EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY IN THE TAKU WATERSHED, B.C

Water samples were taken along the Taku watershed from 8 sites to test for 47 trace elements, including heavy metals associated with relevant mining contamination. Samples indicated good water quality in 5 of 8 sites, with 3 sites containing high concentrations of elements in comparison to ambient concentrations (AC) and aquatic-life water-quality criterion (ADEC), however these elements are likely not a threat to the overall health of the watershed (Neal, 2007). Concentrations of Pb may be of concern but further study would be required. Elements of concern in previous studies are within healthy parameters.