Data Requests

The Water Quality Management Section in the Department of Environment and Climate Change operates several long-term water quality monitoring programs across the province to protect the health of Manitoba’s aquatic ecosystems.  Since the early 1970s, the province has collected water quality data for over 350 bodies of water (lakes, rivers, streams). These data are available to the public upon request.

Available water quality monitoring data include: general chemistry (e.g., pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen), physical parameters (e.g., temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, turbidity), ionic constituents (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate), carbon constituents (e.g., total carbon, inorganic carbon, dissolved organic carbon), nutrients (e.g., total phosphorus, total nitrogen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia), trace elements (e.g., metals) and Escherichia coli. Some samples are collected and analyzed for the algal toxin microcystin, phytoplankton species composition and enumeration, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and estrogenic compounds. In addition, sediment chemistry and benthic invertebrate species composition and enumeration are also collected and analyzed on a routine basis from a limited number of sites.

Manitoba recognizes the importance of sharing reliable and validated water quality data with the public to increase understanding and public awareness of water quality conditions in the province. This information also supports scientific research and strengthens our relationships with data users.

To obtain provincial water quality data, please fill out the data request form: Surface Water Quality Data Request Form