How are index results reported or what do the index scores mean?
Once the CCME WQI value, a number between 1 and 100, has been determined, the result can be further simplified by assigning it to a descriptive category. The following categories are suggested as a starting point. The sub-committee that developed the CCME WQI spent considerable time discussing calibration and put these categories forth as a suggestion. The sub-committee recognized that calibration was beyond the scope of their task and that it would have to be tested further and possibly changed across jurisdictions. The category ranges may be modified depending on the variables and objective chosen but this will depend on the water bodies and variables being dealt with through a process of comparing the index rank to expert opinion about the water body. Excellent: (CCME WQI Value 95-100) water quality is protected with a virtual absence of threat or impairment; conditions very close to natural or pristine levels. These index values can only be obtained if all measurements are within o
