 Introduction
The Marne River is a fresh to brackish stream that flows east
from the Mount Lofty Ranges towards the River Murray. The river
is greatly influenced by groundwater flow, both recharging aquifers
in some sections, and receiving groundwater inputs from fresh
and saline springs. The main land uses in the catchment are broad-acre
cropping and grazing, although there are some horticultural and
irrigated pastoral activities close to the river. Elevated turbidity
and nutrient levels are the most likely water quality problems
arising from these land uses. Salinity can also be relatively
high due to saline groundwater springs.
The monitoring site at Mannum Road is just upstream of the confluence
with the River Murray. Stream
flow and electrical conductivity data for the site is available
from the Department
of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. This site is
one of two sites currently being monitored on the Marne River
(see also Marne River upstream of Cambrai).
>> Map (558KB
PDF)
Water quality assessment
Water quality is assessed as being in good, moderate or poor
condition by interpreting water chemistry data in the context
of protecting environmental values. Water chemistry is measured
each month. >> More
Water chemistry
The indicators that are measured in the Marne River at Mannum
Road are nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), turbidity and salinity.
The concentrations of these indicators are used to classify the
water chemistry as being in good,
moderate or poor
condition, according to the needs of aquatic ecosystem protection.
Water chemistry classification for April to September 2006
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