Welcome to Goulburn Broken Waterwatch

What is Waterwatch?

Waterwatch is part of a national community water quality monitoring program that has been operating since 1993. The program brings together school and community groups, landowners, Councils and Water Authorities to test the quality of their local stream or water source so that practical actions can be taken to maintain and improve water quality.

Why Monitor?

Freshwater is our most valued and sought after renewable resource. Our tree clearing practices and subsequent use of land, as well as urban developments and changes to the natural flow of our rivers have affected our waterways incredibly.
These land use practices have changed the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of freshwater. This has contributed considerable quantities of sediment, salts, nutrients, and toxic chemicals to our waterways and wetlands.
Good quality water is important since poor quality water can affect human health, harm wildlife and limit food production.

How can Waterwatch Coordinators help?

Waterwatch coordinators are available to assist in liaison between groups, training, and the interpretation of results and feedback.

What happens to the collected data?

Monitoring results can also be viewed on this Waterwatch Internet site. The site makes it possible for monitoring groups working at widely separated sites within a catchment to share results and quickly identify problem areas.
Action workshops are organised to enable monitoring groups and their sponsors to discuss the causes and effects of water degradation in their communities and to plan the actions required to improve local water quality.