Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: 1999

Report prepared for Department of Natural Resources and Environment By AWT WATER ECOscience Pty Ltd trading as AWT Victoria ACN 067 477 989

68 Ricketts Road Mt Waverley Vic 3149 Private Bag 1 Mt Waverley Vic Australia 3149 telephone +61 3 9550 1000 facsimile +61 3 9543 7372

Report Number: 554/00

Project Number: 2258

October 2000

“Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: 1999” ISSN: 1445-1646 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS...... I

LIST OF TABLES ...... III

LIST OF FIGURES ...... V

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... IX

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1 WATER QUALITY LEGISLATION AND GUIDELINES ...... 2 1.1.1 State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs) ...... 2 1.1.2 Water Quality Guidelines ...... 3 1.1.2.1 The Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC 1992) ...... 4 1.1.2.2 EPA Preliminary Nutrient Guidelines for Victorian Inland Streams (Tiller & Newall 1995) ...... 4 1.1.3 Commonly Assessed Water Quality Parameters ...... 4 1.2 CURRENT WATER QUALITY NETWORKS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE STATUS...... 5 1.2.1 Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network ...... 5 1.2.1.1 Rivers and Streams Program ...... 6 1.2.1.2 Lakes and Programs...... 7 1.2.2 Environment Protection Authority Fixed Site Network ...... 7 1.2.2.1 Environment Protection Authority Program ...... 7 1.2.2.2 Water Program...... 7 1.2.3 Major Storages Operational Monitoring Program ...... 8 1.2.4 Murray-Darling Basin Commission...... 8 2 METHODS ...... 11

2.1 WATER QUALITY CHARACTERISATION ...... 11 2.1.1 Mapping Attainment within Regions ...... 11 3 DATA REQUESTS...... 13

3.1 DATA WAREHOUSE ...... 15 4 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL...... 17

4.1 THIESS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES QUALITY SYSTEM...... 17 4.2 AWT VICTORIA’S QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...... 17 4.2.1 Field Sample Collection ...... 18 4.2.2 Biological Analysis ...... 18 4.2.3 Chemical Analysis...... 18 4.2.4 Data Entry and Retrieval...... 19 5 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION...... 21

5.1 STATE-WIDE OVERVIEW OF WATER CONDITION– 1999 ...... 21 5.1.1 Dissolved Oxygen...... 21 5.1.2 Electrical Conductivity...... 22 5.1.3 pH ...... 23 5.1.4 Turbidity...... 23 5.1.5 Suspended Solids...... 24 5.1.6 Total Nitrogen...... 24 5.1.7 Total Phosphorus...... 25

i VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.8 Chlorophyll-a...... 26 5.1.9 Arsenic ...... 26 5.1.10 Cadmium ...... 27 5.1.11 Chromium...... 27 5.1.12 Copper ...... 28 5.1.13 Nickel ...... 28 5.1.14 Lead ...... 29 5.1.15 Zinc ...... 29 5.2 CMA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY...... 31 5.2.1 Corangamite CMA Region ...... 31 5.2.1.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 33 5.2.1.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock ...... 39 5.2.2 East CMA Region...... 43 5.2.2.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 45 5.2.2.2 Station Specific Water Quality: at The Gorge ...... 51 5.2.3 Glenelg CMA Region ...... 55 5.2.3.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 57 5.2.3.2 Station Specific Water Quality: ...... 63 5.2.4 Goulburn-Broken CMA Region ...... 71 5.2.4.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 73 5.2.4.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Downstream of Euroa...... 81 5.2.5 Mallee CMA Region...... 87 5.2.5.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 89 5.2.5.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Wakool River at Kyalite ...... 93 5.2.6 North Central CMA Region...... 97 5.2.6.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 99 5.2.6.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Mt Hope Creek at Mitiamo...... 107 5.2.7 North East CMA Region...... 111 5.2.7.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 113 5.2.7.2 Station Specific Water Quality: at Kiewa...... 119 5.2.8 CaLP Region...... 125 5.2.8.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 127 5.2.8.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road...... 135 5.2.9 CMA Region ...... 145 5.2.9.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 147 5.2.9.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Moe Drain at Trafalgar East...... 153 5.2.10 Wimmera CMA Region ...... 159 5.2.10.1 Water Quality Characterisation...... 161 5.2.10.2 Station Specific Water Quality: at Glenorchy...... 167 6 REFERENCES ...... 171

APPENDIX I: WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES...... 175

APPENDIX II: VICTORIAN CMA AND CALP REGIONS AND DRAINAGE BASINS...... 189

APPENDIX III: STATION DESCRIPTIONS AND LOCATIONS ...... 191

APPENDIX IV: PARAMETERS MONITORED ...... 199

APPENDIX V: QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL...... 203

ii VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

List of Tables

TABLE 1. LIST OF DOCUMENTS THAT COVER THE WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES (SEPP) AND EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINE REGIONS RELEVANT TO EACH CMA AND CALP REGION ACROSS THE STATE. IN THE ABSENCE OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR A PARAMETER, THE EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES OR ANZECC GUIDELINES APPLY...... 3 TABLE 2. ORGANISATIONS REQUESTING WATER QUALITY DATA IN 1999 INCLUDING THEIR RESPECTIVE NUMBER OF REQUESTS ...... 13 TABLE 3. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE CORANGAMITE CMA REGION DURING 1999. WHERE OBJECTIVES ARE TURB50, SS50 OR SS90, A MINIMUM OF 50 OR 90% OF THE SAMPLES RESPECTIVELY NEED TO ATTAIN THE OBJECTIVE...... 34 TABLE 4. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE CORANGAMITE CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 35 TABLE 5. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE CORANGAMITE CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 36 TABLE 6. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE CMA REGION DURING 1998 ...... 46 TABLE 7. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE EAST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 47 TABLE 8. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE EAST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 48 TABLE 9. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE GLENELG CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 58 TABLE 10. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE GLENELG CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 59 TABLE 11. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE GLENELG CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 60 TABLE 12. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE GOULBURN-BROKEN CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 75 TABLE 13. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE GOULBURN-BROKEN CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 76 TABLE 15. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE GOULBURN-BROKEN CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 77 TABLE 15. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE MALLEE CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 90 TABLE 16. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE MALLEE CMA REGION DURING 1998...... 90 TABLE 17. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE MALLEE CMA REGION DURING 1998...... 90 TABLE 18. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE NORTH CENTRAL CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 101 TABLE 19. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE NORTH CENTRAL CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 102 TABLE 21. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE NORTH CENTRAL CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 103 TABLE 21. PERCENT SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE NORTHEAST CMA REGION DURING 1999.. ... 114 TABLE 22. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES OF STATIONS WITHIN THE NORTH EAST CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 115 TABLE 24. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA GUIDELINES OF STATIONS WITHIN THE NORTH EAST CMA REGION...... 116 TABLE 24. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE PORT PHILLIP CALP BOARD REGION DURING 1999...... 129

iii VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

TABLE 25. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE PORT PHILLIP CALP REGION DURING 1999...... 130 TABLE 27. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE PORT PHILLIP CALP REGION DURING 1999...... 131 TABLE 27. PERCENT SEPP ATTAINMENT OF STATIONS WITHIN THE WEST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION DURING 1999.148 TABLE 28. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF ANZECC GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE WEST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION DURING 1999 ...... 149 TABLE 30. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF EPA GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE WEST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 149 TABLE 30. PERCENT ATTAINMENT OF SEPP OBJECTIVES FOR STATIONS WITHIN THE WIMMERA CMA REGION DURING 1998...... 162 TABLE 31. PERCENT ATTAINMENT WITH ANZECC GUIDELINES OF STATIONS WITHIN THE WIMMERA CMA REGION DURING 1998...... 163 TABLE 33. PERCENT ATTAINMENT WITH EPA NUTRIENT GUIDELINES OF STATIONS WITHIN THE WIMMERA CMA REGION DURING 1999...... 163

