Online: The Five Year Report of the Committee.

Water monitoring

Runoff sampling, spring 2004

Runoff sampling of Spirit Creek Watershed began April 6 and completed April 14, 2004 during full flow conditions. Two additional sites were sampled this year to enable better monitoring of the runoff from land north and east of the farrowing barn. The samples were again analysed at the Provincial Laboratory in Regina. The runoff sampling program will be continued next spring or after a major rainfall event.

In comparing last year's analysis to this year the following results were noted:
Upstream from the barns and manured fields:

• 80% of the sites showed the same or lower values for conductivity, sulphate, total alkalinity, sodium, ammonia, total phosphorous and total coliforms;
• 100% were higher values for pH, and total kjedahl nitrogen;
• 60% were higher in fecal streptococci.

Downstream from the barns and manured fields:

• 90% of the sites showed lower values for total alkalinity.
• 80% of the sites showed lower values for conductivity and pH.
• 70% were lower in sulphates.
• 55% were lower in sodium.
• 90% were higher in ammonia.
• 80% were higher in total phosphorous, total coliforms, fecal streptococci and total kjedahl nitrogen.

The sampling this spring showed that high amounts of bacteria survived the winter throughout the watershed. This is the first experience we have had, but apparently this natural phenomenon has occurred in similar sampling taken previously in Alberta and Manitoba. (Source: South Tobacco Creek Manured Watershed Runoff Study, Green & Turner, 2002)

This year we were able to obtain samples from three sites directly downstream from fields that received manure last fall. All three showed higher than average values for ammonia and total kjedahl nitrogen. Two sites showed higher than average values for total phosphorous. These values improved a few miles downstream. There were also high nutrient values being flushed from Jog Marsh at the same time. These values also improved downstream from Peterson Lake. Samples taken at Good Spirit Lake this spring show normal values when compared to last year.

The sampling of six sites on the Swan River and Maloneck Creek was also completed on April 14, 2004. This sampling is now discontinued until further development occurs.

Well and dugout (ground and surface) water sampling:

Sampling of nine wells and twenty-five dugouts was completed on May 5, 2004. This brings to an end the regular spring and fall sampling of wells and dugouts that was carried out since the fall of 2000. We feel that we have sufficient baseline data now should it be needed for any future monitoring.

Over four hundred samples were collected and analyzed during this period. We feel that many have benefited with a better understanding of the quality of their water supply. We extend our sincere thanks to all who participated in this program for their cooperation.

Runoff sampling, spring 2003

Runoff sampling began on March 31 and continued through April 9 and concluded May 14 when the last sample was obtained at Spirit Creek and Grid #651. A total of 16 sites were sampled. These sites are located both upstream and downstream of Big Sky's three hog barns and manured fields near Rama. Because of near normal snowfall last winter, the snowmelt provided substantially more surface runoff than the previous year.

Only one site, #11, again had insufficient runoff to obtain a sample. This particular site had no manured fields in its drainage area. Site #9 was relocated to #9A which is just downstream from a field that received manure last year. Site #17, which is the last sampling point before Spirit Creek enters Good Spirit Lake was sampled on May 14 thus allowing ample time for the flow from the upper reaches work its way through Jog Marsh and Peterson Lake.

The samples taken were grab samples which indicate the conditions that exist in that particular moment. Photographs and GPS coordinates were recorded for each site. At each sampling location five bottles were filled: two for bacteria, one for preserved ammonia, one for metals and another for the major ions, nutrients, dissolved solids etc. All samples were sent to the Provincial Laboratory in Regina for analysis.

In comparing last year's analysis to this year the following results were noted:

Upstream from the barns and manured fields:

• 100% of the sites showed lower values for conductivity, sulphate, total alkalinity and sodium;
• 80% of the sites showed lower values for pH, and fecal coliforms;
• 100% were higher in ammonia;
• 80% were higher in total kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphates and fecal streptococci;
• 60% were higher in total coliforms.

Downstream from the barns and manured fields:

• 100% of the sites were lower values for conductivity and sulphates;
• 90% of the sites showed lower values for sodium;
• 80% of the sites were the same or lower in total alkalinity and fecal coliforms;
• 70% of the sites were the same or lower in pH;
• 80% were higher in ammonia;
• 70% were higher in fecal streptococci;
• 60% were higher in total kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphates and total colifoms.

Looking at these results it would appear that the hog operation has no more adverse effect on the environment than the normal farming operations upstream. The nutrient values, (N & P), in the runoff seems to increase with the amount of water flow. These increased nutrients will cause unwanted weed and algal growth in the creeks, sloughs and lakes making them unsuitable for livestock watering and recreation. Perhaps it is time that methods are used which will keep these expensive products on the farmlands and out of the water systems.

It much is too early in our monitoring program to draw any conclusions. More years of sampling need to be done.

Reports (click to view in PDF format):

Well sampling results, 2002-04
Dugout sampling results, 2002-04
Spring Runoff sampling results, 2001-04

Map of the SCWMC water sampling area (504 Kb)