Water quality
The EPA works to protect South Australian waters from the adverse impacts of pollution that might reduce their value to current and future generations. This includes our creeks, streams, rivers, coastal waters, groundwater and aquifers. You can find out more about the EPA involvement in water quality monitoring, science, regulation planning and management.
Stormwater
Stormwater, or rainwater runoff, is rainwater that runs off land and moves away from the area where it originally falls. The stormwater drainage network is separate from the sewage system and it is important to understand the difference.
As stormwater passes over hard surfaces it also picks up a range of pollutants. Everyone has a part to play in reducing stormwater pollution and make sure that only stormwater free of contaminants enters the stormwater drainage system. Leaves and lawn clippings, paint, cleaning agents, sand, soil, pool chemicals and fertilisers and many other listed pollutants must not be washed or swept stormwater drainage system.
You can take a number of actions to reduce the pollutants in stormwater.
Borewater (Groundwater)
If your borewater is contaminated, coming into contact with it can pose a serious risk to health. This is especially the case if you use it to water your veggies, fill a pool, top up a rainwater tank, wash or cook with, or pump through a sprinkler for the kids to play under.
Further advice on using borewater
Dumping sand to build banks and beaches on the River Murray
Putting beach and other types of sand into the waterways for boat ramps, landscaping, small beaches or for water edge grasses pollute the river system. Dumping sand is not natural to the ecosystem, and damages the natural state of the waterways.
Wind, waves and water traffic quickly moves the sand from where it is placed and redistributes the sand through the river system. It then creates uncharted sand bars and alters berthing depths causing navigation and boating hazards. Sand can block irrigation channels and the main water supply intakes. It also affects the breeding sites for fish, worms and other river species that rely on natural, healthy riverbeds for their survival.
If you want to create easier water access, we recommend the use of jetties, pontoons and approved beach building materials. For ideas, specific information and development approvals, contact your local council.
Putting sand in the River Murray and Lower Lakes is illegal and strong penalties apply. See our River Murray section for more information.
