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.
In a healthy water body, the water quality supports a rich and varied community of organisms, sustains public health and/or agricultural applications.
When the EPA 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:
- maintenance of aquatic ecosystems (eg flows that help to keep rivers and marine environments healthy)
- drinking water
- primary industries including irrigation, livestock and aquaculture
- recreational uses (eg swimming or boating) and aesthetics (visual appearance and enjoyment).
Our Aquatic Ecosystem Condition Reports show the condition of South Australia's inland and marine waters.
Our Beach Alert subscription service provide warnings for beachgoers when stormwater discharges onto our metropolitan beaches.
Strategic Water Science Plan
The Strategic Water Science Plan will build our capacity to address water quality issues that affect inland, coastal and groundwater in South Australia. The plan delivers 5 programs that will support science being undertake at the EPA.