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The following link to report from AEP's 2006 Water for Life Bow River Benthic Invertebrate and Epillthic Algae Monitoring shed some light on sample sites from Cochrane to where it joins the Oldman River. The data was collected in October 2006 and compared to data collected before waste water treatment plant upgrades. Although there was some improvement in water quality as compiled by the data sets, the nutrient enrichment of the river was higher close to Calgary. I had the opportunity to look at a more recent data set from 2014 and did a limited comparison to the 2006 data. What became evident from the discussion with AEP's scientific staff was that there is danger in comparison of the monitoring data to establish a trend in invertebrate population throughout the year. A more detailed study is needed to establish seasonal variations and water flow differences. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/6b2fe6a8-d5bc-494c-adf1-4a60e0ebcf70/resource/4acd9651-70b4-4202-b432-cb3c38d37df1/download/8141.pdf There is also a need to recognize that year to year variations in invertebrate colonies do take place. I came to the conclusion that a review of the published literature would need to be done before a fishery related Bow River invertebrate monitoring project should take place. Even if the research was conducted, it has little impact on water management policy change since the water quality would more than likely improve over time.

Willy, Have you thought about reporting this to the Environmental Hotline? Sounds like it's worth the attention of AEP and maybe DFO. 1-800-222-6514 : AEP 24-hour Environmental Response Line ("for spills, releases, or other emergencies that could damage the environment")

So far this season has been the best I've had since I started floating the Bow in '85. Some phenominal days and some average days.