TABLE AI.1. SEPP WATERS OF VICTORIA (1988). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS.(GENERAL AND ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION)...... 175 TABLE AI.2. SEPP NO.W-28 THE WATERS OF BAY AND CATCHMENT (1979). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 176 TABLE AI.3.SEPP NO W-34B THE WATERS OF THE (1982). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 177 TABLE AI.4.SEPP NO W-34A THE WATERS OF AND CATCHMENT (1982). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 178 TABLE AI.5.SEPP NO W-36A THE WATERS OF LAKE BURRUMBEET AND CATCHMENT (1983). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 179 TABLE AI.6. SEPP NO.W-21 THE WATERS OF FAR EAST GIPPSLAND (1985). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 180 TABLE AI.7. SEPP NO.W-15A THE WATERS OF THE WIMMERA AND CATCHMENT (1985). OBJECTIVES FOR WATER QUALITY ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS...... 181 TABLE AI.8. SEPP NO.W-28A THE WATERS OF THE DANDENONG VALLEY (1988). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 182 TABLE AI.9. SEPP (WATERS OF VICTORIA) – SCHEDULE F5. WATERS OF THE LATROBE AND BASINS AND MERRIMAN CREEK CATCHMENT.(1996)...... 183 TABLE AI.10. SEPP (WATERS OF VICTORIA) – SCHEDULE F6. WATERS OF PORT PHILLIP BAY (1997). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 184 TABLE AI.11. SEPP (WATERS OF VICTORIA) – SCHEDULE F7.WATERS OF THE YARRA CATCHMENT (1999). OBJECTIVES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WATER QUALITY INDICATORS...... 185 TABLE AI.12. GUIDELINE VALUES FOR THE PROTECTION OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS (ANZECC, 1992)...... 186 TABLE AI.13. GUIDELINE VALUES FOR RECREATIONAL WATER QUALITY AND AESTHETICS (ANZECC, 1992)...... 186 TABLE AI.14. DRINKING WATER GUIDELINES (ANZECC, 1992)...... 187 TABLE AI.15. AGRICULTURAL IRRIGATION WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES (ANZECC, 1992)...... 187 TABLE AI.16. PRELIMINARY NUTRIENT GUIDELINES FOR VICTORIAN INLAND STREAMS DURING BASEFLOW (EPA, 1995)...... 187

TABLE AIII.1. CMA REGION ABBREVIATIONS ...... 191 TABLE AIII.2. VWQMN RIVERS AND STREAMS STATION DESCRIPTION AND LOCATIONS FOR STATIONS MONITORED DURING 1999...... 191 TABLE AIII.3. EPA FIXED SITE NETWORK SITE DESCRIPTIONS AND LOCATIONS FOR SITES MONITORED DURING 1999...... 196

iv VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

TABLE AIII.4. MAJOR STORAGE OPERATIONAL MONITORING PROGRAM STATION DESCRIPTIONS AND LOCATIONS FOR STATIONS MONITORED IN 1999...... 197 TABLE AIII.5. MDBC PHYSICO-CHEM BASELINE MONITORING STATION DESCRIPTIONS AND LOCATIONS, CLASSES AND AUTHORITIES FOR STATIONS MONITORED IN 1999. STATIONS MARKED WITH * WERE PREVIOUSLY DUPLICATED BY EPA FSN SITES AND WERE MERGED IN 1997. CLASS INDICATES WHICH PARAMETERS ARE ROUTINELY MONITORED (AS LISTED IN APPENDIX IV)...... 198

TABLE AIV.1. PARAMETERS CURRENTLY MONITORED AS PART OF THE VWQMN PROGRAM...... 199 TABLE AIV.2. PARAMETERS MONITORED AS PART OF THE MAJOR STORAGES OPERATIONAL MONITORING PROGRAM...... 199 TABLE AIV.3. PARAMETERS MONITORED AS PART OF THE EPA FIXED SITES NETWORK...... 200 TABLE AIV.4. PARAMETERS MONITORED AS PART OF THE MDBC PHYSICO-CHEM BASELINE MONITORING PROGRAM. CLASS DESIGNATIONS ARE DEFINED IN TABLE 16.* DENOTES MONTHLY MONITORING IN THE AT MORGAN ONLY...... 201

List of Figures

FIGURE 1. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999.21 FIGURE 2. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT (BLACK BARS) AND ANZECC ATTAINMENT (SHADED BARS) FOR ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 22 FIGURE 3. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR PH IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 23 FIGURE 4. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR TURBIDITY IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 23 FIGURE 5. . PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999 24 FIGURE 6. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT (BLACK BARS) AND EPA ATTAINMENT (STRIPED BARS) FOR TOTAL NITROGEN IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 25 FIGURE 7. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT (BLACK BARS) AND EPA ATTAINMENT (STRIPED BARS) FOR TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 25 FIGURE 8. PERCENTAGE ANZECC ATTAINMENT FOR CHLOROPHYLL-A IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999.26 FIGURE 9. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR ARSENIC IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 26 FIGURE 10. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR CADMIUM IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 27 FIGURE 11. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR CHROMIUM IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 27 FIGURE 12. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR COPPER IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 28 FIGURE 13. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR NICKEL IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 28 FIGURE 14. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR LEAD IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 29 FIGURE 15. PERCENTAGE SEPP ATTAINMENT FOR ZINC IN CMA AND CALP REGIONS DURING 1999...... 29 FIGURE 16. CORANGAMITE CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES IN 1999...... 37 FIGURE 17. FLOW RATES IN THE PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK AT PIRRON YALLOCK BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 39 FIGURE 18. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK AT PIRRON YALLOCK BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 39 FIGURE 19. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK AT PIRRON YALLOCK BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999. ... 40 FIGURE 20. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK AT PIRRON YALLOCK BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999.40 FIGURE 21. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK AT PIRRON YALLOCK BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999.. 41 FIGURE 22. TURBIDITY IN THE PIRRON YALLOCK CREEK AT PIRRON YALLOCK BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 41 FIGURE 23. EAST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT OF WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES...... 49 FIGURE 24. FLOW RATES IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 51 FIGURE 25. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999 ...... 51 FIGURE 26. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 52 FIGURE 27. PH IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 52 FIGURE 28. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 53

v VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

FIGURE 29. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 53 FIGURE 30. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 54 FIGURE 31. TURBIDITY IN THE GENOA RIVER AT THE GORGE BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 54 FIGURE 32. GLENELG CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT OF WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES...... 61 FIGURE 33. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 63 FIGURE 34. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 64 FIGURE 35. PH IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 64 FIGURE 36. TOTAL NITROGEN IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 65 FIGURE 37. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 65 FIGURE 38. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 66 FIGURE 39. TURBIDITY IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 66 FIGURE 40. ARSENIC IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 67 FIGURE 41. CADMIUM IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 67 FIGURE 42. CHROMIUM IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 68 FIGURE 43. COPPER IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 68 FIGURE 44. NICKEL IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 69 FIGURE 45. LEAD IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 69 FIGURE 46. ZINC IN LAKE BURRUMBEET BETWEEN 1984 AND 1999...... 70 FIGURE 47. GOULBURN-BROKEN CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT OF WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES.. 79 FIGURE 48. FLOW RATES IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 81 FIGURE 49. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 82 FIGURE 50. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 82 FIGURE 51. PH IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 83 FIGURE 52. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 83 FIGURE 53. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 84 FIGURE 54 SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 84 FIGURE 55. TURBIDITY IN THE SEVEN CREEKS DOWNSTREAM OF EUROA BETWEEN 1986 AND 1999...... 85 FIGURE 56. MALLEE CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES...... 91 FIGURE 57. FLOW RATES IN THE WAKOOL RIVER AT KYALITE FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 93 FIGURE 58. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE WOKOOL RIVER AT KYALITE FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 93 FIGURE 59. PH IN THE WAKOOL RIVER AT KYALITE FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 94 FIGURE 60. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE WAKOOL RIVER AT KYALITE FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 94 FIGURE 61. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE WAKOOL RIVER AT KYALITE FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 95 FIGURE 62:.TURBIDITY IN THE WAKOOL RIVER AT KYALITE FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 95 FIGURE 63. NORTH CENTRAL CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES. 105 FIGURE 64. FLOW RATES IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 107 FIGURE 65. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 107 FIGURE 66. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO...... 108 FIGURE 67. PH IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 108 FIGURE 68. TOTAL NITROGEN IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1993 AND 1999...... 109 FIGURE 69. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1993 AND 1999...... 109 FIGURE 70. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1993 AND 1999...... 110 FIGURE 71. TURBIDITY IN MT. HOPE CREEK AT MITIAMO BETWEEN 1977 AND 1999...... 110 FIGURE 72. NORTH EAST CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES...... 117 FIGURE 73. FLOW RATES IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1976 TO 1999...... 119 FIGURE 74. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1976 TO 1999...... 120 FIGURE 75. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1976 TO 1999...... 120 FIGURE 76. PH IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1977 TO 1999...... 121 FIGURE 77. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 121

