ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

The Ranges Watershed The Watershed

The Mount Lofty Ranges watershed (the watershed) covers an area of approximately 1640 km2, encompassing ’s existing and possible future water supply catchments. Whilst each year varies, on average 60% of Adelaide’s existing mains water supply requirements are sourced from the watershed. Ninety percent of the watershed is privately owned and will always be subject to multiple uses including urban areas, rural townships, horticulture, viticulture, market gardens, forestry, dairy farming and grazing. Pressure continues to intensify development within the watershed; this will further concentrate the water quality problems, which are usually diffuse in nature and emanate from a range of sources.

The major water quality issues Vision & key objectives of the EPA’s Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Offi ce Major pollutants can include: ‘To protect and improve the water resources of the • faecal contamination including parasites (Cryptosporidium and Mount Lofty Ranges watershed’ Giardia) from animals and leaking septic tanks • contribute to the creation of a shared vision for the Mount Lofty • nutrient contamination—faecal, fertiliser, garden waste, building Ranges watershed waste and pesticide contamination—leading to algal blooms in waters • contribute to educating and informing the community about the watershed and water quality issues • sediment—eroding creek lines, and building waste including soil, clay, gravel and sand • enforce legislation that protects the environment and water quality • pesticide contamination. • collaborate and partner with other organisations and the The EPA’s Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed community to improve water quality in the Mount Lofty Ranges Protection Offi ce watershed

The Environment Protection Authority’s Watershed Protection Offi ce • assess and report on water quality to aid decision-making (WPO) was established in 2000 following a series of water quality processes in the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed incidents in South in 1998. • infl uence development assessment and planning policy outcomes While the water quality scare prompted immediate action, the EPA in the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed. and other water industry and public health experts knew that a long-term solution was needed for the watershed.

The WPO is a unit dedicated to the protection and improvement of the water resources in the watershed through its own endeavours and by working with other organisations in the region. Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed & Reservoirs

ANGASTON

TWO WELLS

WILLIAMSTOWN

South Para Reservoir

Little Para Reservoir MOUNT PLEASANT

BIRDWOOD INGLEWOOD Legend

Towns ADELAIDE Streams BASKET RANGE Roads Mt Lofty Ranges Watershed STIRLING Reservoirs HAHNDORF

SCOTT CREEK MOUNT BARKER

Gulf St Vincent PORT NOARLUNGA

MCLAREN VALE

STRATHALBYN

WILLUNGA

SELLICKS BEACH

MYPONGA MILANG Lake Alexandrina YANKALILLA

GOOLWA

VICTOR HARBOR

CAPE JERVIS ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY

The Future of The Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Region

The WPO has recognised that providing solutions to the water quality issues of the watershed is a complex task.

Due to increasing demands for water resources and a decline in the quality of River Murray water, the importance of the quality and security of the water in the watershed is now being realised.

The work of the WPO is signifi cant—even more important today than when originally established—and targeted at improving water quality and reducing risks to our water resources. A long- term commitment to these targets is the only way of protecting the future quality and security of the water resources of the watershed.

Now with permanent funding, the WPO will continue undertaking a series of on-ground works, monitoring programs, planning processes, compliance management and education, aimed at fulfi lling this commitment.

About the Mount Lofty Ranges watershed

• provides 60% (on average) of Adelaide’s water supply

• 90% of the land is privately owned

• 50,000 residents

• 1640 km2 in area

• 90% of runoff occurs between July and September

• low water yield to catchment area ratio

• contains 9100 farm dams (with 31 GL storage capacity)

• covers parts of nine council areas

Further Information For further information on current programs and highlights go to: www.epa.sa.gov.au or contact: Environment Protection Authority Mount Lofty Ranges Watershed Protection Offi ce Suite 2/85 Mt Barker Road Stirling SA 5152 Telephone: (08) 8139 9900 or Freecall 1300 134 810.