 Water
quality describes the condition of a water body and its related
suitability for different purposes (also known as environmental
values). In a healthy water body, the water quality supports a
rich and varied community of organisms, sustains public health
and/or agricultural applications.
Measuring water quality
Measurements of temperature, turbidity, chemical constituents
and biology (such as the macroinvertebrates and algae present
in the water) are used by the EPA to provide an assessment of
water quality. Water quality is also strongly affected by seasonal
variations and the rate of flow of the water body. >>
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In particular, the EPA uses the above characteristics to detect
the presence, and where relevant, effects, of pollutants on water
bodies. Diverse interpretations of water quality are possible
and different organisations may take other considerations into
account (see for example information from Natural
Resource Management Boards; SA
Water; Department
of Environment and Heritage; Department
of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.
Water quality and environmental values
When the EPA samples monitoring sites across the state and measures
water quality, we take into account the importance of the water
body as an ecosystem or a resource. This involves thinking about
the environmental values that are to be protected, as set out
in the Environmental Protection (Water
Quality) Policy:
- maintenance of aquatic ecosystems (e.g. river flows that help
to keep a river healthy)
- drinking water
- agriculture and aquaculture (e.g. oyster farming), including
irrigation and livestock
- recreational uses (e.g. swimming or boating) and aesthetics
(visual appearance and enjoyment)
- industrial uses.
For example, and depending on the conditions, moderate or poor
water quality at metropolitan beaches could affect 'recreational'
and 'ecosystem' values by making the water less safe for swimming,
and by threatening seagrasses essential to a healthy ecosystem.
Further, in the unlikely event that we were to test seawater in
relation to the environmental value of 'drinking water', it would
rate very poorly. This shows that it is important to assess water
quality in relation to relevant environmental values and take
into account the different characteristics of water necessary
in different contexts.
Click through to the pages for each monitoring
site for the latest assessments of the water quality and related
characteristics at each sampling site across South Australia.
This page was last modified 21-06-2006
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