[beachnet] Clarification - beachnet posting: U.S./Canadian commission examines inconsistent waterquality monitoring.

Good day, all:

We noticed a statement in the article that was posted that is not quite
correct, and we wished to provide some clarification.

("In both countries, the national environmental agencies set the guidelines
for testing the water, but it’s up to the local governments to do the
testing")

In Canada, the provinces and territories have primary responsibility over
the waters that lie within their boundaries - including those that are used
for recreation.  Health Canada, the federal health department, is the
steward for the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality.  These
guidelines are developed in partnership with the provinces and territories
through a formal process requiring provincial/territorial consultation and
approval.  The guideline values are not regarded as legally enforceable
standards, except where promulgated by the appropriate provincial or
federal authority.  The document serves as guidance to be used by the
responsible Provincial/Territorial health or environment authorities when
developing their own recreational water policies to address their specific
needs.

The Draft 3rd edition of the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water
Quality - document for public consultation has been posted and can be found
at:

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/water_rec-eau/draft-ebauche-eng.php

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/consult/_2009/water_rec-eau/draft-ebauche-fra.php

Sincerely,

Gordon Yasvinski - Water, Air and Climate Change Bureau, Health Canada
William Robertson - Consultant in Water Microbiology