River Bacterial Index: More about the data

The Bacterial Index formula is based on 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 at Long-Term River Network sites, the River Bacterial Index is calculated annually, and is a 'sub-index' of the overall River Water Quality Index. The variables used are fecal coliform and Escherichia coli abundance.