BC Water Quality Guidelines

Question 1

When calculating Zinc what do you need to know?

Answer 1

pH, Hardness and DOC

Question 2

In fish, what is a common problem hey experience in high zinc contaminated water?

Answer 2

In fish, zinc interferes with gill uptake of calcium (Hogstrand et al. 1994;
Spry and Wood 1985)

Question 3

When calculating copper what do you need to know?

Answer 3

You need to use the “BLM” program. You need pH, hardness, DOC

Question 4

What is the concern with chromium 6?

Answer 4

Hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic (lung, nasal and sinus cancer). For fish there is evidence it causes DNA damage, as well as behavioural and physical alteration such as endocrine issues and increase chance of an embolism.

Question 5

When there is an exceedance of water quality what needs to occur?

Answer 5

If the exceedance is above municipal bylaw, they need to be notified. If it exceeds CCME guidelines EMBC needs to be notified. There is potential CCME does not need to be notified if a QEP

Question 6

What is the water quality exceedance for freshwater for chromium (VI)

Answer 6

Long Term= 1 ug/L
Short Term= none