Box 1088 - Swift Current - SK - S9H 3X3 - 306.778.5007
The Prairie Water Care (PWC) program is a hands-on program for volunteers who are interested in learning about water quality issues. The PWC program has four components: i) water monitoring, ii) macro-invertebrate ("bug") indentification, iii) riparian health assessment and iv) a specific conservation activity in each area. The objective of the program is for volunteer groups to understand the importance of each of these aspects to the health of the water and how they are inter-related in purpose.
Each volunteer group receives technical assistance and training from PWC staff of the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Jody Oliver at 306-535-9760.
WHO:
Lac Pelletier Cabin Owners Group (Audrey and Mel Davis, Alice and Wayne Dawson, Gloria and Wally Dyck, Glenn Bratvold, Kay Froese, Glenda Kehoe, Eleanor McDowell, Dianne Nerada, and Joan Williamson)
WHEN:
Began sampling in June 2001
WHERE:
4 locations at Lac Pelletier
WHY: The Cabin Owners wanted to understand the importance of a healthy water supply and to ensure the lake water is safe for recreational use
WHAT: The group joins once a month during the spring, summer and fall to conduct water tests, to determine the diversity of bugs in the water, and to analyze the health of the stream bank
RESULTS: At all 4 sampling locations, the group consistently found high levels of total dissolved solids, phosphates, fecal coliform and turbidity in their August samples
Various photos courtesy of Krista Connick
WHO: Myles Radchenko (Swift Current Comprehensive High School biology teacher) and his Grade 11 biology classes
WHERE: 2 locations in the Swift Current area
WHEN: Began sampling in July 1998
WHY: Mr. Radchenko wanted his students to learn about water testing and to teach his students that they can play a role in creek stewardship
WHAT: Mr. Radchenko collects the creek water samples and brings them to class for the students to test. Mr. Radchenko also analyzes stream bank health at the water sampling sites
RESULTS: Especially during the summer months at the sampling location downstream of Swift Current, the group consistently finds higher levels of fecal coliform bacteria during the summer months compared to the upstream water sampling site
WHO: Downstream Users Group (Jack and Cheri Chalmers, Verlynn Alexander, Barb Hedger, and Reg Parsons)
WHERE: 4 locations downstream of Swift Current
WHEN: Began sampling in January 2003
WHY: The Downstream Users wanted to monitor the water quality of the creek before, during and
after the Swift Current treated sewage effluent discharge
WHAT: The group joins once a month to conduct water tests and will also be monitoring the diversity of bugs in the water during the summer
RESULTS: The group’s first water test was taken before the treated effluent discharge and overall the test showed very good water quality
