Water Quality Monitoring Program Guide

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Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Equipment ......................................................................................................................... 3

3.0 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 4 3.1 Parameters .................................................................................................................................. 4

3.1.1 pH ................................................................................................................................................. 4 3.1.2 Temperature ................................................................................................................................... 4 3.2.3 Turbidity ......................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1.4 Dissolved Oxygen ........................................................................................................................... 5 3.1.5 Conductivity .................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Surface Water .............................................................................................................................. 7 3.2.1 Sampling Methods .......................................................................................................................... 7

3.3 Groundwater ................................................................................................................................ 7 3.3.1 Sampling Methods .......................................................................................................................... 7 3.3.2 Groundwater Sampling Protocol ....................................................................................................... 8

4.0 Results ............................................................................................................................... 8 4.1 Parameters .................................................................................................................................. 9

The ideal results for each respective parameter is discussed in the subsequent sections. .............................. 9 4.1.1 pH ................................................................................................................................................. 9 4.1.2 Temperature (oC) ............................................................................................................................ 9 4.1.3 Turbidity ......................................................................................................................................... 9 4.1.4 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) ................................................................................................................ 10 4.1.5 Conductivity (us/cm) ...................................................................................................................... 10

6.0 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 10

7.0 References ....................................................................................................................... 11

8.0 Appendices ...................................................................................................................... 12 Appendix A ..................................................................................................................................... 12 Appendix B – Sample Surface Water Field Sheet ................................................................................ 13 Appendix C – Sample Groundwater Field Sheet ................................................................................. 13

Table of Figures Figure 1 Environmental effects of various pH levels (Source: Washington State, 2011) .............................................. 9 Figure 2 Range of tolerance for dissolved oxygen in fish (Oram, 2014)...................................................................... 10 Figure 3 Sampling site locations at Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. .............................................. 12

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1.0 Introduction Niagara College Canada is a post-secondary institution dedicated to monitoring and analyzing multiple facets of environmental health at both the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) campus and Welland campus. This protocol is a tool to ensure an effective and consistent water monitoring program is in place on campus. The program also provides co-curricular hands on, skill building opportunities for students, and continues to raise awareness about the importance of watershed health. Additionally, through these monitoring efforts, corresponding remediation activities are to be considered as a trans-disciplinary learning opportunity aligning with several academic programs and departments at the College to continue to ensure all water systems on campus are maintained as healthy components of the larger Niagara Escarpment ecosystem. The NOTL campus is located at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, and is classified as a UNESCO-designed World Biosphere Reserve. The NOTL campus is the primary focus of this sampling protocol as it features ecologically significant wetlands, landscaped gardens, and a 40-acre vineyard; furthermore, Six Mile Creek runs through the campus towards its outlet into Lake Ontario. Niagara College has been participating in water monitoring events since 2012; however, inconsistent sampling methods does not allow for year-to-year comparison of results. Monitoring water on campus using a standardized protocol will help the College gather long term water quality data in order for key stakeholders to identify specific locations on campus that may be impacting the overall water system, which will facilitate more accurate remediation plans to ensure the wetlands at Niagara College are maximizing their potential as an ideal ecosystem. 2.0 Equipment The following equipment is used in surface water and groundwater sampling. The Niagara College Environmental Laboratory has all required equipment on site, and it is expected that the sampler books this equipment one week prior to the sampling date following proper procedure via the Niagara College’s Laboratory Technician.

Table 1 Equipment used when sampling surface and groundwater. Water Source Equipment

Surface Water

Myron L Company Ultrameter (4P or 6PFC) HACH HQ40d Meter Orion Turbidity Meter YSI ProODO KimWipes 500mL Sample Bottles GPS Bailer Deionized Water Field Sheet Pen/Pencil

Groundwater

Myron L Company Ultrameter (4P or 6PFC) HACH HQ40d Meter Orion Turbidity Meter YSI ProODO KimWipes 500mL Sample Bottles GPS Bailer Deionized Water Field Sheet Pen/Pencil Water Level Calculator

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3.0 Methodology Multiple parameters are sampled when analyzing water quality to ensure that chemical, physical, and biological properties are considered when determining the overall health of the watershed. 3.1 Parameters The following describes each parameter, including any recommended equipment and its instructions for use. It should be noted that the equipment described below is provided by the Niagara College Environmental Laboratory and the expectation is that each piece of equipment has been professionally calibrated by a skilled Laboratory Technician and is ready for use. 3.1.1 pH Measuring pH indicates the acidity or basicity of the water. High pH indicates the water is basic and low pH indicates acidity within the water. pH can be measured using the Ultrameter II or the HQ40D meters: Ultrameter II – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse Ultrameter cell cup with sample water 3 times 2. Pour sample into cell cup 3. Take the reading by pressing the pH button 4. Record the measurement 5. Rinse the cell cup with deionized water

HQ40D – Instructions for Use:

1. Unscrew pH probe from KCl solution do not dump out this solution 2. Rinse pH probe with deionized water 3. Put pH probe into sample (Bailer or sample bottle) 4. Move probe up and down to remove bubbles from the electrode 5. Make sure sensor is fully in sample 6. Push ‘Read’ and wait until the reading is locked in 7. Record the measurement 8. Rinse pH probe with deionized water 9. Replace KCl solution by screwing bottle back on the bottom of probe

3.1.2 Temperature Water temperature is an important parameter when determining water quality, as many aquatic species are temperature sensitive. Different species have different temperature preferences, and are therefore found in different habitats. Temperature can be measured using an Ultrameter II, HQ40D meters, or the YSI ProODO Optical Dissolved Oxygen Instrument: Ultrameter II – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse Ultrameter cell cup with sample water 3 times 2. Pour sample into cell cup 3. Take the reading by pressing the any button 4. Record the measurement 5. Rinse the cell cup with deionized water

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HQ40D – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse any probe with deionized water 2. Put probe into sample (Bailer or sample bottle) 3. Move probe up and down to remove bubbles from the electrode 4. Make sure sensor is fully in sample 5. Push ‘Read’ and wait until the reading is locked in 6. Record the measurement 7. Rinse probe with deionized water

YSI ProODO – Instructions for Use:

1. Remove plastic cover from probe 2. Do not unscrew metal protective cage this is to protect the equipment 3. Rinse probe with deionized water 4. Insert probe in the sample 5. Move probe up and down to remove bubbles from the electrode 6. Make sure sensor is fully in sample 7. Press the green ON button and allow meter to startup 8. Allow readings to stabilize, approximately 25-35 seconds 9. Record the measurement 10. Rinse probe with deionized water 11. Return plastic cover to probe

3.2.3 Turbidity Turbidity is the measurement of clarity in water. Water clarity is influenced by suspended solids and dissolved solids within the watershed. Turbidity can be measured using the Orion Turbidity Meter: Orion Turbidity Meter – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse clean, dry sample vial and lid with sample water 3 times 2. Fill sample vial to the 10mL line with sample 3. Cap the vial with black screw cap 4. Wipe the vial with KimWipe to remove any smudges 5. Insert vial into sample well of turbidity meter 6. Cover the vial using the light shield cover 7. Turn on the meter by pressing ON/OFF 8. Press READ/ENTER 9. Record the measurement 10. Rinse vial with deionized water

3.1.4 Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen is the measurement of milligrams of oxygen per liter of water. The majority of aquatic animals require certain levels of oxygen to thrive in their environments. Dissolved oxygen levels fluctuate seasonally, as well as throughout the day; peaking midday and decreasing at night. This is due to organism activity, and water temperature, as cold water holds more oxygen than warm water (Credit Valley Conservation, n.d.). Dissolved Oxygen can be measured using the HQ40D meter and the YSI ProODO Optical Dissolved Oxygen Instrument:

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HQ40D – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse DO probe with deionized water 2. Put probe into sample (Bailer or sample bottle) 3. Move probe up and down to remove bubbles from the electrode 4. Make sure sensor is fully in sample 5. Push ‘Read’ and wait until the reading locks in 6. Record the measurement 7. Rinse probe with deionized water

