Water quality and community attitudes at three sites of inaccessible water

Recreational waters offer many benefits to society and public health. However, they can become risky when contaminated by disease-causing microbes. To ensure public safety, water quality is monitored at developed recreational water locations in compliance with the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines. In the interests of improving quality of life and local water quality, municipal and community groups including partner organization Swim Drink Fish work to identify new locations for recreational water on Burrard Inlet. This project comprises two sub-projects. One monitors microbial levels at potential sites for development, helping build a database for future use. The other surveys nearby residents to understand their connection to water, barriers they face in access, and their desires for better access to water in their neighborhood. The two subprojects are connected by the site-specific data on water quality and the relationship that locals have with water.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jane Fowler;Michael Schmitt

Student:

Partner:

Swim Drink Fish

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: