A network of 40 wells has been monitored monthly since the late 1970s. Analysis has focused on nitrate levels in the groundwater, but samples are occasionally analyzed for pesticides. Reduced funding in recent years has resulted in a reduction in the number of wells being sampled and the frequency of sampling. Wells, dugouts, streams, and lakes were checked for nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria. Federal, provincial, private sector, and university researchers were involved.
Monitoring continues under other programs.
Central Canada Ontario has 200 stations to monitor the water quality of streams and rivers, down from a peak of about 2700 stations in the 1970s. Sampling is currently carried out eight times a year, and the water is analyzed for major ions, including nitrate. Pesticide analysis is not done routinely. These watersheds are monitored in more detail, including pesticide analysis of surface water samples. Provincial agencies do not publish long-term trend data or assessments.