News

Dead Fish Found in Ottawa River

2019-08-02

There have been media reports on a large number of dead fish found in the Ottawa River. Given that the dead fish are flowing to the Ottawa River from the Lièvre River in Quebec, Quebec’s Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) is conducting investigations.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) is following this investigation closely and conducting visual inspections of the river and dead fish, as well as analysis of water samples from the Ontario side of the Ottawa River.

The MECP has a robust water quality monitoring program in place for municipal drinking water systems that draw raw water from the Ottawa River to ensure the highest water quality standards.

To date the cause of the dead fish is still unknown.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit, along with the MECP and municipal partners, continues to monitor and assess the situation and will take necessary measures if the need arises. We will issue public statements as required based on new information of public health importance that we receive from the MECP or other partners.