves residents who live within municipal boundaries. Supply sources vary from one municipality to another: some draw their water directly from a lake or waterway, while others are supplied by groundwater production wells. However, the supply of clean water can be jeopardized by pollution or human activity. In the Buckingham sector of the City of Gatineau, the water intake is situated in the Lièvre River and supplies close to 20,000 people.

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How is My Water Treated?

Lièvre WatershedLièvre WatershedPrivate Well Water Treatment

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How is My Water Quality Managed?

Drinking Water

For groundwater production wells, it is the municipalities’ responsibility to establish and enforce measures to protect the vicinity of the water supply source. As for water intakes situated directly in lakes and waterways, protection of their environment varies according to each municipality.

Lake Water Quality

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How Can I Improve Local Water Quality?

 

Get involved in one of the many events taking place in the Lièvre Watershed! Learn about volunteer opportunities at the COBALI website.

Learn about what you can do at work, home, and in other areas of your life to benefit water quality.