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Operation SWIM
What is Operation SWIM?

Volunteers in the Annapolis Watershed are diving into SWIM (Sub-Watershed Investigative Monitoring ). This is a volunteer driven program that aims to identify the sources of fecal coliform bacteria in the Annapolis River and its tributaries. Investigative monitoring is carried out in selected sub-watersheds of the Annapolis River system by teams of monitors.

This program has direct ties to The Annapolis River Guardians(ARG), which provides baseline data at representative sites within the watershed. Their data shows that point and non-point fecal coliform contamination is the most serious water quality problem in the region, however it does not locate where the problems are originating from. The way we monitored for fecal coliform had to be taken to a new level in order to locate these sources.

Through Operation SWIM the volunteers are able to sample on their own schedules, versus a schedule that is pre-determined by the project coordinator like that of ARG. Samples are taken for each tributary studied in selected sites. The sites are selected based on past data, watershed surveys, land use, and other activities that may be taking place.

What are some possible sources of coliform contamination?

The non-point source coliform contamination may be related to manure wash during rain events, poorly functioning on-site sewage systems and other combinations of land use practices and environmental factors. Possible point sources of contamination include raw sewage via a straight pipe and overflows from central sewage treatment plants. Seen here is an example of fecal coliform colonies in a petry dish. Each blue dot represents a coliform colony.

Scientists from Environment Canada, ACER and citizen volunteers have agreed to undertake this jointly with CARP. Funding agencies include: Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), and Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP).

How do we analyze the samples collected by volunteers?

CARP carries out the analysis of the samples for fecal coliform in the water quality lab at CFB Greenwood. The method used is Membrane Filtration. This technique is relatively easy, low cost, and has a low risk of contamination. There are a number of supplies to choose from for this test. We choose to use pre-sterilized filters, petri dishes with absorbent pads, and liquid growth medium. Other supplies required include an incubator, 70% ethanol, alcohol burner, and a vacuum pump. For more detailed information see Membrane Filtration Technique.


School Involvement

CARP has involved schools in the project. Grade 8 science classes from Annapolis Royal Regional Academy conducted a number of watershed surveys and did some preliminary sampling.

Project Reports

Download the latest River Guardian Report
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