The Government of Yukon conducts science and works with partners on research studies to better understand Yukon’s water. We also develop guidance for industry and conduct audits of water-related projects that may impact Yukon waters.
Read project information sheets to learn about research on water in the Yukon.
Every year we undertake projects to learn more about Yukon’s water resources.
Flood mapping
Flood hazard maps are being developed for 14 flood-prone communities in the Yukon.
Aquifer mapping
An aquifer is a natural underground geological layer that stores and transmits groundwater. It can act as a reservoir, supplying water for drinking and other uses, which can be accessed through springs and wells.
The purpose of this project is to identify, map and classify aquifers underlying Yukon communities and build a foundation for future groundwater-related work in these areas.
Reports:
- Carmacks aquifer mapping report
- Chu Íntthi aquifer map and description (Carmacks)
- Łots'an aquifer map and description (Carmacks)
- Liard River Basin transboundary aquifer assessment ‒summary
- Liard River Basin transboundary aquifer assessment - full report
Assessing Groundwater in the Whitehorse Area (AGWA)
This 3-year (2024-2026) project aims to better understand the chemistry of groundwater under the City of Whitehorse and its surroundings.
Reports:
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that are found in air, soil, freshwater, oceans, plants and animals, and in several components of our diet. This project aims to better understand microplastics in the Yukon’s freshwater and develop protocols for long-term monitoring.
Reports:
- Microplastic monitoring in the Yukon River
- Yukon Microplastics in freshwater report: state of science review and sampling Program
- Microplastics in Yukon’s freshwater: pilot monitoring project - summary
- Microplastics in Yukon freshwater: 2021-2022 sampling report
Regional flow frequency analysis
This project developed a better way to estimate how much water is in streams during peak flows. This work informs how roads, bridges and other water-related projects are designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Reports:
Uranium and arsenic
Learn about uranium and arsenic in surface water and groundwater in the Dawson Range region. This study looks at what causes the release of uranium from mine waste rock in the study area.
Reports:
- Uranium and arsenic in the baseline environment, Dawson Range, Yukon: February 2021 update
- Uranium and arsenic in the natural environment
Cumulative impacts
A study was conducted on the South McQuesten River/Et’o Nyäk Tagé to review historical data and impacts to water quality and develop water quality objectives to inform future management.
Reports:
- South McQuesten River – Et’o Nyäk Tagé cumulative impacts study
- South McQuesten River/Et'o Nyäk Tagé cumulative impacts study project summary
- Water quality objective derivation for the South McQuesten River, Yukon
Baseline water assessments
Regional water resources characterization provides an in-depth analysis of existing conditions in specific regions.
Reports:
Hydrology
- Streamflow and water level monitoring: an overview
- Snowpack and meteorological monitoring: an overview
Transboundary waters
Water resources audits
Water resources audits are scientific examinations conducted by the Government of Yukon to assess potential impacts to surface and groundwater quality and quantity from water-related activities (e.g. water treatment facilities, mines, aquaculture). Results from audits inform input into environmental review and assessment processes.
Mining activities
- 2024 - Arctic Gold and Silver abandoned mine site
- 2022 - Keno Mine Audit Report
- 2022 - Silver Hart Site
- 2021 - Ketza River Mine
- 2021 - Mt Nansen/Enozhí Ddhäw Property
- 2020 - Brewery Creek
- 2019 - Keno Silver Mining District
- 2019 - Eagle Gold Mine
- 2019 - Brewery Creek Mine
Municipal wastewater treatment facilities
- 2025 - Eagle Plains Lodge
- 2024 - Dawson City Municipal Wastewater Facility
- 2023 - Ross River Municipal Wastewater Facility
- 2023 - Crestview Sewage Lagoon
- 2022 - Mayo Wastewater Treatment Facility
- 2022 - Lobird Mobile Home Park
- 2020 - Marsh Lake Wastewater Treatment Facility
- 2019 - Whitehorse Wastewater Treatment Facility- supplementary report
- 2018 - Haines Junction Wastewater Treatment Facility
- 2018 - Whitehorse Wastewater Treatment Facility
Miscellaneous
- 2023 - Dempster Highway Sewage Pit Facility
- 2021 - Icy Waters Ltd.
- 2020 - City of Whitehorse Stormwater
Regional water characterizations
Regional water resources characterization provide an in-depth analysis of existing conditions in specific regions.
The Government of Yukon operates/co-operates several water monitoring networks to collect long-term water data. Each of these networks are composed of a number of sites which collect information such as hydrometeorological, water quantity and quality data.
Read a description of water data networks operated or co-operated by the Government of Yukon.
Find water data
Access to water data and information are available to the public through a variety of portals.
Water Data Explorer
The Water Data Explorer is the new data sharing application, providing access to water-related data in the Yukon. You can plot, map or download water data as well as meteorological data at sites across the Yukon.
Historical data is also available on the Water Data Explorer, allowing you to compare current conditions to past conditions.
View the Water Data Explorer.
Government of Yukon meteorological data repository
The Government of Yukon's meteorological data repository includes meteorological data collected at 10 snow monitoring network locations, as well as other weather stations throughout the territory. Some of these data are also available on the Water Data Explorer.
View the meteorological data repository.
Yukon Water Well Registry
The Yukon Water Well Registry provides information on the location of water wells in the Yukon and allows users to view or download well records.
View the Yukon water well registry map.
For questions about water research and assessments, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-3171 or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 3171.