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Water Quality

The Water Quality Monitoring Program is the core monitoring activity of Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch. Trained community volunteers collect long‑term, consistent water quality data to support assessment of waterway condition and inform catchment management and decision making..
What Is Monitored
Volunteers undertake monthly monitoring at dedicated sites, measuring seven key water quality indicators:
  • Water temperature
  • Dissolved oxygen
  • Electrical conductivity
  • pH
  • Turbidity
  • Nitrate
  • Phosphorus
These parameters provide insight into aquatic ecosystem health, nutrient levels and physical waterway condition.
How the Program Works
The Water Quality Program is delivered through supported community participation.
Volunteers are assigned a specific monitoring site
Monitoring is conducted once per month using standard Waterwatch methods
Training, equipment and ongoing support are provided
Data is uploaded to the Waterwatch database for review and use
Each site is monitored consistently over time, allowing changes in water quality to be tracked across locations, sub‑catchments and years. No prior experience is required, the program is designed to be accessible, accurate and long‑term.
Why It Matters
Water quality monitoring enables:
  • Early identification of change or emerging pressures
  • Tracking of long‑term trends, not just short‑term events
  • Improved understanding of how land use, development, flows and climate variability influence waterways
  • Better targeting and evaluation of restoration and management actions
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
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