A key step in the achievement of these outcomes for the NSR basin is the establishment of site-specific water quality objectives.  The NSWA has initiated a process to develop objectives and has prepared this report to:

• inform stakeholders about water quality conditions in the NSR
• identify important water uses and key water quality indicators, and
• propose future, site-specific water quality objectives  

The objectives proposed in this report are intended to inform and initiate stakeholder discussion on the management of the future water quality in the North Saskatchewan River.  The implications for maintaining or, in a few cases, improving water quality are significant and need to be carefully considered with respect to social, economic and environmental priorities.  The key questions will be: are the objectives protective enough, (or possibly too protective); are they realistically achievable; and how will they be achieved? What are the implications of implementing the objectives as proposed?

The NSWA welcomes a full discussion among stakeholders and the public in order to arrive at a consensus about water quality objectives.  These objectives will form a key component of the Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the North Saskatchewan River.

Please contribute your ideas and advice to NSWA by providing direct feedback through the contact form (http://nswa.ab.ca/contact). You will receive an email receipt of your comments and NSWA staff will take note of your feedback and respond to any questions.