Dissolved Organic Carbon Contours Based on Canada-Newfoundland
Water Quality Monitoring Agreement Data
Legend, Labrador
DOC, mg/L
2.1 - 2.7
2.8 - 3.4
Legend, Newfoundland
3.5 - 3.9
4.0 - 4.3
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WQMA Sampling Sites
4.4 - 4.5
4.6 - 5.0
Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), mg/L
5.1 - 5.6
5.7 - 6.2
2.3 - 3.9
6.3 - 6.8
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4.0 - 4.9
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5.0 - 5.9
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6.0 - 7.0
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7.1 - 8.0
8.1 - 9.2
9.3 - 10.7
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10.8 - 12.3
12.4 - 13.5
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A contour map displays regions, each of which represents a constant value for a particular parameter. These regions are
approximations based on average recorded values at WQMA sites for all data collected between 1985-2000. The contour regions
were estimated using a geostatistical approach known as Inverse Distance Weight (IDW), with a power of 5. The maps will be
updated for every five years of new water quality data collected. Values are compared against the Canadian Council of Ministers
of the Environment Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life.
Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) includes soluble carbohydrates, amino acids, and other acids whose sources include
photosynthesis, leaching from plant leaves and roots, and soil organic matter. Levels are naturally high in the province due to
the abundance of bogs and marshes. Increased levels of DOC can be a result of forest harvesting or the discharge of sewage.
There is no DOC guideline for the Protection of Aquatic Life.
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Environment and Conservation
Water Resources Management Division