vi VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

FIGURE 78. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1978 TO 1999...... 122 FIGURE 79. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1977 TO 1999...... 122 FIGURE 80. TURBIDITY IN THE KIEWA RIVER AT KIEWA FROM 1977 TO 1999...... 123 FIGURE 81. PORT PHILLIP CALP REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES...... 133 FIGURE 82. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 135 FIGURE 83. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 136 FIGURE 84. PH IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 136 FIGURE 85. TOTAL NITROGEN IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 137 FIGURE 86. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 137 FIGURE 87. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 138 FIGURE 88. TURBIDITY IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 138 FIGURE 89. ARSENIC IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 140 FIGURE 90. CADMIUM IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 141 FIGURE 91. CHROMIUM IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 141 FIGURE 92. COPPER IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 142 FIGURE 93. NICKEL IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 142 FIGURE 94. LEAD IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 143 FIGURE 95. ZINC IN MORDIALLOC CREEK AT WELLS RD BETWEEN 1985 AND 1999...... 143 FIGURE 96. WEST GIPPSLAND CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES. 151 FIGURE 97. FLOW RATES IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST BETWEEN 1991 AND 1999...... 153 FIGURE 98. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 154 FIGURE 99. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 154 FIGURE 100. PH IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 155 FIGURE 101. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 155 FIGURE 102. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 156 FIGURE 103. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 156 FIGURE 104. TURBIDITY IN THE MOE DRAIN AT TRAFALGAR EAST FROM 1991 TO 1999...... 157 FIGURE 105. WIMMERA CMA REGION. ATTAINMENT WITH WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND GUIDELINES...... 165 FIGURE 106. FLOW RATES IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY FROM 1975 TO 1999...... 167 FIGURE 107. DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 167 FIGURE 108. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999. ... 168 FIGURE 109. PH IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 168 FIGURE 110. TOTAL NITROGEN IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 169 FIGURE 111. TOTAL PHOSPHORUS IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 169 FIGURE 112. SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 170 FIGURE 113. TURBIDITY IN THE WIMMERA RIVER AT GLENORCHY BETWEEN 1975 AND 1999...... 170

FIGURE AII.1. CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (CMA) AND CATCHMENT AND LAND PROTECTION (CALP) REGIONS OF VICTORIA...... 189 FIGURE AII.2. VICTORIAN DRAINAGE BASINS...... 189

vii

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Executive Summary The Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report for 1999 provides a summary of the water quality for Victorian waters in 1999. It is the latest in a series of reports covering the period 1992 to 1998. Along with the summary of water quality throughout the state, this report provides information on the policy framework under which water quality is assessed; an overview of current water quality monitoring programs and their respective status; and progress on adoption of the recommendations from the 1996 Review of Victorian Water Quality Monitoring programs.

The water quality data for 1999 has been sourced from the following monitoring programs:

· Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network; · Environment Protection Authority Fixed Site Network (including Melbourne Water sites); · Major Storages Operational Monitoring Program; and · Murray-Darling Basin Commission.

Water quality throughout the State has been summarised and assessed in the light of the following objectives:

· Relevant State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs); · Australian and New Zealand Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC); and · Environment Protection Authority Preliminary Nutrient Guidelines.

Assessment was undertaken in three ways, through:

· 1999 water quality data summarised on a statewide basis, comparing the overall percentage attainment of water quality against the objectives and guidelines in each Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Catchment and Land Protection Board (CaLP) region; · 1999 water quality data summarised on a regional basis, determining the overall water quality within each CMA and CaLP regions by calculating the percent attainment for each site against the objectives; · Interpretation of long term water quality for a selection of sites.

The water quality varied significantly amongst the nine CMA’s and CaLP regions. Across the state, water quality for most of the time was classified as good or within guidelines with respect to the SEPP objectives for dissolved oxygen. The North East and West Gippsland CMA regions attained 100% compliance with the SEPP objectives. Attainment with guidelines for electrical conductivity (EC) showed the same pattern as for the past two years. The CMAs with the highest percentage attainment were West Gippsland, East Gippsland, Mallee and North East, and the lowest attainment was again the Glenelg CMA with 41% attainment against ANZECC guidelines. Water quality was generally classified as within guidelines with respect to the SEPP objectives for pH. Suspended solids over all regions were within SEPP guidelines for that area, with maximum attainment observed in East Gippsland.

Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) in general have relatively low attainment with water quality guidelines. Waters in the North Central, Mallee and Corangamite CMAs exhibited the poorest nutrient levels in the state. Chlorophyll-a was only sampled in six of the ten regions, with all those regions having similar attainment levels, between 81 and 94%.

ix VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Metals were analysed in seven of the regions, SEPP attainment levels were high for most metals in the majority of the regions, with 100% attainment a common feature. The lowest attainment was 83% for chromium in the Wimmera CMA regions.

Changes over time in water quality parameters at the water quality sampling stations within each region are complex. An attempt has been made to explain the temporal variation in quality at one monitoring station in each region. This variation can be a result of the implementation of strategies or policies, flow conditions and droughts, amongst other causes.

x VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

1 Introduction The hydrology of catchments in Victoria has been profoundly altered by human activities such as land clearing, water harvesting and storage, and reclamation. These practices have led to changes in the structure and function of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and ultimately to a decline in water quality (OCE, 1988). Our changing requirements for domestic, agricultural and industrial water have also taken their toll on the inland waters of Australia and, in many instances, continue to do so. Increased public awareness of environmental issues has seen the need for governments to implement on-going water quality monitoring programs. Such programs are conducted on a regional, statewide and national basis. On-going water quality monitoring programs provide a basis for managing the State’s water resources. Such programs enable long-term trends to be identified and form a framework for predictive model development (Harris 1994). Monitoring programs may provide warning signals for long-term problems and enable the early implementation of ameliorative measures. Long-term water quality data sets can be used to develop and benchmark the effectiveness of management strategies for land and water use. Moreover, the integration of physico-chemical water quality data with bio-monitoring programs (macro-invertebrate and microalgal) allows the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of aquatic community ecology in relation to ecosystem function. Water quality monitoring programs also present the opportunity to assess the status of water resources throughout the State in terms of beneficial uses and environmental values as set out in existing policies. Requirements under such a policy framework vary from achieving best management practice in terms of strategies and guidelines to legal responsibilities under statutory legislation. This annual report presents a summary of water quality monitoring activities throughout Victoria for the period January 1999 to December 1999. Data contained in this report has been sourced from the following four primary water quality monitoring programs operating throughout the State: · the Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Program; · the Environment Protection Authority Fixed Site Network (which includes the Melbourne Water monitoring program); · the Major Storages Operational Monitoring Program; and · the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. A summary of these programs is presented in Section 1.2. Previous reports have covered the period of monitoring from 1992 to 1998 (Hunter, 1993; Hunter & Zampatti, 1994a; 1994b; Hunter & Hedger, 1995; Hunter, 1996; WATER ECOscience 1997a; 1997b; WATER ECOscience 1998, AWT Victoria 1999). The general aim of this report is to provide an overview of results from these four water quality monitoring programs operating throughout Victoria in 1999. Specifically, the report summarises water quality data within and between the nine Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and one Catchment and Land Protection Board (CaLP) regions in the context of attainment of State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) objectives, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) guidelines and Environment Protection Authority (EPA) preliminary nutrient guidelines, and identifies those parameters that consistently presented problems during 1999. The statewide and overall CMA and CaLP regional water quality is discussed along with discussion on specific sites in terms of reasons for their water quality status. Background information on relevant water quality objectives and guidelines, the current water quality networks and their respective status have also been included.

1 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

1.1 Water Quality Legislation and Guidelines The policy framework for which water quality throughout the State was assessed varied from State Environment Protection Policy indicators and objectives specific for Victorian regions, which are legally enforceable, to national guidelines which provide performance objectives for best management practice. A list of the State Environment Protection Policies (SEPP) objectives relevant to each CMA and CaLP region throughout the State is presented in Table 1, as well as the regionally relevant Environment Protection Authority (EPA) nutrient guideline. There was no regional breakdown of the compliance with the Australian and New Zealand Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC).

1.1.1 State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs) The EPA, established under the Environment Protection Act 1970 (Victorian Government 1970), is responsible for the control and prevention of pollution. One of the tools the Authority uses to carry out this function includes the implementation of SEPPs and Industrial Waste Management Policies (IWMPs). The EPA may adopt a SEPP for any portion, element or segment of the environment (Environment Protection Act subsections 16 and 19). SEPP objectives are legally enforceable and region specific and as such, where defined, take precedence over the more general EPA nutrient guidelines and ANZECC guidelines.

