Rivière du Nord – Monitoring water quality and detecting sources of pollution
Unsuspected sources of pollution in the Rivière du Nord in Saint-Jérôme
Water contamination in good weather and swimming do not go well together. However, this is a phenomenon that has been occurring for several years in the Rivière du Nord, in Saint-Jérôme. Although overflows of untreated sewage occur there every year after heavy rains, their impact is expected to compromise water quality only temporarily. The Rivière Foundation therefore carried out a screening of the causes of this pollution in order to help the municipality make swimming safe in its city center.
Our services
- Assessment of swimming potential
- Water quality monitoring
- Screening for main sources of pollution
Partners and collaborators
Our methodology
The Fondation Rivières carried out screening and monitoring of water quality by means of counts ofE.coli. This field work made it possible to draw up a portrait of the bacteriological quality of the water over 13 km of the river, under various weather conditions. The contribution of employees of the water and public works sector of Saint-Jérôme was used for part of the sampling as well as for the logistical aspect.
The 5 main steps
Sampling took place over a period of 12 weeks, between July and October 2021.
- July 28 – Start of screening and monitoring of swimming sites (3 times per week)
- August 27 – First source of contamination identified and corrected
- August 30 – 2nd source of contamination identified
- September 30 – 3rd source of contamination identified
- November 8 – Submission of the report to the City of Saint-Jérôme
Water sampling on the Rivière du Nord by Philippe Maisonneuve. Photo: Fondation Rivières
Findings
01.
The bacteriological quality of the Rivière du Nord is generally good upstream of downtown Saint-Jérôme. However, various sources of pollution compromise swimming in the heart of the city.
02.
“Disposable” wipes are a scourge. They were the cause of the obstruction of a pipe overflowing through a sewer into the Hauteurs stream which flows into the Nord river.
Swimming will be possible once the sources of contamination have been eliminated.
So, when is swimming in the Rivière du Nord?
The main sources of fecal pollution have been identified and their elimination is underway by the public works department of the City of Saint-Jérôme. Once eradicated, it should be possible to consider swimming in the city center. The desire of the City of Saint-Jérôme to give back to its population the watercourse that crisscrosses it will benefit all humans and ecosystems located downstream. The Fondation Rivières continued to evaluate the swimming potential in the summer of 2022.
Do you make decisions within your municipality?
Consult the guide to opening an urban swimming site to find out how the Fondation Rivières can help you.
