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→Recent Local Findings
*In Ontario chloride concentrations (Cl<sup>-</sup>) are measured monthly under the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN)<ref>Ontario Government. 2021. Provincial (Stream) Water Quality Monitoring Network. https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/provincial-stream-water-quality-monitoring-network (Accessed: 25 Mar., 2022)</ref>. Concentrations in the mouth of the Don River has showcased levels three times that of the Canadian Water Quality Guidance (CWQG) for long-term chronic effects to the environment and species.
*In Ontario chloride concentrations (Cl<sup>-</sup>) are measured monthly under the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN)<ref>Ontario Government. 2021. Provincial (Stream) Water Quality Monitoring Network. https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/provincial-stream-water-quality-monitoring-network (Accessed: 25 Mar., 2022)</ref>. Concentrations in the mouth of the Don River has showcased levels three times that of the Canadian Water Quality Guidance (CWQG) for long-term chronic effects to the environment and species.
*Although the PWQMN has ben an excellent tool for following the long-term trends of median concentration levels in the province's watersheds due to the infrequency of sampling, peak values will at times be missed, and extreme values and extreme values and outliers that result in excessive salt and chloride loadings in key areas with species at risk, etc.
*Although the PWQMN has ben an excellent tool for following the long-term trends of median concentration levels in the province's watersheds due to the infrequency of sampling, peak values will at times be missed, and extreme values and extreme values and outliers that result in excessive salt and chloride loadings in key areas with species at risk, etc.
*As a result, TRCA, along with its partners began a monitoring project at the mouths of the major tributaries within the GTA using high-frequency sensors, which make readings ever 15 mins.
*As a result, TRCA, along with its partners began a monitoring project at the mouths of the major tributaries within the GTA using high-frequency conductivity sensors, which make readings every 15 mins.
*Some of the results from their monitoring work found
*Some of the results from their monitoring work found
**''Highland Creek'': 70 times the CWQG limit for chronic effects & 13 times the CWQG limit for acute effects of aquatic organisms.
**''Highland Creek'': (Peak concentration of ''8,400 mg/L'') - 70 times the CWQG limit for chronic effects & 13 times the CWQG limit for acute effects of aquatic organisms.
**''Duffins Creek'': 25 times the CWQG limit for chronic effects & ~5 times the CWQG limit for acute effects of aquatic organisms.
**''Duffins Creek'': (Peak concentration of ''~3,000 mg/L'') - 25 times the CWQG limit for chronic effects & ~5 times the CWQG limit for acute effects of aquatic organisms.
*These high values pose a considerable threat to fish, aquatic organisms, and ecosystem health overall - especially considering the frequency and duration of these values in major watercourses in urbanized areas of the province. The findings highlight the need for increased water monitoring efforts and requirements for new sensor technology to capture and accurate representation of the current state of our rivers and streams. (Wallace, et al. 2022.<ref>Wallace, A., Hitch, C., Ruppert, J., Chomicki, K., Cartwright, L., and VanSeters, T. 2022. Freshwater Salinization. Water Canada. January/February 2022. WC122. Digital. https://cdn.watercanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/17161341/WC122_JanFeb2022_DIGITAL.pdf</ref>
*These high values pose a considerable threat to fish, aquatic organisms, and ecosystem health overall - especially considering the frequency and duration of these values in major watercourses in urbanized areas of the province. The findings highlight the need for increased water monitoring efforts and requirements for new sensor technology to capture and accurate representation of the current state of our rivers and streams. (Wallace, et al. 2022.<ref>Wallace, A., Hitch, C., Ruppert, J., Chomicki, K., Cartwright, L., and VanSeters, T. 2022. Freshwater Salinization. Water Canada. January/February 2022. WC122. Digital. https://cdn.watercanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/17161341/WC122_JanFeb2022_DIGITAL.pdf</ref>