SEPPs include the following components:

Part I Preliminary (definitions) Part II Boundaries of the area to which the Policy applies Part III Beneficial uses Part IV Water Quality Indicators and Objectives Part V Attainment program Schedules Water quality indicators and objectives are prescribed in schedules.

Three of these components are particularly important and deserve elaboration in the context of this report:

· Beneficial uses

A beneficial use has been defined as a use of the environment or any element or segment of the environment which is conducive to public benefit, welfare, safety, health or aesthetic enjoyment and which requires protection from the effects of waste discharges, emissions or deposits (Environment Protection Act subsection 4). Examples of beneficial uses include the protection of natural ecosystems, potable water supply, agricultural water supply and recreational uses. The beneficial uses that apply to the region are detailed in Part III of each SEPP.

· Indicators and objectives

Each beneficial use of water has a suite of environmental indicators considered relevant in protecting that beneficial use. Each relevant indicator (eg. pH, temperature) is given a guideline level or objective based on the requirements of the most sensitive beneficial use of that segment of the environment. The guideline level or objective must be met so that beneficial use can occur. The objective is based upon published standards and research results. Part IV of each SEPP (Water Quality Indicators and Objectives) details the segments within the Policy area to which the water quality indicators and objectives apply and the schedule in which the indicators and objectives are prescribed.

2 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

· Attainment program

An attainment program outlines the mechanisms by which environmental objectives are to be achieved. The attainment program is detailed in Part V of a SEPP. The attainment program may detail general or specific plans to achieve stated water quality objectives. A timetable for the development and implementation of plans may also be included in Part V of the SEPP.

Table 1. List of Documents that cover the Water Quality Objectives (SEPP) and EPA nutrient guideline regions relevant to each CMA and CaLP region across the state. In the absence of SEPP objectives for a parameter, the EPA nutrient guidelines or ANZECC guidelines apply.

RELEVANT EPA NUTRIENT Region Relevant SEPP Water Quality Objectives GUIDELINE REGION

Corangamite CMA SEPP - The Waters of Lake Colac and Catchment W-34A (1982) Southern & Isolated Foothills SEPP - The Waters of the Western District Lakes W-34B (1982) Southwest SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Southern Lowlands & Urban East Gippsland CMA SEPP - The Waters of Far East Gippsland W-21 (1985) Highlands SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Southern & Isolated Foothills Southern Lowlands Glenelg CMA SEPP - The Waters of Lake Burrumbeet and Catchment W-36A (1983) Southwest SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Southern & Isolated Foothills Goulburn-Broken CMA SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Murray Foothills Murray Plains Mallee CMA SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Northwest Plains North Central CMA SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Northwest Plains Murray Foothills Murray Plains North East CMA SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Highlands Murray Foothills Murray Plains Port Phillip CaLP SEPP - The Waters of the Dandenong Valley W-28A (1988) Southern & Isolated Foothills SEPP - The Waters of Western Port Bay and Catchment W-28 (1979) Southern Lowlands & Urban SEPP - Waters of Victoria Schedule F6 (1997) - Waters of Port Phillip Bay SEPP - Waters of Victoria Schedule F7 (1999) - Waters of the Yarra Catchment SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) West Gippsland CMA SEPP - Waters of Victoria Schedule F5 (1996) - Waters of the Latrobe and Highlands Thomson River Basins and Merriman Creek Catchment Southern & Isolated Foothills SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988) Southern Lowlands Wimmera CMA SEPP - The Waters of the Wimmera River and Catchment W-15A (1985) Northwest Plains SEPP - Waters of Victoria (1988)

1.1.2 Water Quality Guidelines Guidelines for physical, chemical and biological indicators are used to determine the water quality required to maintain specific environmental values, including industrial uses. Water quality targets set by the relevant guidelines differ depending on the intended environmental value of water. Environmental values also differ from state to state as local climate, geology, flora and fauna will also impact upon the natural condition of a

3 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 water-body and the economics of maintaining it appropriately. Various sets of guidelines have been established for a number of environmental values including the protection of aquatic ecosystems, recreational water quality, agricultural and industrial use. Of particular relevance to this report are The Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC 1992; Tables AI.1-4) and the EPA Preliminary Nutrient Guidelines for Victorian Inland Streams (Tiller & Newall 1995; Table AI.5). These guidelines are summarised as follows:

1.1.2.1 The Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (ANZECC 1992) These guidelines were established using data generated by a large number of organisations from throughout Australia and New Zealand. The guidelines provide the framework for achieving ecologically sustainable development. The guidelines contain numerical and narrative criteria to assist in managing water resources in a sustainable manner (ANZECC 1992). Guidelines for a range of parameters are presented as either guideline ranges, threshold limits, acceptable deviations from the annual or seasonal mean or guidelines for percentile values.

The current guidelines have a number of limitations, which are outlined in Hart et al. (1998) and include: · a focus on physico-chemical indicators; · the assumption with respect to toxicants, that if key biological species exhibit no toxic effects, this will be sufficient to protect the community as a whole; and · the guidelines are based on the assumption that if the quality of water is adequately protected so will be the ecosystem.

The ANZECC (1992) Guidelines are currently being upgraded using a new risk based approach, which should lead to more effective management and protection of the aquatic ecosystem. The new guidelines: · are ecosystem based - more specific and focussed on six ecosystem types (lowland river, upland river, freshwater lakes, wetlands, estuaries and coastal & marine) as opposed to two (freshwater and marine); · include management targets; · are issue based; and · adopt a risk based approach to produce a guideline package developed for specific issues related to each ecosystem type.

Draft revised guidelines (ANZECC 1999) were released for public comment in July 1999 and the finalised guidelines are expected to become available during 2000.

1.1.2.2 EPA Preliminary Nutrient Guidelines for Victorian Inland Streams (Tiller & Newall 1995) These guidelines were prepared by the Victorian EPA to cover the two major nutrients - nitrogen and phosphorus. The preliminary guidelines are based on studies from southeastern Australia in which water quality was measured concurrently with biological sampling (Tiller & Newall 1995). In suggesting nutrient guidelines, Tiller and Newall (1995) divided the state into river regions (Table AI.6). Within each river region, background, threshold and major impact values for total nitrogen and total phosphorus are provided. It should be noted, however, that these guidelines apply to base flows only.

1.1.3 Commonly Assessed Water Quality Parameters Commonly assessed water quality parameters are summarised in Appendix IV. Although not an exhaustive list, these parameters are commonly monitored in water quality monitoring programs and a large database for

4 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 these parameters exists. The guideline targets presented in Appendix I are those which are likely to have the greatest impact on the beneficial use under consideration, whether it be maintenance of natural ecosystems or the provision of potable water supply.

1.2 Current Water Quality Networks and their Respective Status Water quality information for rivers, streams and static water bodies throughout Victoria is primarily based on four extant databases. These are based on the Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network (VWQMN), the Environment Protection Authority’s Fixed Site Network (EPA FSN) which includes Melbourne Waters Water Quality Monitoring program, the Major Storage’s Operational Monitoring Program (MSOMP) and the Murray Darling Basin Commission’s (MDBC) program.

A map showing the boundaries of all Victorian CMA regions is presented in Figure AII.1. The location of all sampling sites and the respective programs for each CMA and CaLP region, are presented in Section 5.2.

1.2.1 Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network The Australian Water Resources Council (now the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand) initiated a Victorian Water Quality Assessment Program (WQAP) in 1975 as part of its National Water Quality Assessment Program. Subsequent to this, the VWQMN was established to collect water quality data for all major streams and their tributaries in Victoria. From 1975 to 1991, the VWQMN was re-defined through a number of reviews.

Following the 1990 review, the overall objective of the VWQMN was modified as :

“to provide the information needed for the future management of the State’s water resources, which would include the management and protection of the conservation values of the resources”

In order to meet this objective it is necessary to provide data: · to characterise water quality in aquatic environments; · for the preparation of regular reports on these issues; · to evaluate the need to design and implement special investigations / monitoring programs; · to determine temporal trends and their influence; and · to determine present and emerging water quality problems. Up until the 1990 review of the VWQMN, only major streams and their tributaries had been monitored for water quality. The information from this monitoring program failed to provide an overall picture of the hydrological and limnological processes occurring in Victorian aquatic ecosystems. The 1990 review (RWC 1991) highlighted the need for monitoring of other aquatic systems. In 1993, monitoring of lakes and wetlands was included in the VWQMN to enable the overall objective of the VWQMN to be fulfilled.

