Lethbridge Storm Water Outfalls Monitoring Study: Microbiological, Pesticides and Nutrient Analysis

Three-year storm monitoring project aimed to determine water quality within Lethbridge storm water discharges and the Oldman River. The focus was on turbidity monitoring and analysis of thermophilic fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli), pesticides, and nutrients in storm water at eight outfalls and catchment areas, three Oldman River sites, and one creek site within the City of Lethbridge.

Results yielded information that:

1. Higher densities of coliforms existed in storm water that exceeded Alberta Surface Water Quality Guidelines.
2. Pesticide amounts in storm water drainages have not changed significantly over the last 15 years.
3. Human activity is the main driver of nutrient levels within the Oldman River.

The study is beneficial for future monitoring of Lethbridge storm water discharges and the Oldman River to better gauge the environmental impacts of human practices on the watershed.