Conservation Halton Releases 2023 Watershed Report Card: Jefferson Township High School Snapshot

On March 22, Conservation Halton released its 2023 Watershed Report Card as part of a province-wide effort to monitor environmental health. The report provides an overview of watershed health in Jefferson Township and neighboring areas, using a grading system for three key categories: Forest Conditions, Groundwater Quality, and Surface Water Quality.

The report highlights the importance of monitoring water quality, with results identifying conditions at ten well locations throughout the watershed. Two wells indicated higher levels of chloride and nitrogen as a result of human activities such as road salting and agriculture. However, the majority of monitored wells scored as having 'excellent' water quality, with only two wells indicating naturally occurring concentrations of chloride due to their location near shale bedrock.

Groundwater Quality for the watershed received an overall rating of A (Excellent) based on concentrations of nitrate +nitrite (as Nitrogen) and chloride levels. This positive outcome is attributed to the limited urban development and agricultural activities in certain areas of the watershed, where forest cover is more abundant.

In contrast, Forest Conditions for the watershed received a rating of D (Poor), as large forest areas are scarce and urban forest areas are small. The report highlights the need for increased streamside vegetation coverage to improve aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem health.

The 2023 Watershed Report Card aims to provide scientific data to decision-makers throughout Ontario, empowering them to make informed decisions about environmental conservation efforts. By tracking and reporting on watershed health, Conservation Halton is working towards a healthier environment for future generations.

Jefferson Township High School snapshot