In November 1993, the then Minister for Natural Resources initiated a further review of the Victorian water quality monitoring programs. This was undertaken in 1996. This review of the State surface water quality monitoring was undertaken by a committee convened by the Catchment Management Authority Council (CMAC), with representation from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and EPA. The broads objective was to develop a more integrated, coordinated and resource efficient approach to water quality monitoring in Victoria. Outcomes from the 1996 review have now been implemented.

5 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

All data collected under the VWQMN is held on a relational database system. The VWQMN database is a valuable resource, which has historical data from 1975 for most sites. Data from the VWQMN can be used to:

· provide descriptive data of the water quality of Victorian rivers and streams; · review other monitoring programs; · characterise water-bodies (including nutrients and other primary productivity indicators); · identify areas of degradation; · monitor the impact of seasonality, flow regime and catchment land use on aquatic ecosystems; · determine the vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems to natural and anthropogenic sources; · identify changes in both space and time; · assist in determining the value of water resources for any nominated use; and · assist in determining attainment of water quality guidelines. In an effort to facilitate the orderly publication of nation-wide stream gauging data, the AWRC adopted the National Gauging Stations Numbering System. This system designates a unique six digit number (Station Index Number - SI No) to each gauging station within Australia. There are 244 drainage basins within 12 drainage divisions in Australia. Victoria has 30 drainage basins within 2 drainage divisions (Division 2 and Division 4; Figure AII.2). Each basin has a number of stream gauging stations and the six digit number assigned to each station contains a string of detailed information. For example, SI No 401211 denotes Drainage Division 4, Basin 01, Station 211.

Each station is also designated by an alpha character (eg. A, B, C). This character is referred to as the site indicator. The site indicator changes if the recorder installation is relocated (eg. 401211A can become 401211B). If the relocation of the recorder installation results in a significant change to the catchment area monitored, the station index number is also changed, otherwise the station index number should remain the same.

1.2.1.1 Rivers and Streams Program In 1999, the VWQMN included 153 river and stream stations throughout Victoria, 6 of which were discontinued during the year. Ten of these stations were monitored monthly for field (in situ) parameters only, with the remaining 143 monitored monthly for both field (in situ) and laboratory parameters. Of these 143, 11 stations were monitored for major ions and 11 stations were monitored for metals. A detailed summary of the parameters monitored as part of the VWQMN Rivers and Streams program is presented in Appendix IV (Table AIV.1). Samples were collected and field parameters analysed by Thiess Environmental Services Hydrographic field staff. Australian Water Technologies (Victoria) Environmental Chemistry Laboratory conducted analysis of laboratory parameters, major ions and metals. A list of rivers and streams monitored during the period January 1999 to December 1999, including station descriptions, is presented in Table AIII.2 (Appendix III).

The detection of temporal trends is one of the primary objectives of the VWQMN and, therefore, it is essential that the frequency of sampling is sufficient to detect significant trends by acceptable statistical techniques. CMAC, DNRE & EPA (1996) assessed the statistical power of the Network to detect trends and concluded that “with the current monitoring frequency, linear trends in water quality equivalent in magnitude

6 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 to one standard deviation of the detrended data should be detectable at the 95% level of confidence and 80 - 90% power after 8 - 10 years of monitoring.”

1.2.1.2 Lakes and Wetlands Programs These programs were halted at the end of 1997 pending the redesign of the sampling methodology. Stations that were duplicated by the EPA FSN or the MDBC program were continued as part of those programs.

1.2.2 Environment Protection Authority Fixed Site Network The EPA FSN was established in 1984 to complement the VWQMN. From 1984 to 1994, the EPA FSN monitored 46 stations across the State. In 1994, the EPA integrated its urban monitoring sites into Melbourne Water and Melbourne Parks and Waterways Stream Watch program (CMAC, DNRE & EPA, 1996), which subsequently became Melbourne Water’s Water Quality Monitoring Network program. In October 1997, the EPA integrated its inland water quality monitoring stations with the VWQMN.

The primary objective of the EPA FSN is to determine trends in water quality over time. Secondary objectives of the Network are to:

· assess compliance with water quality objectives as prescribed in State Environment Protection Policies; and · identify emerging water quality issues. Initially, the nominal frequency of sampling was fortnightly at metropolitan stations and monthly at rural stations. Since 1998, all stations have been monitored on a monthly basis. The EPA FSN uses a six digit coding system for station numbering, (Appendix III, Table AIII.3), however, traditionally the ‘00’ portion of the station number is omitted and the remaining 4 digits are quoted. A detailed summary of the parameters monitored as part of the EPA FSN is presented in Appendix IV (Table AIV.2).

1.2.2.1 Environment Protection Authority Program In 1999, the EPA monitored 8 river and stream stations and 5 Western District Lakes throughout Victoria (Table AIII.3). The quarterly sampling of Western District Lakes, previously undertaken by the VWQMN, has been incorporated into the EPA sampling program. This includes depth profiles and monitoring for zooplankton at all lake sites with the exception of Lake Colongulac.

1.2.2.2 Melbourne Water Program In 1994, the EPA integrated its urban monitoring sites into Melbourne Water and Melbourne Parks and Waterways StreamWatch Program. From 1996, these sites have been managed solely by Melbourne Water as the Melbourne Water Water Quality Monitoring Network, endorsed by the EPA. Melbourne Water currently monitors 72 sites in the Melbourne metropolitan region, 14 of these as part of the EPA FSN (Table AIII.3).

7 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

1.2.3 Major Storages Operational Monitoring Program During 1999, a total of 29 stations within 28 major storages were monitored as part of the MSOMP. The MSOMP was initiated in January 1992 with the general aim of developing an understanding of the limnology of the 24 storages involved at that stage. The Rural Water Authorities and the Murray-Darling Basin Commission jointly funded the program. Specific objectives of the MSOMP were to:

· provide rapid feedback to storage managers on algal populations within storages, particularly on levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae;

· establish a database of physical and chemical parameters from each storage to monitor possible changes which may occur before, during and after periods of algal abundance, in addition to any long term trends;

· establish a database of the common algal types and their population dynamics over time within each storage; and

· identify those storages most susceptible to blue-green algal blooms.

Two water samples were collected from each storage, one from the outlet and one from the leeward shore. Water quality parameters and detailed algal counts were analysed on the outlet station sample. An algal scan was performed on both samples. Blue green algal counts were undertaken immediately on scan samples when significant numbers of blue-green algae were detected (> 500 cells/mL). A detailed summary of the parameters monitored as part of the MSOMP is presented in Appendix IV (Table AIV.3).

All storages in the MSOMP were sampled fortnightly from November to June and monthly from July to October, with the exception of Lonsdale, Rocklands and Taylors Lakes, which were sampled monthly throughout the December to March period.

A list of the MSOMP stations monitored during the period January 1999 to December 1999, including station descriptions, is presented in Appendix III (Table AIII.4)

1.2.4 Murray-Darling Basin Commission The MDBC initiated a Water Quality Monitoring Program in July 1978 to meet the data requirements for its new responsibilities in relation to the water quality of the River Murray. The general aim of the program was to provide the necessary data for an improved understanding and enhanced management of water quality in the River. Water quality data was collected from 35 stations along the Murray and the lower reaches of its tributary streams, 18 in Victoria, 7 in New South Wales and 10 in South Australia. A list of the MDBC stations monitored from January 1999 to December 1999, including site descriptions, is presented in Appendix III (Table AIII.5).

Stations were initially sampled for a number of physical and chemical characteristics. In 1980, the program was expanded to monitor phytoplankton and macroinvertebrates at a number of stations. A detailed summary of the parameters monitored as part of the MDBC program is presented in Appendix IV (Table AIV.4).

The Commission’s inter-governmental Water Quality & River Health Working Group oversees the water quality monitoring program. New South Wales Department of Land & Water Conservation, AWT Victoria,

8 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 the Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre and South Australian Water conducted the monitoring and analysis of laboratory and field parameters.

