Effects of livestock wastes and agricultural drainage on water quality: An Ontario case study

S. Thornley; A. W. Bos

ABSTRACT:

An evaluation of livestock waste management impacts on water quality was carried out in a southwestern Ontario watershed in response to frequent downstream beach closures and fish kills. The 90-square-mile study site contained more than 300 livestock farms. Bacteria and nutrient levels far exceeded provincial water quality guidelines and objectives at most sampling points. In fact, effluent from underground drainage systems even in headwater areas showed bacterial and chemical characteristics comparable to domestic sewage. A survey of 98 basin farmers showed that ignorance of the problem and economic pressures on livestock producers were major contributing factors.

Footnotes

S. Thornley is a regional biologist and associate surface water evaluator, Water Resources Assessment, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, 985 Adelaide Street South, London, Ontario N6E 1V3. A. W. Bos is coordinator, Diffuse Source Control Program, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, P.O. Box 6278, Station D, London, Ontario N5W 5S1.
Copyright 1985 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society

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