PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOURCE: Fondation Rivières, City of Chambly
Montreal, June 26, 2024 - To mark Water Month, Fondation Rivières and the City of Chambly are releasing the following results of a 2nd study which reveals that water quality in the Chambly basin has very good potential for dry-weather swimming. The results of this portrait of microbiological water quality in the basin pave the way for new, environmentally-friendly uses of the river.
Encouraging results
The results of samples taken in 2023 confirm that water quality at the Centre nautique Gervais-Désourdy is suitable for swimming, with an average of 19 CFU/100 ml in dry weather. CFUs (colony-forming units) are a measure of the concentration of bacteria in the water. E. Coli in water. Visit E. Coli are harmless fecal coliforms, but are indicators of the possible presence of pathogenic microorganisms. The Canadian recommendation is that the geometric mean of bacterial counts in freshwater should not exceed 200 CFU/100 ml to be considered suitable for swimming. In the case of Chambly, this average is 61 CFU/100 ml.
A period of dry weather corresponds to any day on which precipitation over the last three days, including the current day, is less than 5 mm. However, when it rains, water quality deteriorates and is not always suitable for swimming, since wastewater overflows can temporarily contaminate waterways, as is the case in many parts of Quebec.
The Chambly basin is popular with both motorized and non-motorized water sports enthusiasts. In this respect, the study confirms that in dry weather, water quality standards for non-contact water sports (1,000 CFU/100 ml in Quebec) have always been met, at both study sites. In wet weather, non-motorized water sports enthusiasts are protected by the closure of the Centre nautique Gervais-Désourdy. In times of heavy rain over several days, caution is still advised before venturing onto the basin, and it's best to wait 48 hours after the rain has stopped before coming into contact with the water.
Register for the Grand Splash de Chambly
A study consistent with the Chambly guidelines
In its Environmental Policy 2022, the City of Chambly has committed to monitoring water quality and facilitating access to it on its territory. The City has monitored water quality in 2022 and 2023 by analyzing samples taken at the Centre nautique Gervais-Désourdy and in front of the municipal wharf. We will continue on this path to ensure the safety of our users, while continuing our efforts to raise awareness and monitor water quality.
For better sharing of the Richelieu River
"The municipality is committed to continuing and improving its efforts to protect the Richelieu River. It has been confirmed that the water in the basin easily meets Canadian standards for swimming, which is reassuring for our many users and more than interesting for the possibilities to be developed in the future," explains Alexandra Labbé, Mayor of Chambly.
"The Richelieu River is ideal for swimming and water sports of all kinds. The opening of swimming areas and the growth of activities such as paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking will lead us to develop models for sustainable cohabitation between these different activities," says Fondation Rivières General Manager André Bélanger.
There is currently only one public swimming beach on the Richelieu River, located in Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix.
A Grand Splash in Chambly again this summer
To demonstrate its commitment to continuing and improving its efforts to protect the Richelieu River and enhance its nautical and recreational potential, the City of Chambly will be holding a meeting on the Richelieu River. 2nd edition Grand Splash At Gervais-Désourdy Nautical Center this summer. A diversified program is offered this year, with the participation of the triathlon club le Trifort de Chambly with an open-water swimming demonstration, and free rental of dragon boats and competition kayaks by the OBC Canoe Club.
Under the umbrella of Fondation Rivières, the Grand Splash is an event designed to democratize access to waterways. The public is invited to take to the water at safe locations that do not have the status of public water access, but have the potential to become so.
Methodology
Fondation Rivières, supported by the Centre nautique Gervais-Désourdy team for the first phase in 2022 and by the Environment Division team for the second phase in 2023, took samples at two regular monitoring sites (Centre nautique Gervais-Désourdy and municipal wharf) between June 14 and August 24, 2023. Fondation Rivières also carried out screening rounds at 29 sites around the Chambly basin, between June 28 and September 10, 2022. in the 1st study. The analysis was based on the number ofEscherichia coli (E.coli).
About the Fondation Rivières
For the past 20 years, Fondation Rivières has been working to preserve, restore and enhance the natural character of rivers, and to help ensure water quality and access to water for the people of Quebec, taking into account social, environmental and economic dimensions. It has carried out bacteriological quality studies for a number of municipalities, including Mercier, Repentigny and Saint-Jérôme.
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For information
Yannick B. Gélinas
Communications Manager
Fondation Rivières
514 272-2666, ext. 307
