Dataset

Riverwatch

Dataset by Ottawa Riverkeeper

Dataset summary

Observations

  • 16 November 2021

    Remic Beach by Dan Wilcock

    Foam along Remic Beach shoreline downriver to pumping station. What's all that foam about? - Ottawa Riverkeeper | Garde-rivière des Outaouais https://ottawariverkeeper.ca/whats-all-that-foam-about/ If you’ve seen foam on the surface of one of your favourite waterbodies, there’s most likely no cause for alarm. The majority of foam we see on our river is just the result of organic matter in the water. When organic matter like leaves and twigs begin to break down, they release compounds into the water called surfactants, which create foam when water is turbulent. You can often see an example of foam build-up right downtown Ottawa near the Ottawa Rowing Club, where it can get up to a meter high. Naturally occurring foam usually smells like fish or earth and has tan color. If you pick it up, smell it and it smells earthy, it’s our natural foam. Usually unnatural foam has a really strong perfume coming from it, like soap. If you find foam that smells like perfume and is white, this indicates the presence of anthropogenic surfactants from detergents and soaps and is an indication of pollution.

  • 25 September 2021

    Bristol - South of Flag Island by Jennifer Haughton

    Investigators: Peter and Jennifer Haughton Large flock of geese flying over (300) no other boating activity A very rainy week (Had record rainfall on Wednesday and more rain on Thursday. )

  • 1 September 2021

    Remic Beach by Dan Wilcock

    STATUS: GREEN. Ecoli samples processed by ORK. This test result meets provincially established standards for swimming, as outlined by Ottawa Public Health: "Ottawa Public Health will issue a no-swimming advisory if: - the geometric mean of 5 water samples taken on the previous day is greater than 200 E. coli per 100mL of water; or - a single water sample test result from the previous day is greater than 400 E. coli per 100mL ; or - there is a significant rainfall event." *one tray didn't seal properly - Geomean of 4 samples

  • 29 August 2021

    Storm sewer outlet east of Remic Beach by Dan Wilcock

  • 29 August 2021

    Oster Island Dock by John Bernstein

    Overcast, high humidity, winds from the south 15-20km/hr into the dock. Rain yesterday. Last week’s algae bloom has cleared up.

  • 28 August 2021

    Madawaska at Ottawa rivers by Pat Tait

    Nobody swimming at beach. SUP and 2 fishing boats

  • 28 August 2021

    Near mouth by Pat Tait

    Bubbly, yellow-green colour, thick algae. Similar to that in handbook seen a few years ago in same area - but not as bad.

  • 28 August 2021

    Lavergne Bay and Lavergne Marsh by Pat Tait

    Windy - hard to keep boat over usual testing area.

  • 28 August 2021

    Lavergne Bay and Lavergne Marsh by Pat Tait

    Cool NE wind.

  • 27 August 2021

    South of Bon Pasteur Bridge by Louis Lafontaine

    Sunny no wind clear shalow water a lot of dead trees across the creek

  • 27 August 2021

    Hawkesbury Mid-Channel by Louis Lafontaine

    Sunny light wind. One fishing boat one cruse boat

  • 27 August 2021

    Bristol - South of Flag Island by Jennifer Haughton

    Investigators: Peter, Jennifer, Deborah, Virginia. Some development on nearby shoreline (new lot digging foundation for new house). Wildlife: spotted sandpiper, blue jay, turkey vultures, 7 Canada Geese. (Note: Heat warning has been in effect for last few days, with temperatures above 30 degrees C)