A sufficient level of interest was generated at the October 2012 workshop to build support for a subsequent Planning Workshop which was held in October 2014 in the Municipality of Yarmouth. The Planning and Advisory Committee of the Municipality of Yarmouth had recommended the Council endorse the concept and support in principle the initiative to establish a sustainable volunteer water quality monitoring program in the Carleton area. The Council supported the recommendation, and with this momentum the participants at the workshop agreed to move forward and formally structure a Steering Committee to establish and oversee a volunteer based water quality monitoring program. The Municipality of Yarmouth agreed to host the Steering Committee and provide logistical and staff support.

The Steering Committee adopted Terms of Reference at its November 18, 2016 meeting. The Terms of Reference define the scope of the Committee’s work, outline the vision and mandate of the committee and its goals and objectives. The structure of the Committee is designed to include membership from The Municipalities of the Districts of Argyle, Clare and Yarmouth, the Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association, TREPA, MTRI, Nova Scotia Environment, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Power Inc. and the Coordinator of the Community Based Volunteer Monitoring Program. The Committee generally meets twice a year, in the spring and fall, to plan the annual water sampling program and to review and report on the results of the program.

One of the goals and objectives of the Steering Committee is to establish and maintain a body of water quality data to be available as a resource for government and all other interested parties to assess water quality trends in the Carleton River watershed area. This website contributes to achieving this goal by providing access to the minutes of Committee meetings, links to related studies, reports and related material on studies and issues in the area, and the water quality monitoring data collected by the volunteers. The Steering Committee welcomes all interested persons and groups to share in the stewardship of Nova Scotia watersheds.

Below is a list of Water Quality Surveys as well as minutes of the Carleton River Watershed Area Steering Committee.


Carleton River Watershed Area Terms of Reference November 2021

Water Quality Survey of Nine Lakes in the Carleton River Watershed Area March 2009

Water Quality Survey of Ten Lakes in the Carleton River Watershed Area October 2010

Water Quality Survey of Ten Lakes in the Carleton River Watershed Area January 2011

Results of the 2011 Water Quality Survey of Ten Lakes in the Carleton River Watershed Area

Assessment of the Sources and Magnitudes of Nutrient Inputs Responsible for Degradation of Water Quality in Carleton River Watershed Area January 2012