In 1998, the MDBC engaged AWT Victoria to undertake a review of its water quality monitoring program. The review involved an assessment of the Commission’s water quality monitoring data, including the determination of any trends; a description of the ecological condition of the River Murray; and a review of the design and implementation of the water quality monitoring program, in relation to the Commission’s needs for water quality and river health information. Stage 1 of the review was undertaken in 1998 and 1999 and involved an analysis of the macro-invertebrate data and an overview of the physio-chemical water quality and algal monitoring data. An interim report was prepared for the Commission. Stage 2 was undertaken in 1999 and 2000 and involves detailed temporal trend analysis of selected physio-chemical water quality variables and algal data. Stage 3 will be to design a new comprehensive environmental and water quality monitoring program for the Commission based on information collected in Stages 1 and 2.

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10 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

2 Methods

2.1 Water Quality Characterisation Water quality has been characterised according to levels of attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines across the state.

This report addresses two levels of objective or guideline attainment. The first relates to overall attainment for each CMA and CaLP region (percent attainment per region) whilst the second relates to attainment of individual stations within each CMA and CaLP region (percent attainment per station). In the event that the water quality guidelines cover a range of values (eg. total phosphorus > 0.01 – 0.1 mg/L), the attainment is based on the upper limit of that range (ie. 0.1). However, where the water quality guidelines and objectives must fall within a range (eg. pH between 6 and 9), non-attainment would be due to the results falling either below the minimum or above the maximum values for the range.

Percent attainment was calculated and tabulated for the SEPP objectives, the ANZECC guidelines and the EPA nutrient guidelines. Where no regional SEPP objectives existed, the Waters of Victoria SEPP objectives were applied. Where no SEPP objectives for a particular parameter existed, the ANZECC and EPA guidelines were applied. Water quality objectives exist in two forms, as limits (either maximum or minimum) and as percentiles. Percentiles differ from limits only in that the limits require 100% attainment, while the percentiles require that a set percentage of samples attain the objective (ie. 50% or 90% depending on the objective). Where objectives are listed as percentiles, a minimum of ten sampling events at a given station were required to determine the percent attainment. For less than ten sampling events, attainment was not determined (designated as nd).

The percent attainment was determined for each parameter by pooling the data from each station or all stations within a CMA and CaLP region, counting the total number of sampling events and the number of samples which did not comply with the objective or guideline and applying Equation 1.

100´ (Total no. of samples - no. of Non-attaining samples) % attainment = Equation 1 Total no. of samples Percent attainment with SEPP water quality objectives was plotted. In the event of no SEPP objectives for a particular parameter, the percent attainment with the EPA nutrient guidelines or ANZECC guidelines was substituted, as indicated in the plots.

2.1.1 Mapping Attainment within Regions A rating was applied to summarise attainment of water quality objectives and guidelines within CMA and CaLP regions. Each station within the region was given a rating of high, medium or low, based on the percent compliance with the objective or guideline limit, for the following groups of parameters:

· Metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc); · Nutrients (Total Phosphorus, Total Nitrogen); · Suspended Solids / Turbidity; and · Others (Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Electrical Conductivity).

11 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The method adopted for calculating the rating varied according to the indicator and the type of objective used. Essentially, the two objective limits were absolute limits and percentiles. The percent compliance for metals was calculated from the average percent attainment for all seven metals across the CMA and CaLP region. The attainment rating, outlined below, was then derived. Nutrient percent compliance (where SEPP or EPA absolute limits were used) were averaged across the CMA and CaLP region to gain a nutrient attainment percentage and the rating derived. Where the nutrient objectives were expressed as SEPP objectives percentiles, a station which had percent attainment of 50 percent and 90 percent for the 50th and 90th percentiles respectively was categorised as having a medium attainment score. A station was accorded a high score if the two percent attainment values were considerably higher than the percentile objectives, and was given a low score if the attainment values were considerably below the percentile objectives. The lowest of the two nutrient scores was used to provide the map rating, thus indicating where a problem had been identified. Suspended solids and turbidity scores were applied using the percentile objectives methodology. If suspended solids and turbidity both had a set objective and data for a station, the two percentile scores were averaged to achieve the map rating. For the ‘others’ group, the lowest attainment value of the three parameters was used to provide the attainment score, thus indicating where a potential problem had been identified. The majority of the guidelines were applicable to base flows rather than storm events. Separation of base flow values was beyond the scope of this report. Therefore, the rating applied allowed for a small percentage of samples to exceed the objective or guideline (the tail of the distribution). The rating of high, medium, low attainment was applied to each group of parameters as follows:

· High (³ 95 % attainment); · Medium (Between 90 and 95% attainment);

· Low (£ 90% attainment). These ratings were mapped for each station on the CMA and CaLP regional maps (Sections 5.2.1 – 5.2.10).

12 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

3 Data Requests VWQMN data is widely used. During 1999 data was requested by a large number of organisations, including Universities, Consultants, and Government bodies (Table 2). Of the sixty-nine requests received in 1999, sixty-three required field information, fifty required data on nutrients and twenty-nine required data on major ions. The number of requests made during 1999 was higher than during 1998, including three requests for the whole data set. The VWQMN has formed the basis of the State-wide assessment of water quality trends (Cottingham et al.1995, Smith and Nathan 1999a-k) and has now been incorporated into the DNRE website-based Data Warehouse (www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn). VWQMN data has been used in developing Waterway Management Strategies, in the application of the Index of Stream Condition and in the development of Action Plans. It has also been used in a range of projects including Landcare newsletters, water quality models, and studies assessing water quality and stream health.

Data requests have been provided in a range of different formats. Data from the VWQMN can be retrieved for specific stations, parameters, time frames, or any combination of these criteria.

Table 2. Organisations requesting water quality data in 1999 including their respective number of requests

January - December 1999

GROUP No.Requests Approximate No.Stations Consultants 18 90 Environment Protection Authority 8 265 Dept. Natural Resources & Environment 9 380 Catchment Management Authorities 1 3 Murray-Darling Basin Commission 2 26 Dept. Land & Water Conservation 2 5 Water Authorities 11 43 Private Individuals 5 21 Community Groups (Waterwatch / Landcare) 7 61 Universities / Research Centres 6 30 TOTAL 69 924

Data used from the VWQMN should be cited, for all users, as follows:

VWQMN, (Year). Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Database. Govt of Victoria.

It is also requested that if VWQMN data is used in a published document, the full particulars of the document (and a copy of the document if possible) is sent to AWT Victoria to assist in determining how the data is used and, consequently, how the service can be improved.

13 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Information gathered from each of the monitoring programs is available via the newly available Data Warehouse on the DNRE website www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn, or can be obtained from the following organisations:

Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network AWT Victoria 68 Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley 3149 Victoria – Agnieszka Lonska Phone : (03) 9550 1001 Email: [email protected] – Tracy Clark (03) 9550 1042 [email protected]

Major Storages Operational Monitoring Program Contact the Rural Water Authority responsible for the storage:

Wimmera Mallee Water Goulburn Murray Water, Murray Headworks Gary Harper David Jeffrey PO Box 19 Private Bag 2 Horsham VIC 3400 Wodonga VIC 3691 Ph: (03) 5362 0200 Ph: (02) 6026 4320

Goulburn Murray Water, Goulburn Headworks Goulburn Murray Water, Loddon Headworks Bob Klos Ivan Smith High St Cairn Curran Eildon VIC 3713 Maldon VIC 3463 Ph: (03) 57742303 Ph: (03) 5475 2121 Once permission has been obtained from the Rural Water Authority (preferably in writing), data can be obtained from: AWT Victoria 68 Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley 3149 Victoria – Emma Connell Phone : (03) 9550 1033 Email: [email protected] – Clare Putt (03) 9550 1063 [email protected]

Environment Protection Authority: Fixed Site Monitoring Network Environment Protection Authority - Freshwater Sciences 27 Francis Street Melbourne 3000 Victoria – Michael Hunter Phone : (03) 9616 2328 Email: [email protected]

Murray-Darling Basin Commission : Phys-Chem Baseline Monitoring Murray-Darling Basin Commission Gas Industry House, 7 Moore St GPO Box 409, Canberra 2601 ACT – Brain Lawrence Phone : (02) 6279 0100

14 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

3.1 Data Warehouse The Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse is a site dedicated to disseminating up-to-date information on Victoria’s water resources through the World Wide Web. The site gives access to both raw and summary data on both water quality and quantity throughout Victoria, and is a central repository for published documents produced from this data. Water quality data from the VWQMN, EPA FSN, MSOMP and MDBC have been incorporated into the Data Warehouse as well as statewide water quantity data. Sampling results from community groups etc. and groundwater information will also be included in the future.