YSI ProODO – Instructions for Use:

1. Remove plastic cover from probe 2. Do not unscrew metal protective cage this is to protect the equipment 3. Rinse probe with deionized water 4. Insert probe in the sample 5. Move probe up and down to remove bubbles from the electrode 6. Make sure sensor is fully in sample 7. Press the green ON button and allow meter to startup 8. Allow readings to stabilize, approximately 25-35 seconds 9. Record the measurement 10. Rinse probe with deionized water 11. Return plastic cover to probe

3.1.5 Conductivity Conductivity measures the waters ability to pass electrical current. This value is representative of the ions found within the water, and is used as a marker for the quantities of dissolved salts and inorganic materials in the water column (Fondriest, 2016). Significant changes in a conductivity may indicate large quantities of discharge or runoff into the watershed (Credit Valley Conservation, n.d.). Conductivity can be measured using the Ultrameter II or the HQ40D meters: Ultrameter II – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse Ultrameter cell cup with sample water 3 times 2. Pour sample into cell cup 3. Take the reading by pressing the COND button 4. Record the measurement 5. Rinse the cell cup with deionized water

HQ40D – Instructions for Use:

1. Rinse Conductivity probe with deionized water 2. Put probe into sample (Bailer or sample bottle) 3. Move probe up and down to remove bubbles from the electrode 4. Make sure sensor is fully in sample 5. Push ‘Read’ and wait until the reading is locked in 6. Record the measurement 7. Rinse probe with deionized water

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3.2 Surface Water Nine different sites have been chosen for surface water sampling, which include both wetland systems southeast of the main building, a pond located at the south-end of the vineyard, various locations along Six Mile creek, and the holding pond adjacent to the entrance to the NOTL campus off of Taylor Road. Please refer to Figure 1 in Appendix A for a map of the sampling locations. 3.2.1 Sampling Methods Several variables are sampled at each site location and recorded in a neat and organized fashion using a structured field sheet. Please see Appendix B – Sample Surface Water Field Sheet for the sample surface water field sheet. Observations to be recorded include:

− Surrounding Land Uses − Source Water − Vegetation Around Water Body − What does the water look like (is there trash, foam and/or oil?) − Presence of insects − Depth (m) − Coordinates (UTM) or (lat and long) − Is it Deep or Shallow? − Is it Narrow or Wide? − Bank Erosion − Are there lots of logs or rocks?

Parameters are to be measured in-situ to eliminate the risk of changes in water chemistry that can happen over time. As mentioned in Section 3.1 Parametersparameters to be measured include:

− pH − Temperature (oC) − Turbidity − Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and (% saturation) − Conductivity (us/cm)

Grab samples represent the water quality at the time of sampling and can be taken using a sample bottle or bailer. Appropriate caution should be taken to avoid contamination of the samples. Therefore, equipment should be triple rinsed with deionized water or sample water appropriately, and proper sampling techniques should be followed closely. 3.3 Groundwater There are four groundwater wells located around the campus, including three shallow wells and one deep well. One deep and one shallow well are located north of the barn, one shallow well is located west of the residences, and the fourth shallow well is located near the escarpment, south of the vineyard. Please refer to Figure 1 for the sampling locations. 3.3.1 Sampling Methods According to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), several variants must be considered when collecting representative groundwater samples. Some considerations include: temporal issues, seasonal challenges, precipitation levels, agricultural chemical usage, and more (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1993). It is essential to remove stagnant water within the well through purging prior to totaling samples; this ensures the samples are representative of the aquifer and not water left within the well. The method and rate of purging, time

