Monitoring and Research Programs
We undertake monitoring, research and investigation programs to help us understand the key influences on, and risks to, river health.
Monitoring and research also allows us to better manage floods and helps to ensure that works such as river and creek rehabilitation and water sensitive urban design deliver the best results.
We use the information as a guide when we are making management decisions and planning improvement programs.
- River health monitoring and investigation
- Rainfall and river level data (hydrographic monitoring)
- Monitoring rivers and creeks in our new areas
- eWater Co-operative Research Centre and other joint research
River health monitoring and investigation
When we monitor river health, we usually look at:
- water quality
- water bugs (aquatic macroinvertebrates)
- fish
- platypus
- weeds
- native streamside (riparian) vegetation
- sediment quality
- physical stream condition.
Between 2005/06 and 2007/08 we carried out over 150 targeted investigations on physical stream condition, water quality, fish, platypus, water bugs and other animals.
Major rivers and creeks are assessed using the Index of River Condition every five years. Results are published at least every three years. Condition reports are the main way we record changes in river and creek condition over time. These reports are essential for decision-making and planning.
Environmental, economic and social (recreation, amenity and cultural heritage) values associated with rivers and creeks are identified in the Regional River Health Strategy.
Water quality monitoring results for the greater Melbourne area have been reported annually since 1994 and are published on our website. This monitoring detects water quality changes over time.
We have a wide network of monitoring sites across the Port Phillip and Westerport region and our water quality monitoring system reports on water quality according to State Environment Protection Policy targets.
More information:
Rainfall and river level data (hydrographic monitoring)
We monitor rainfall and river level data at almost 300 sites in the region. Daily rainfall observations are collected from 350 volunteer rain gauge operators.
The data we generate is used to:
- prepare flood warnings
- estimate storm recurrence intervals and model potential flooding
- develop streamflow management plans
- monitor and report environmental flows
- manage river and creek diversions and drought response
- assess and report river and creek health via the Index of River Condition
- assess performance and design requirements for wetlands, fishways and river and creek stabilisation works
- report on environmental water reserve compliance
- analyse water supply, sewerage and drainage system operations and system capacity
- provide information for water resource planning such as analysing and modelling catchment yield.
Our website publishes raw data collected on an hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis. However detailed hydrographic data, including historical records, are made available to external parties on request. A fee is charged to offset the cost of collecting, processing and storing the data.
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Monitoring rivers and creeks in our new area
We are currently looking at the best way to incorporate monitoring programs into our new areas of responsibility.
We are reviewing our:
- monitoring of river health and streamflow
- civil assets condition program
- flood warning and response systems.
Our focus for river and creek management is to find out about the existing conditions and options for improvement. River health investigations and consultation with councils and the community will help us plan future works programs.
A strong focus of our monitoring and investigation work over the last three years has been to build our knowledge of the rivers and creeks in the extended boundary area.
Platypus surveys have been carried out on the Mornington Peninsula, Bass River, Little River, Upper Maribyrnong River and Werribee River catchments as part of investigations in our extended area.
Fish surveys on French Island, Mullum Mullum Creek, Tarago and Bunyip River catchments were completed in 2007.
Data collection is now complete for water quality studies in the Werribee River, Upper Maribyrnong, Little River and Lollypop Creek; Bass River and Mornington Peninsula catchments.
eWater Co-operative Research Centre and other joint research
Joint research and investigations contribute to our works programs by:
- filling important gaps in knowledge
- providing information on key processes that improve management of stormwater and river health
- providing models and other support systems that simulate water-related processes and enable innovative natural resource management practices.
We give direct funding and in-kind contributions to several research providers including the eWater Co-operative Research Centre. eWater represents one of our largest research commitments.
Our agreement with eWater covers:
- a seven-year term (which commenced in July 2005);
- governing and intellectual property arrangements;
- a description of participants' requirements;
- the intent to set up a business entity; and
- sign-off from each of the 27 participants.
Joint research will contribute to our knowledge in:
- river operations and management
- urban water systems
- water and contaminant accounting
- river and catchment restoration
- integrated monitoring and assessment.
Involvement in eWater complements our activities in:
- improving river health
- managing stormwater quantity and quality and floodplains
- water reuse and recycling
- understanding and integrating other elements of the water cycle for real integration of water resources.
RiverManager
eWater is currently developing a new river management model - RiverManager.
RiverManager is a forecasting tool that allows users to model the amount of water in any river network and then to manage the competing demands of river users to ensure there is enough water for people as well as water for the environment.
Although designed for forecasting water use in the Murray-Darling Basin, RiverManager will be of use to all river managers in efficiently allocating existing water resources.
RiverManager's other important functions include the prediction of climate effects on river environments, measurement of ground water and salinity, and the ecological responses of the river environment. All of these are crucial to making the best possible use of Australia's water resources.
More information: