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Water quality
Water quality includes the physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic characteristics of surface and ground water. It is influenced by rainfall, catchment size and soil type and natural and man-made pollutants.
Water quality has social, economic and environmental value and is important for the health of humans, stock, native fauna and fish.
What affects water quality?
The following factors can have a significant impact on water quality:
- suspended solids and turbidity (soil and organic matter from soil erosion)
- nutrient enrichment (increased nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations from storm water, fertiliser and effluent)
- chemical contamination (organic and inorganic compounds such as pesticide spray drift, runoff or spillage)
- salinity (increased levels of dissolved salts)
- groundwater pollution (microbial organisms, organic and inorganic compounds).
Decline in water quality and an increase in nutrient levels and sunlight can lead to algal growth that may be toxic to humans, stock and wildlife and cause environmental problems.
Managing water quality
Water quality can be managed by limiting pollution at the source, e.g.:
- managing effluent
- monitoring and limiting fertiliser and chemical use
- controlling stock access to waterways.
Sediment entering waterways can be minimised by:
- constructing contour banks
- filtration by riparian vegetation.
Algal growth can be limited by:
- using riparian vegetation to slow wind evaporation and provide shade.
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