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between purging and sampling itself, depends on the diameter, depth, and recharge rate of the well. Hydraulic conductivity and purge volume should be determined prior to sampling (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1993). Sources of contamination are always a concern when sampling water. Sampling devices and sample containers should be thoroughly rinsed prior to sampling to avoid cross-contamination. It is also good practice to rinse equipment in between samples. Blank samples may be used for quality assurance, to ensure equipment and sampling techniques are not the cause of contamination (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1993). 3.3.2 Groundwater Sampling Protocol This protocol has been adapted from Annie Michaud, a full time faculty member in the School of Environment and Horticultural Studies at Niagara College. Ms. Michaud currently includes on campus groundwater sampling year round in her courses. Several variables are sampled at each site location and recorded in a neat and organized fashion using a structured field sheet. Please see Appendix C – Sample Groundwater Field Sheet for the sample groundwater field sheet. The protocol includes:

1. Calculate the volume of water in the well: Volume of a cylinder (L) = (π/4)*d2 or 0.7854 d2 Where: d = inside well diameter (m) L = length or height of water column inside well casing (m) To find L:

− Use water level tape to obtain water level in well in meters below top of casing (mbtoc) − Subtract the static water level from the total well depth

(*mbtoc = meters below top of casing)

2. Multiply well water volume by 3

3. Convert to Liters – this is how much water it is needed to pump out before you can take you sample (1 m3 = 1000 L) L = total well depth – static water level

4. Begin pumping and keep track of purge volume using a bucket or graduated cylinder

5. Monitor field parameters in purge water and wait for parameters to stabilize: − pH, Conductivity, Temperature

6. Collect your sample when you have pumped 3 volumes (minimum) AND the parameters have stabilized

[NOTE: if the WQ parameters aren’t stable you should keep pumping until they stabilize]

7. Be sure to record all observations and results as outlined in this document

4.0 Results Results are to be recorded in an Excel spreadsheet within Dropbox where the Office of Sustainability has access to them at all time. This spreadsheet should also be saved to Niagara College’s local shared drive for consistency of use. Results should also be submitted to the World Water Monitoring Challenge database via their website and hard copies of field sheets should be kept and filed in the Office of Sustainability. The intention is for results to be compared over time and for key stakeholders to discuss recommendations to improve both surface and groundwater quality on site.

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4.1 Parameters The ideal results for each respective parameter is discussed in the subsequent sections. 4.1.1 pH The ideal pH range for a healthy watershed is between 6.5 and 8.5 as indicated in Figure ; a pH result not within this range can indicate chemical changes or increased biological availability of nutrients in the water (Credit Valley Conservation, n.d.). Generally, more acidic water increases the solubility of heavy metals, which may collect within organisms and cause adverse effects (Washington State, 2011). pH can fluctuate from natural and man-made causes. Increased alkalinity or acidity may affect aquatic life, and deteriorate the overall water quality (Credit Valley Conservation, n.d.). Pollution and runoff into water systems largely contribute to pH changes, and can have drastic results such as acid rain. These changes in pH may be due to runoff, large quantities of limestone and carbonate materials, or wastewater discharge (Fondriest, 2016).

4.1.2 Temperature (oC) Different organisms require different water temperatures to thrive. If the water temperature is too high or too low, organisms may become stressed trying to adapt to this new environment. Water temperature also has a large impact on dissolved oxygen concentrations within the water. Without optimal concentrations of dissolved oxygen, fish and other aquatic species cannot carryout necessary aerobic processes to survive. Additionally, studies have shown that warmer water temperatures may speed up the metabolisms of certain fish species, increasing the demand for dissolved oxygen in water columns (Washington State, 2011). 4.1.3 Turbidity Turbidity refers to the clarity of water, and includes both suspended and dissolved solids. The turbidity is measured by calculating the amount of light that is scattered by particles in a sample. Therefore, turbidity is more of an estimate

Figure 1 Environmental effects of various pH levels (Source: Washington State, 2011)

