Surfrider’s volunteer water quality monitoring program provides water quality information to protect public health at the beach.
Why is water testing important?
Everyone deserves access to clean water to surf, swim and play in. The Blue Water Task Force is Surfrider’s volunteer water quality monitoring program that provides critical water quality information to protect public health at the beach. This allows us to raise awareness of local pollution problems and to bring together communities to implement solutions.
We measure water quality in recreational waters and compare those results to local water quality standards. This involves frequent water sampling and lab analysis alongside environmental surveys.
Where and HOw often do we test?
We are currently piloting our program at Kitsilano Beach. We will compare our results to those taken by the City of Vancouver on behalf of Vancouver Coastal Health in order to ensure accuracy. Once we are confident in our sampling and analysis protocol, we will expand to additional sites.
Vancouver Coastal Health takes samples during the summer months of May to September at popular recreational beaches in the city. We hope to expand coverage to the spring, fall and winter seasons to provide water quality information to those involved in year-round recreation in the water.
Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force
Our chapter has joined Surfrider’s international network of chapters in setting up a local Blue Water Task Force. Together these chapters around the world have taken over 100,000 samples since 2017 across nearly hundreds of sites in North America.
What are some local water quality issues?
Parts of Vancouver face water quality issues that residents should be aware of to make informed decisions prior to entering the waterways.
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)
False Creek is particularly susceptible to sewage pollution due to the five known sewer outfalls that often experience combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during storm and rain events. Therefore, it is essential to inform the recreational water users of these events year-round.
Poor Wildlife Habitat Quality
Vancouver's hardened shoreline destroys wildlife habitats crucial for sensitive aquatic species. Their absence allows invasive and pollution-tolerant species to replace them, amplifying water pollution. Aquatic life naturally cleanses waters, so their decline worsens surrounding water pollution.
Chemical Pollution
The heavy industrial presence in Burrard Inlet raises concerns about chemical pollution. Industrial sources and petroleum stations can introduce harmful chemicals into waterways. Monitoring water quality provides evidence to advocate for healthier waterways and allows swimmers to make informed decisions.
Take Action
To get involved and help us test our local waters, please contact volunteercoordinator@vancouver.surfrider.ca.