ETF 2024/25 Thinking Water Report

This report summarizes the findings from ACAP Saint John’s 2024 Thinking Water project, which continues to evaluate the health of local waterways in the Saint John region. The program focuses on freshwater streams, estuarine environments, and key tributaries of the Wolastoq (Saint John River) and Saint John Harbour. With over 30 years of experience in water monitoring, ACAP Saint John provides valuable, long-term data that supports environmental decision-making across sectors.

In 2024, ACAP Saint John monitored water quality at 21 sites across Saint John and nearby areas. Sites were selected to represent a range of environmental conditions, with a focus on areas with known water quality concerns such as Marsh Creek, one of the region’s largest and most urbanized watersheds. Samples were collected between May and October and analyzed for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, turbidity, ammonia, orthophosphate, and E. coli concentrations. These values were used to calculate a Water Quality Index (WQI) for each site, following the guidelines of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME).

In 2024, nearly half of the sites received a “good” WQI rating, and two sites achieved “excellent” scores. The remainder fell into “fair” or “poor” categories, with the most impaired sites located in Marsh Creek and Little River. Compared to 2023, many sites showed improvements — however, increased levels of E. coli and ammonia were observed at a majority of locations. These exceedances are likely linked to necessary lift-station modernization projects that temporarily released untreated sewage into nearby waterways.

Within Marsh Creek, all monitored sites exceeded the E. coli threshold for safe recreational use. Ammonia concentrations were also elevated, particularly in downstream sections of the creek, and occasional spikes in phosphate and turbidity were recorded. The data from 2024 shows the continued vulnerability of this watershed and the importance of long-term investment in water infrastructure and monitoring.

Together, these results highlight both progress and persistent challenges in water quality management across the Saint John region. As human activity continues to impact local ecosystems, sustained monitoring and community-based action remain essential for protecting aquatic health.