- Last updated:
- 08 Mar 2019
Each catchment has a range of different land uses occurring within them. These land uses have the potential to produce different pollutant types that can lead to a deterioration in water quality. There are three land uses occurring in the Mooloolah catchment (refer model below); these are grazing and agriculture in the upper reaches and urban development in the lower Mooloolaba area.
Catchment health and water quality are closely linked and in general, if the catchment is healthy and in good condition, water quality also tends to be good.
Mooloolah River catchment conceptual model
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- Physical – temperature, turbidity, salinity, dissolved and suspended solids, clarity and colour.
- Chemical – pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrients.
- Biological – bacteria, algae and macro-invertebrates.
Measuring the above indicators provides information on the general health of the waterway and helps detect any unwanted changes. This water quality information can then be used to manage the creek or stream to ensure that the water quality is maintained and protected. One of the best ways to improve water quality is to maintain and restore the vegetation along the stream bank.
Sunshine Coast Council monitors water quality in our catchments and provides advice to residents.
So next time you’re out and about, have a look at the catchment and waterway and see if you can see the linkages between a healthy catchment and a healthy stream.
For more information on water quality guidelines visit Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s website.