Stream Condition and Water Quality

See Statewide Stream Condition and Water Quality

An assessment referred to as the Index of Stream Condition (ISC) has been cpmpleted across the region. This is a measurement of waterway health which brings together information on flow regime, water quality, condition of the chanel and riparian zone and the invertebrate communities in the stream. This assessment was managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) for most of the Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments, and by Melbourne Water within its operational area covering the far south-east of the region. The overall results indicated that the upper reaches of many waterways are in good to marginal health, but that the lower reaches are generally stressed.

For the Werribee River, the ISC ratings (as a % of the total river length) were:
Excellent - 8%
Good - 16%
Marginal - 22%
Poor - 37%
Very Poor - 9%
(Note: percentages total 92% as two reaches were not assessed)

Re-assessment of the ISC will be undertaken at least every five years.

Source: Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment and Land Protection Board Annual Report 2000-2001.

Related Links

The results for Melbourne Water's Frog Census (external link) of Spring 2002 can be found on Melbourne Water's website.

Melbourne Water (external link) undertakes continuous monitoring of waterways at over 70 sites throughout the Melbourne and Metropolitan area. Waterway quality data collected from these sites assists in determining the priorities for rehabilitation of the waterways. Data can be accessed for Western, Yarra, Dandenong, and Westernport catchments.

In addition, a number of reports are available for download, including: Water Quality Monitoring, Waterway Quality Data, Healthy Waterways, Streamwatch.

See also Index of Stream Condition (external link) within the Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse website for maps and related information.

Victorian Catchment Indicators Online website (external link).

Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network - Trend Analysis Report for the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority region is available as a downloadable report from the Victorian Water Data Warehouse website.

Downloadable information on the EPA Victoria website (external links)

The Health Of Streams In The Werribee Catchment
The health of streams in the Werribee Catchment were assessed using a combination of water quality, biological and habitat measures. The 'health' of these streams are analysed and discussed according to landuse type in the catchment.

River Health Bulletin The Health Of Streams In The Maribyrnong Catchment
River Health Bulletin The Health Of Streams In The Western Port Catchment
River Health Bulletin The Health Of Streams In The Yarra Catchment

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