Government of Yukon surface water quality monitoring network
The Government of Yukon and Government of Canada co-operate a long-term monitoring network to monitor freshwater quality on major Yukon rivers. This monitoring network is also supported by other federal and Indigenous partners.
We monitor:
- water temperature; and
- metals and nutrients in the water.
Benthic biomonitoring is also conducted occasionally. This involves collecting and identifying benthic (bottom-dwelling) macroinvertebrates as another indicator of aquatic ecosystem health.
Data collected from the network is used to calculate the Water Quality Index (WQI) at monitoring stations. This indicator is site-specific and is a useful way to track changes in water quality over time.
Learn more about the water quality monitoring network and WQI scores.
The Government of Yukon also monitors groundwater quality. Learn more about groundwater monitoring.
Rusting streams in the Yukon
A recent study published by McMaster University and Carleton University found some rivers, creeks and streams in northern and central Yukon are changing colour to orange, rust red or milky white. Read the study.
These observed changes are linked to a natural process called sulfide mineral oxidation. As permafrost thaws, changes in groundwater flow and water chemistry can expose minerals that react with oxygen. This can affect water colour and chemistry.
What this means for freshwater quality
Permafrost thaw can release nutrients, metals and organic material that were previously frozen in the ground. This can:
- change water chemistry;
- increase the amount of metals in the water; and
- in some cases, increase acidity.
In other cases, natural iron cycling can create orange‑red deposits without increasing acidity. The effects vary depending on local geology and water movement.
Currently, we do not know the full extent of how or where water is being affected. Research is also ongoing to better understand how these changes may affect aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.
Monitoring efforts
The Government of Yukon monitors freshwater quality across the territory. This work helps us understand how water quality is changing over time.
Monitoring activities include:
- collecting water samples at established sites;
- expanding monitoring to new locations;
- conducting aerial surveys to identify affected streams; and
- analyzing long-term trends in water quality.
This work supports understanding of impacts on aquatic ecosystems and water use.
Report unusual water
You can help by reporting unusual water conditions.
Report water that is:
- orange or rust-coloured;
- milky white; or
- otherwise unusual.
Include photos, exact location and the date of your observation. Email: [email protected]
