DRAFT - Objectives and Alert Levels in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed - Phase I

This report summarizes the results of the first phase of a project to address the need for Water Quality Objectives and Alert Levels for the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed. Water Quality Objectives are internationally agreed upon standards, whereas Alert Levels are advisory level triggers that can be brought to the attention of both governments by the International Joint Commission (IJC).

The work is required for the IJC’s Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board (IRLWWB or the board) to meet its Directive (IRLWWBDirective) to recommend Water Quality Objectives for boundary waters, to establish Alert Levels in the basin, to identify potential problems for boundary waters, and to report on these and trends in water quality and Aquatic Ecosystem Health in the basin. The report has been prepared for the IRLWWB by a project team contracted by the IJC and the board is now seeking public comments on this draft.