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What’s ‘Water Classification’? – A Fact Sheet

June 28, 2012

Questions about Water Classification? We’ve prepared this handy fact sheet for you.

The Water Classification Regulation:

  • is a regulation under the Clean Water Act
  • was introduced in 2002
  • is used to set goals for water quality and promote management of water on a watershed basis to protect, maintain or improve the water quality of New Brunswick’s lakes and rivers
  • establishes water quality classes and standards and outlines the administrative processes and requirements related to the classification of water

Classification of water consists of a 4-step process:

Step 1: Identifying and involving stakeholders and the public
Early in the process, the public is notified in newspapers and other means that the evaluation step has begun. Since evaluation may take a few years, several opportunities are created for the public and stakeholders to become knowledgeable about the classification process and become involved such as public meetings, focus
groups and newspaper advertisements.

Step 2: Evaluating the river system
Evaluation consists of monitoring and sampling over a period of years to determine chemical, physical and biological properties and aquatic life; assessing past, present
and potential uses of land and water; and provide opportunities to develop stakeholder and public consensus on the classification.

Step 3: Establising a vision for the watershed and selecting classes
Once the existing quality of a watercourse is known, the community can work to establish a vision for future water quality and to select a class for the water which would help to acheive the vision. A recommendation is presented to the Minister who undertakes a final public engagement activity to confirm the consensus reached on classification. The Minister then makes the final decision, considering the evaluation and consultation process and informs the public.

Step 4) Implementing classification, including the development of an action plan
In part, water quality goals set through water classification will be achieved through compliance and enforcement activities. Action can be undertaken by watershed groups and stakeholders through activities that protect or improve the quality of the water. Monitoring will help determine if water quality standards are being met and the Department of Environment and Local Government proposes carrying out the monitoring in cooperation with stakeholder groups, with an emphasis on volunteer
monitoring.

Requirements for waters classified under the regulation

Once a watercourse is classified, the water quality standards associated with the class will apply – it will be an offense to use the water or the land within the watershed associated with the watercourse in a way that will, directly or indirectly, cause the quality of the water to cease to meet the class standards or impede or stop any progress in
improvement toward meeting the class standard.

Reclassification can occur only after careful evaluation and public consultation, following a process similar to the procedure that was used to classify the water.

6 Classes for water quality

Outstanding Natural Waters

  • AP – Designated Drinking Water Supplies
  • AL – Lakes not classified as O or AP
  • A – Excellent Water Quality
  • B –  Good Water Quality
  • C –  Acceptable Water Quality

Sources
Overview: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.201090.html
Planning for Water Quality: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0003/0001-e.asp
A Guide to New Brunswick’s Water Classification Regulation: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0371/0003/waterclass-e.pdf

Download a copy of this Fact Sheet on Water Classification [.pdf]

Prepared by the Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc., June 2012

Filed Under: News & Events Tagged With: fact sheet, nashwaak watershed, new brunswick, water classification

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Mr. Woodcock's talented gr 12 FHS music class joined us at Marysville Flats this week! We talked climate change and floodplain restoration. We're excited to hear what they create from their Nashwaak River trip. Kudos to the NB Dept of Ed for supporting this awesome experience! https://t.co/6nGyCy7XBP

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Thanks for supporting this outdoor learning opportunity. Come visit anytime. It was a pleasure to spend time talking about water, climate change and floodplain restoration. @ASD_West @ASDWLimelight @FHSkats @CityFredGov @CityFredRec #eaunbwater #mynashwaak https://t.co/ALhfzSS123

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Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.

2 hours ago

Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
It’s almost time for river ice monitoring! Each year, we conduct river ice surveys along the Nashwaak River throughout the winter and spring as a part of GNB’s River Watch Program. The information collected in these ground-based surveys helps the province keep track of the state of our rivers and streams, and can actually be used to forecast potential floods. During the surveys, we record ice types and concentrations, snow and ice thickness, surface and shore conditions, and many other parameters. This information is especially important to collect during ice jams, as they can increase water levels upstream and result in flooding. Keep an eye out for us along the Nashwaak and check back for more ice monitoring updates over the coming months. #MyNashwaak #eauNBwater ... See MoreSee Less

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Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.

21 hours ago

Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
A big thank you to everyone who who whooo joined us and @atlanticducks for the first of our three Owls, Stars and Snowshoes events. It was beautiful evening to be in the winter forest with you folks ❄️🌲🦉#nighthike #owlcalling #community #hotchocolate #nashwaakwatershed ... See MoreSee Less

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Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.

4 days ago

Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
Though still SOLD OUT, we wanted to make sure everyone knew that our event has been moved to Sunday the 5th due to the extremely cold forecast tomorrow. Same time, same place, same adventure. If you have tickets and this is news to you, please check your junk mail for any missed Eventbrite updates. Cheers ... See MoreSee Less

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Contact Us

Mail:
Nashwaak Watershed Association Inc.
P.O. Box 314, Station “A”
Fredericton, NB
E3B 4Y2

Office:
181 Westmorland Street
Fredericton, NB
E3B 3L6
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Phone: 506 447-9699
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