Glenelg North Beach

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Archived water quality assessments

Water quality at Glenelg North Beach is assessed as being in good, moderate or poor condition by interpreting water chemistry and algal data. >> More

Water quality classification for October 2005 to March 2006

Indicator	Ecosystem	Recreation	Aquaculture
Ammonia	Good	NA	Good
Oxidised Nitrogen	Good	NA	NA
Total Nitrogen	Good	NA	NA
Total Phosphorus	Good	NA	NA
Turbidity	Poor	Moderate	NA
Chlorophyll (a)	Poor	NA	NA
Heavy Metals	Good	NA	Good
Bacteria	NA	Good	NA

Notes NA = not applicable

Chlorophyll (a) (an indicator of algae) was classified as poor at Glenelg North. This is most likely due effluent from the Glenelg WWTP, urban stormwater and the Torrens River promoting algal growth, which in turn can increase turbidity. Turbid water can also be caused by natural wind and wave action close to the shore. It is recommended that bathers inspect the water before swimming as turbidity can make it difficult to see rocks and other hazards.

Both oxidised nitrogen and total phosphorus have been quite high in the past, however in recent years concentrations have declined. This decline may be in response to the upgrade of the Glenelg WWTP.

Most of the classifications are consistent with previous results, however bacterial concentrations are often elevated. This is likely to be due to the input of stormwater from the Barcoo outlet and urban stormwater drains in the area.

Water quality classification for April to September 2005

Indicator	Ecosystem	Recreation	Aquaculture
Ammonia	Good	NA	Good
Oxidised Nitrogen	Good	NA	NA
Total Nitrogen	Good	NA	NA
Total Phosphorus	Good	NA	NA
Turbidity	Good	Good	NA
Chlorophyll (a)	Poor	NA	NA
Heavy Metals	Poor	NA	Poor
Bacteria	NA	Good	NA

Notes NA = not applicable

Chlorophyll (a) (an indicator of algae) was classified as poor at Glenelg North. This is most likely due effluent from the Glenelg WWTP, urban stormwater and the Torrens River promoting algal growth.

Heavy metals were classified as poor, which is most likely due to urban runoff containing heavy metals washed off roads and galvanised iron roofs.

This page was last modified 31-07-2007