Condition of Natural Streams and Waterways

Indicator Rationale

High quality freshwater is crucial to the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.  The condition of river systems represents an integration of land use activities and is a major input into estuarine and marine environments (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1999).  Stream health is therefore an effective indicator of wider catchment health and the sustainability of land uses (Austin et al., 2001).  Safeguarding freshwater systems is essential to providing water for human uses, protecting biodiversity and providing intergenerational equity (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1999). 

Anthropogenic impacts on waterways include reduced flows from diversions, high sediment loads, pollution, removal of riparian vegetation and introduced pests and weed species - all of which exacerbate losses in biodiversity.  In urban environments, the protection of waterways depends largely upon improved storm water management (EPA, 2004).  Stormwater may be contaminated by car deposition (oils, fuel, tyre residue) and car washing detergents, grey water and septic tank seepage, illegal discharges, sediments from unsealed roads or road verges, agriculture and building site activities (Parsons Brinkerhoff, 2002).  Urban storm water run-off carry these pollutants into the urban drainage system, which discharge into waterways where it is ultimately carried to the sea (Parsons Brinkerhoff, 2002). 

Data Source

Victorian Rivers Index of Stream Conditions, Results 2004

Measures

Index of stream condition: The Index of Stream condition is a state-wide benchmarking tool for measuring river health.

References

Austin, T., Shoemark, S., Stokes, S., Stone, S., and Terril, A.  (2001).  Part 1-Developing A Draft Set of Sustainability Indicators for the Shire of Cardinia.  Graduate School of Environmental Science, Monash University November 2001.

Parsons Brinkerhoff Australia (2002), Yarra Ranges Stormwater Management Plan., Volume 1.