River Nutrient Index: More about the data

The River Nutrient Index formula is similar to the CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment) Water Quality Index, though the method for calculating the index is tailored to Alberta. Based on data collected monthly, the River Nutrient Index is calculated annually, and is a 'sub-index' of the overall River Water Quality Index. The variables used are: total phosphorus, nitrogen fractions (total nitrogen, dissolved nitrite, and total ammonia nitrogen), dissolved oxygen, and pH. Reporting for this index currently includes only Long-Term River Network sites. This may be expanded to include additional river and stream sites in the future.