The site offers you a number of choices in how you access this information and a short description of each is included below:

Maps for Site Selection This link allows the user to narrow down to the sites of interest by clicking on a map of the State. Once the site has been chosen in this way, the relevant data is accessible.

Standard Warehouse Reports This link provides access to summary information for sites such as average monthly flows, annual summary statistics and active site lists.

Individual Site Information This link is used if the site name or number is already known and information about the site such as parameters measured, location, contractor, rating table, etc is required.

Extract Data from Warehouse This link allows development of a query to narrow down the data of interest. For example, a site list for sites that are both in the West Gippsland CMA and that have phosphorus results greater than 1 mg/L could be extracted. There is a range of parameters, which can be adjusted to match the query requirements.

Browse Statistics and Data This link allows the user to browse through summary statistics and ‘drill down’ into the data. For example, annual flows for a range of sites could be selected and the monthly flows for a particular site chosen by clicking on the annual flow result.

Measure by Measure Analysis This link is similar to the Extract Data from Warehouse page but it allows creation of a graph of one measure vs. another. For example, stream flow vs. total phosphorus results for a site could be examined or both parameters as a time series.

DNRE Published Documents This link provides access to documents published as part of the water resources monitoring program of DNRE including trend analysis for the whole state. Documents are provided in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.

Send Comments/Requests to Warehouse Manager This link allows comments and/or data requests to be sent to the warehouse manager. This option allows users to order a CD-ROM copy of data for a very large data request.

(www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn 2000)

15 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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16 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

4 Quality Assurance and Quality Control Both Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) form an essential element of any monitoring program. Quality Assurance comprises of a set of operating principles designed to ensure that the quality control activities are being properly implemented. Quality Control is provided by planned activities designed to ensure that the data collected and measurements made are accurate and precise, and are recorded and reported correctly.

The VWQMN is managed by AWT Victoria for DNRE and the Rural Water Authorities. The sample collection component of the VWQMN rivers and streams is managed by AWT Victoria and undertaken by Thiess Environmental Services. The AWT Victoria quality control procedures are documented in the DNRE’s Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network and State Biological Monitoring Program Manual of Procedures (AWT Victoria 1999b). AWT Victoria also undertake the field assessment component of Melbourne Waters monitoring program, which is part of the EPA FSN. EPA Operations staff or Freshwater Sciences staff undertake the field assessment component for the regional EPA sites. The EPA quality control procedures are documented in the EPA’s Guide to Sampling and Analysis of Waters and Wastewaters (EPA, 1995).

4.1 Thiess Environmental Services Quality System Thiess Environmental Services quality system under ISO9002 relates to hydrological and environmental monitoring, including data management. Of particular relevance to the VWQMN is the derivation of flow data, which is a critical parameter. Flow is derived from flow gauging, calibrated to determine flow for a given water level at each monitoring station via discrete physical measurement obtained over a representative range. Calibration is required on a regular basis as it is subject to change. These elements are carried out in accordance with AS3778 and supported by other relevant work procedures including Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) and Inspection Checklist Reports (ICRs). Ten percent of all field activities including flow measurement are subject to ICRs, which are also subject to internal and third party audits.

4.2 AWT Victoria’s Quality Management System The AWT Victoria Quality Management System is structured and documented in terms of:

· A Quality Policy Manual, which details overall policy; · Management Manuals, which describe how the individual disciplines (chemistry, microbiology, and biology) manage their respective areas (eg., team structure, training, sample handling, etc.); · Quality Assurance Manuals, which describe the quality control procedures used to control standards, standard reference materials, replicates, etc.); and · Detailed Procedure Manuals, which contain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). AWT Victoria has been registered and certified by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to:

AS/NZS/ISO 9001 Quality system, contract review, document and data control, quality records, quality audits, corrective action and training (Certification No.6593).

17 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

ISO Guide 25 Equipment calibration, validity of methods, traceability of results and records, verification of data, analyst competence, quality control and NATA proficiency for Chemical Testing (Reg.No’s.992 & 1955) and Biological Testing (Reg.No.996).

4.2.1 Field Sample Collection The quality assurance program for the sample collection and field measurement component of the VWQMN is detailed in the Manual of Water Quality Monitoring Procedures, VWQMN (AWT Victoria, 1999b). Examples of quality control procedures include:

· sample collection in unused disposable plastic bottles; · filter batches used in field filtration for FRP are analysed for extractable phosphorus; only batches that are shown not to contaminate the sample or otherwise modify the composition of the sample are used (Table AV1; Appendix V); · all field sampling and monitoring parties are provided with fresh standards for pH and electrical conductivity every three months; · procedures and a timetable for the calibration of each field instrument are included in the Procedures Manual (Table AV2); and · all field instruments are independently calibrated and checked every three months (Table AV4). Twice a year each field party participates in a NATA run inter-laboratory comparison exercise for pH, turbidity and electrical conductivity (EC). A example of inter-laboratory tests results performed in 1999 is presented in Table AV.3 (Appendix V). Samples of known pH, turbidity and electrical conductivity are supplied to each field party without divulging the concentration. Results obtained are compared against the known composition. Where results fall outside the acceptable range, testing procedures are reviewed and equipment is tested. The acceptable range of values are noted in Standards Methods (Greenberg et al. 1992).

Following each inter - laboratory comparison exercise, an inspection of all instruments was conducted. Particular attention was given to those centres that did not meet the standards of the inter-laboratory comparison. Remedial action included site inspection, calibration and, if required, additional staff training.

4.2.2 Biological Analysis The quality assurance program of AWT Victoria’s Botany Laboratory is detailed in the AWT Analytical Services-Botany Quality Assurance Manual. This manual describes the quality control and assurance practices conducted within the Botany Laboratory. Quality Control procedures detailed in the Analytical Services-Botany QA Manual relate to materials and preparation, analytical results review, intra-laboratory performance checks and proficiency testing.

4.2.3 Chemical Analysis The Chemistry Laboratory of AWT Victoria performed all chemical analyses for the VWQMN, EPA FSN and MDBC programs. The quality assurance program of AWT Victoria’s Environmental Chemistry Laboratory is detailed in AWT’s Analytical Services-Chemistry Quality Assurance Manual. This manual describes the quality control and assurance practices conducted within the chemistry laboratories. Quality Control procedures detailed in the Environmental Chemistry Quality Assurance Manual relate to analytical method performance, including specifications for the limit of detection, numbers of controls and replicates,

18 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 checking of control stock solutions, summary of control data, action on controls during routine analysis and external quality control. An example of quality control used by the Analytical Services-Chemistry Laboratory is the use of control solutions that are analysed with each batch of VWQMN samples. The results of the controls are expected to fall within certain limits (limits are based on long term data using a 95 percent confidence limit). In the event that controls do not fall within the accepted limits, the entire batch is reanalysed.

4.2.4 Data Entry and Retrieval The procedures for entering and retrieving data on the VWQMN database are detailed in a Database Maintenance Procedures manual. This manual provides all users of the VWQMN database with step-by- step procedures for updating the database and data retrieval.

Field data arrive on pre-printed pro-formas and with a further copy being retained by the regional office. Every week, a report is produced (VWQMN Samples Received List) containing a complete listing of all samples received. Before any data entry procedures commence, the following checks are performed:

· ensure that the station index number (SI No) on the field data sheet is cross referenced to a current station (ie, a station which is included on the VWQMN Current Station List). · ensure that both the field data sheet and the VWQMN Current Station List are marked accordingly, to record receipt of data for each station, as they arrive. · ensure that the station number, sample date and time on the VWQMN Samples Received List correspond with those on the field data sheet. · ensure that the VWQMN Samples Received List is marked to indicate that these entries have been checked; and · ensure that the VWQMN Current Station List is marked to indicate that each sample received has a corresponding field sheet. Data from the field data sheets are first entered onto a transition file. After all data has been entered, a hard copy is printed and checked against the original data on the field sheets. Any errors made during data entry are corrected on the transition file. Finally, the corrected data on the transition file are transferred to the core database. Only one month’s data is entered at a time.

Throughout this process, the following data entry checks apply: · ensure that the database stream and site description corresponds with that on the field data sheet. When entering the station index number and letter for the first field data sheet, the program automatically displays the stream and site description. The checking procedure is a manual process and involves comparing the data from field data sheets against data entered and stored in the transition file. After all results have been checked, appropriate changes are made to the transition file.

