The South East Water Watch program is part of a National community monitoring program that promotes individual, school and community action group involvement in water quality monitoring. Participants are involved in collecting data on nutrient levels, salinity, pH, turbidity, water temperature, groundwater depth and macroinvertebrate diversity in wetlands, drains, creek and bores within the region. Throughout the year there are 4 snapshot weeks where the groups monitor their local waterways.
Snapshot Weeks 2009
March 17-22
June 16-21
September 8-13
October 27 – November 3
Once a quarter, Waterwatch groups from across the region monitor the health of their local water body. Parameters monitored are:
- Turbidity
- Electrical conductivity (salinity)
- pH
- Nutrients (like phosphate and nitrate)
- Aquatic Macroinvertebrates (waterbugs)
After each water monitoring event feedback posters are created so groups can compare their results with other sites across the region.
Dates to Remember:
February 2 - World Wetlands Day
February 29 - Schools Clean Up Day
March 22 - World Day for Water: Water for the Future
June 5 - World Environment Day
July 30 - National Tree Day
September 7 - National Threatened Species Day
October 1 - World Habitat Day
October 16 - National Water Week
November 1 - National Frog Week
December 1 - Coastcare Week
Click on link to download the South East Environmental Education Events Calendar or contact Natasha on 8735 1145 for a copy.
Groups also have the opportunity to be involved in fun and interactive education sessions provided by the Regional Co-Ordinator, which follow up on water monitoring activities. Sessions on stormwater pollution, ground water, macroinvertebrates, frogs, and water birds are offered to groups in the South East.
For further information on what the program can offer your school download the Waterwatch Program Guide and fill in the registration form.
The South East Waterwatch program has produced curriculum resources to assist the region's teachers in conducting water related study units.
For further information on South East Waterwatch program click on the following links: What's New, Participating Groups in the South East, Snapshot Feedback Posters, Teacher Resource Packages, Waterwatch Newsletters, Website Links, Contact Details |