Fresh water is our most valued and sought-after renewable resource.
Clearing and subsequent land uses, urban developments and changes to the natural flow of our rivers have affected the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of fresh water and contributed considerable quantities of sediment , salts , nutrients and toxic chemicals to our waterways and wetlands. Water monitoring is as important on the Yarra as it is on the River Ganges Water monitoring brings together school and community groups, land-owners, councils and water authorities to test the quality of their local stream or water source so that practical actions can be taken to maintain and improve water quality. The procedures described in this manual are recommended for use in Victoria by the Victorian Community Water Quality Monitoring Task Group. Many community water quality monitoring programs in Victoria are funded by the Federal Government Waterwatch programs. Most monitoring programs involve surveys of streamhabitat, macro-invertebrates and algae as well as tests to monitor the physical and chemical conditions of the water.