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of total suspended solids, and to determine the exact value of total suspended and dissolved solids further laboratory tests should be conducted (Fondriest, 2016). Highly turbid water is of concern as it effects sunlight’s ability to penetrate through the water, reducing the photosynthetic potential (Fondriest, 2016). This affects aquatic life as reduced photosynthetic potential reduces food sources and dissolved oxygen for aquatic organisms. It also increases sedimentation within the watershed, which impacts aquatic species living on the bottom of the creek or stream (Fondriest, 2016). 4.1.4 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) Ideal dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations vary from organism to organism. DO may range from 0 mg/L to 18 mg/L, where 0 mg/L would not support aerobic life (Oram, 2014). DO may decrease due to increased water temperature, and an increase in biological oxygen demand (refer to Figure 3). Most dissolved oxygen comes from plants as they go through photosynthesis, taking in carbon dioxide and exporting oxygen to the surrounding water and atmosphere (Credit Valley Conservation, n.d.). Dissolved oxygen can also be diffused into water through aeration, as water tumbles over waterfalls or rapids (Oram, 2014). 4.1.5 Conductivity (us/cm) Conductivity is the measure of ions within the watershed that conduct electricity. Increased conductivity within a watershed may indicate increased salts or minerals within a watershed. This may lead to corrosion issues and increased salinity of the water. 6.0 Conclusion Monitoring water quality is an important way to track changes in an ecosystem and plan necessary remediation activities to maintain the watershed health of the system on and adjacent to the NOTL campus. It is also important to ensure that human activities on Niagara College’s property do not have adverse impacts on the ecosystems that are present on campus. The water systems on site provide important learning opportunities for students and the community by using the campus as a living lab. In addition, larger scale implications must be considered for this monitoring protocol as all water on site drains to a common outlet into Lake Ontario; a primary drinking water source for Southern-Ontario and an important facet of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Implementing a College wide water sampling guideline ensures that monitoring is strategically conducted and results are accurate and consistent. The resulting data collected using these guidelines will assist in identifying any necessary remediation activities, as well as providing a snapshot of overall water quality on Niagara College’s campus. This program will continue to provide relevant learning opportunities for future students who can incorporate water monitoring and remediation projects into their portfolios and volunteer records.

Figure 2 Range of tolerance for dissolved oxygen in fish (Oram, 2014)

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7.0 References Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. (1993). Guidance Manual on Sampling, Analysis, and Data Management for Contaminated Sites. Winnipeg: Minister of the Environment. Credit Valley Conservation. (n.d.). Water Quality Parameters. Retrieved from Watershed Science: http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/watershed-science/watershed-monitoring/real-time-water-quality/water-quality-parameters/#ph Fondriest. (2016). Conductivity, Salinity & Total Dissolved Solids. Retrieved from Fundamentals of Environmental Measurements. Fondriest. (2016). pH of Water. Retrieved from Fundamentals of Environmental Measures: http://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/ph/ Michaud, A. (2017). Well Monitoring. Niagara College. Oram, B. (2014). Dissolved Oxygen in Water. Retrieved from Water Research Center: http://www.water-research.net/index.php/dissovled-oxygen-in-water Washington State. (2011, June). The Environmental Importance of the Different Impairments. Retrieved from Department of Ecology: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/impairments/impairments.html

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8.0 Appendices Appendix A

Figure 1 Sampling site locations at Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

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Appendix B – Sample Surface Water Field Sheet

Date Location Time Weather Summary

(sun/cloud/mix/rain/temperature) Crew

Members

Recent Precipitation? (48 Hours)

Observations Surrounding Land Uses Source Water Vegetation Around Water Body What does the water look like? Is there trash, foam and/or oil?

Are insects or wildlife present? In Streams Deep or Shallow? Narrow or Wide? Is Bank Eroding? Are there lots of logs or rocks?

Site Number: Site Name:

Coordinates (UTM) or (lat and long) pH Temperature (°C) Turbidity (NTU) DO (mg/L and % saturated) Conductivity (us/cm)

Appendix C – Sample Groundwater Field Sheet

Date Location Time Weather Summary

(sun/cloud/mix/rain/temperature) Crew Members

Recent Precipitation? (48 Hours)

Site Number: Site Name: Coordinates (UTM) or (lat and long) Volume of Water in Well: Length or height of water column inside well casing in meters: Diameter in meters: Volume = (π/4)*d2 Volume * 3 purges:

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Volume in Litres: Field Parameters: pH Conductivity Dissolved Oxygen Temperature Turbidity