HOW HEALTHY ARE YOUR CREEKS?
CreekWatch, a program of the non-profit RiverWatch Institute of Alberta, is a leading initiative dedicated to monitoring and improving the health of Alberta’s creeks and waterways. Through community-based environmental research and municipal partnerships, CreekWatch empowers volunteers and decision-makers with real-world water quality data to support sustainable watershed management, policy development, and conservation efforts across the province.
Since 2014, CreekWatch has collaborated with municipalities, industry leaders, environmental associations, and stewardship groups to collect, analyze, and report on critical water quality indicators in creeks throughout Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer. These efforts provide high-quality scientific data that informs decision-making and promotes responsible water management practices.
Our work is carried out through two key programs:
- CreekWatch Citizen Science – Engages volunteers, corporate teams, and community groups in hands-on water monitoring using portable water quality labs. From March to October, participants conduct field assessments at designated walk-in sites, measuring key indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient levels to help answer an essential question: “How healthy are our creeks?” The data contributes to annual reports published on World Water Day, providing insights to municipalities, conservation organizations, and water professionals.
- CreekWatch Municipal – CreekWatch Municipal expands CreekWatch’s impact by providing municipalities with cost-effective water monitoring and data collection. This program delivers reliable environmental data to support watershed management, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance. By integrating scientific expertise within a non-profit social enterprise model, CreekWatch Municipal ensures a sustainable and community-driven approach to water health.
Through rigorous data collection and ongoing education, CreekWatch strengthens collaboration between citizen scientists, municipal partners, industry leaders, and environmental experts, fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making and stewardship. Join us in making a difference—because informed communities create stronger watersheds.
Introducing – CreekWatch Municipal
Cost-Effective Water Monitoring for Urban and Rural Communities
CreekWatch offers rural and urban municipalities a cost-effective alternative through a social enterprise model for water monitoring and data collection within AEPA methodologies. This innovative approach delivers high-quality environmental data that supports informed water management decisions. At a time when municipalities face increasing environmental challenges and financial constraints, CreekWatch Municipal provides a solution that integrates rigorous water monitoring within a NFP model that goes beyond traditional consulting services. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
