Abstract
The physical properties of water are a vital link between the geologic features of the Chilko- Chilcotin River (CCR) system and its ecosystem. However, information regarding water quality of specific importance to sockeye salmon and other fish was rarely regional-specific to the Chilko watershed. A conceptual model is presented (FIG 1 below) to help forecast what to expect of water quality in the CCR, and its role within the aquatic ecosystem. The drivers shown below (climate, human impacts and topographic features) either directly or indirectly control the properties of water in the system: turbidity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients, and water temperature. A majority of the information currently available on these properties in the Chilko- Chilcotin watershed focused solely on Chilko Lake, rather than the CCR. While Chilko Lake is a significant factor in water quality of the Chilko River, the characteristics of the river change drastically after the confluence with the Taseko River. Trends of similar nearby systems are used to make up for this data gap and conceptualize outcomes of water quality, which will have substantial impacts on various physical and biological aspects of the CCR system.
