8: Overview of Water Quality Monitoring Programs

• 8.1 Routine Testing of Midstream Samples
• 8.2 Microbiological Monitoring of Designated Recreational Sites
• 8.3 Algal Monitoring Program
• 8.4 Other Tests
• 8.5 Testing Method
• 8.6 General Management Response
• 8.7 General Catchment Management Issue

The Authority's water quality program comprises three sub-programs to monitor the overall environment of the Lake as well as the bacterial quality and algal conditions during specific periods at specific sites (to support the recreational use of the Lake). These sub-programs are summarised below.

A brief summary of the testing program is also discussed below.

8.1 Routine Testing of Midstream Samples

This is a monitoring program to determine how the water quality of the Lake is performing against management benchmarks and established long-term trends, as well as to report on the overall environmental condition of the Lake.

Under this program, water quality conditions are assessed and reported (usually on a monthly basis), using midstream samples. A wide range of physical, chemical, microbiological and biological analyses are carried out at these points to determine the overall water quality at these stations. These analyses then allow judgements to be made about overall water quality right across the Lake.

The results are analysed annually and compared with historical data and the benchmark values of this WQMP. Assessments of the trends of selected water quality indicators are also carried out to identify an improvement or a deterioration in water quality.

• Routine lake monitoring by boat (eight sampling events, commencing August).

Routine water quality testing, assessment and reporting is carried out by ECOWISE Environmental-Scientific. The routine monitoring of Lake Burley Griffin water quality began in December 1981. It has been continued, with a few modifications, to the present day by ECOWISE Environmental-Scientific (with the exception of the 1998-99 period when monitoring was undertaken by the University of Canberra).

8.2 Microbiological Monitoring of Designated Recreational Sites

This is a program carried out during a specific period at specific sites from a public health and safety viewpoint to support the recreational use of the Lake.

Under this program, bacterial quality of the water is tested in accordance with water quality guidelines. The sites are tested periodically (not more than seven days apart) for the levels of faecal coliforms in the water.

• Routine bacterial monitoring of beaches (weekly between the second week of October and the last week in March).

Routine testing, assessment and reporting of the designated swimming areas (beach monitoring) occur weekly during the summer months. This part of the program is designed to keep lake users informed of the health risks associated with the primary or secondary contact water activities permitted in those areas.

The ACT Health Protection Service also undertakes some monitoring of the upper reaches of the Lake, again associated with establishing the health risks for users of those parts of the Lake. The outcomes of the monitoring programs are managed separately and are outside the scope of this program.

8.3 Algal Monitoring Program

This is also a program carried out from a public health and safety viewpoint to support the visual and recreational use of the Lake.

This activity is part of the ACT-wide program to test and report on algal levels. Visual observation and laboratory testing for algae are carried out routinely in selected locations and actions are taken in accordance with the ACT Algal Action Plan.

8.4 Other Tests

Other tests include:

• event based tests;
• stormwater monitoring, sampling variability investigation;
• pathogenic free-living protozoans survey (when water temperatures are high);
• other investigations -source of faecal coliforms;
• additional monitoring as required by the Authority during the swimming season.

8.5 Testing Method

Routine water samples are collected from a tube sampler, being 5 metres in depth (where depth is sufficient). Bacterial samples are collected 0.3 m below the water surface by 'grab sampling' directly into the final sample bottle. Detailed information on the exact method of sampling is contained in Appendix A.

8.6 General Management Response

Decisions to issue warnings or close the Lake are based on a series of test results (five tests) taken over a period of time not exceeding 30 days (in accordance with ANZECC/ARMCANZ, 2000).

The Authority's management response generally includes routine communications with regulatory agencies including Environment ACT and ACT Health Protection Service, and also the transfer of data, consultation and formulation of management actions. In case of contamination, the Authority consults with the regulatory agencies to ensure an immediate response and appropriate regulatory action.

If a closure is recommended, this is coordinated with the ACT Water Police in consultation with commercial operators and event organisers, with warning signs informing the public erected at the affected sites.

Wherever necessary, the Authority's communication strategies include appropriate public announcements, media statements, interviews, Lake Closure notices, regular update of the Authority's web page, and Lake signage of the current water quality condition.

Detailed discussions of the management responses are covered in the following sections.

8.7 General Catchment Management Issues

The catchment of Lake Burley Griffin covers parts of NSW and the ACT. Consequently, there is a significant catchment management role played by:

• NSW state government agencies and departments such as the NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources;
• NSW local governments such as the Greater Queanbeyan Council;
• ACT government agencies and departments such as Environment ACT and other sections of the Department of Urban Services; and
• Community organisations comprising Landcare and catchment management interest groups such as the Molonglo Catchment Coordination Group.

This Plan also supports good land management practices in catchments, adhering to relevant environmental policies aiming at nutrient reductions, sediment control and pollution removal. Management of stormwater quality is critical to the maintenance of lake water quality. In this respect, the catchment management roles played by the agencies stated above contribute to achieving good water quality in the Lake.

In terms of the above-mentioned organisation, Environment ACT provides a key water management role and has produced a range of documents relevant to this WQMP, including:

• ACT Government (2003). ACT Water Quality Report 2002-2003. Available at www.environment.act.gov.au
• ACT Government (2004). Think water, act water, Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available at www.environment.act.gov.au