The transfer of data from the transition file to the core database is performed automatically on completion of all pre-mentioned checks. During the course of data transfer, a statistical check against past results is performed. The new results must fall within an acceptable range (ie, median ± 1.96 SD). Any results falling outside this range are displayed and require confirmation before being accepted into the database.

During the final transfer of data, the following checks are performed:

19 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

· ensure that all laboratory data correspond to associated field data in terms of station numbers and sampling dates; and · the same statistical check against past results is performed as for all field data. This page left intentionally blank

20 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5 Results and Discussion Water quality conditions and trends throughout the State are summarised below. Condition is categorised in the context of the water quality objectives and guidelines outlined in the relevant SEPP objectives, ANZECC guidelines and EPA guidelines.

A statewide overview of the water condition is presented in Section 5.1. Section 5.2 contains, the variation in attainment of the relevant objective or guideline within each CMA and CaLP Region has been discussed, with particular sites described in detail.

5.1 State-wide Overview of Water Condition– 1999 There was significant variability amongst the nine CMAs and the Port Phillip CaLP regions, depending on the water quality parameter. The general water quality attainment for each water quality parameter is summarised in Figures 1 – 15. Attainment with each set of objectives and guidelines has been summarised to identify patterns across regions with respect to the SEPP, ANZECC and EPA objectives and guidelines. Note that several SEPPs can relate to a given CMA and CaLP region but only one will relate to a given station. Where SEPP objectives relate to a station, these objectives override the EPA or ANZECC guidelines.

5.1.1 Dissolved Oxygen All ten regions had SEPP objectives for dissolved oxygen, however data was not collected for this parameter in the Mallee CMA region. The minimum attainment for the regions was 82% in both the North Central and Wimmera CMA regions and maximum was 100% in the North East and West Gippsland CMA regions. The other 5 regions were fairly consistent in their attainment levels, all being between 93 and 96% attainment.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20%

10% 21 21 16 22 0 22 18 32 17 6 No data 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 1. Percentage SEPP attainment for Dissolved Oxygen in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

21 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.2 Electrical Conductivity Four of the 10 CMA and CaLP regions had SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (Corangamite had insufficient sites covered by SEPP objectives to use for regional classification), the remaining regions only had ANZECC compliance guidelines. The variability with respect to attainment of the SEPP objectives and ANZECC guidelines was primarily due to difference between compliance limits, which are location derived for SEPP and generic for ANZECC guidelines. Thus, compliance with SEPP rather than ANZECC is more significant. Attainment against the SEPP objectives was highest for the West Gippsland CMA region (100%) and lowest in the Wimmera CMA region (85%). As per the 1997 and 1998 data, the CMAs exhibiting the maximum attainment with the ANZECC guidelines were East Gippsland, Mallee, North East and West Gippsland. The Glenelg CMA exhibited the minimum attainment, at around 41% attainment against the ANZECC guidelines (Figure 2).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20%

10% 28 21 18 31 3 35 24 14 24 12 17 13 14 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 2. Percentage SEPP attainment (black bars) and ANZECC attainment (shaded bars) for Electrical Conductivity in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

22 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.3 pH All ten regions across the State had SEPP objectives for pH. The lowest attainment (88%) occurred within the Corangamite CMA region, which along with the Glenelg CMA regions fell below 95% attainment of the SEPP objectives (Figure 3). Three CMA regions (Goulburn, Mallee and North East) maintained 100% attainment of the SEPP objectives during 1999, continuing this trend from 1998.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20%

10% 28 21 18 31 3 35 24 32 17 14 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 3. Percentage SEPP attainment for pH in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.4 Turbidity Stations within three of the 10 CMA and CaLP regions across the state had SEPP objectives for turbidity. One of the 28 sites in the Corangamite CMA, 2 of 18 sites in the Glenelg CMA for 50th percentile objectives, and 12 of the 32 sites in the Port Phillip CaLP regions for both 50th and 90th percentile objectives (Figure 4). Each of the regions attained the relevant percentile requirements.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20%

10% .1 . . 2. 12 12

0% No data No data No data No data No data No data No data Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 4. Percentage SEPP attainment for Turbidity in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999 (hashed bars 50th percentile and black bars 90th percentile). Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

23 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.5 Suspended Solids All of the ten regions across the state had SEPP objectives for suspended solids, however, data was not collected for the three stations in the Mallee CMA region. Three lakes in the Corangamite CMA region had maximum objectives for suspended solids, whilst all other sites had 50th and 90th percentile objectives (Figure 5). All of the regions attained the relevant percentile requirements with maximum attainment observed in the East Gippsland CMA region and minimum attainment in the North Central CMA region.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment

30%

20%

10% 24 19 13 . . 22 20 15 32 15 4 . 26 19 12 22 20 15 32 15 4 No data 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 5. Percentage SEPP attainment for Suspended Solids in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999 (hashed bars 50th percentile and black bars 90th percentile). Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.6 Total Nitrogen Three of the ten CMA and CaLP regions across the state had SEPP objectives for total nitrogen, although two of these (Corangamite and Port Phillip) had an insufficient number of sites with SEPP objectives for a regional comparison. With respect to both the SEPP objectives and EPA guidelines, significant variability in total nitrogen attainment was observed across the state (See Section 5.1.1.2). Maximum attainment was observed in the West Gippsland (SEPP 93%), Glenelg (EPA 77%) and Wimmera CMA regions (EPA 77%). A minimum attainment of 18% was exhibited in the North Central CMA region (Figure 6). Only one site in the Mallee CMA region was sampled for nutrients.

24 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

percent attainment 30%

20%

10% 27 19 17 . . 31 . 1 . 33 23 32 10 15 12

0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 6. Percentage SEPP attainment (black bars) and EPA attainment (striped bars) for Total Nitrogen in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.7 Total Phosphorus Four of the 10 CMA and CaLP regions had SEPP objectives for total phosphorus, although three of these (Corangamite, Port Phillip and Wimmera) had an insufficient number of sites with SEPP objectives for use in regional classification. Maximum attainment was observed in the Glenelg (EPA 85%) and West Gippsland (SEPP 85%) CMA regions with a minimum attainment in the Mallee CMA region (6%, 1 site only) (Figure 7).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20%

10% 27 19 17 . . 31 . 1 . 33 23 32 10 15 12

0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 7. Percentage SEPP attainment (black bars) and EPA attainment (striped bars) for Total Phosphorus in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

25 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.8 Chlorophyll-a Six of the ten CMA and CaLP regions have waterbodies which are sampled for Chlorophyll-a. Of these regions, the Wimmera CMA region exhibited the minimum attainment with 81% and the others each achieved consistent levels of attainment with the ANZECC guidelines of between 91 and 94%. Apart from the drop in attainment in the Wimmera CMA region, this is very similar to the levels achieved in 1998 of between 90 and 93% in all regions monitored.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 10% 4 3 8 7 3 8

0% No data No data No data No data Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 8. Percentage ANZECC attainment for Chlorophyll-a in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.9 Arsenic Whilst all 10 CMA and CaLP regions has SEPP objectives for arsenic, arsenic was sampled only in seven of the regions. Consistent with the 1998 results, all regions achieved 100% attainment against the SEPP objectives with the exception of the Corangamite CMA region (79%), (Figure 9).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 10% 6 5 2 6 2 19 2 0% No data No data No data Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 9. Percentage SEPP attainment for Arsenic in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

26 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.10 Cadmium Whilst all 10 CMA and CaLP regions had SEPP objectives for cadmium, no metals were monitored in three of the CMA regions. Six of the remaining seven regions achieved 100% attainment against their SEPP objectives. North Central achieved 99% attainment (Figure 10).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20%

10% 6 6 2 6 2 19 2 0% No data No data No data Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 10. Percentage SEPP attainment for Cadmium in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.11 Chromium Seven of the ten CMA and CaLP regions had both SEPP objectives and data collected for chromium. Of these seven, the lowest attainment was observed in the Wimmera CMA region (83%). A maximum attainment of 100% was observed in the North East CMA region, whilst the other 5 regions were all similar with attainment levels between 96 and 99% (Figure 11).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 6 6 2 6 2 19 2 10%

0% No data No data No data Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 11. Percentage SEPP attainment for Chromium in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

27 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.12 Copper Whilst all 10 CMA and CaLP regions had SEPP objectives for copper, it was not monitored in three of the CMA regions. With the exception of the Glenelg CMA region, which had an attainment of 88%, all monitored CMA regions were at or exceeded 90% attainment (Figure 12). Maximum attainment was observed in the Goulburn-Broken and North East CMA regions (100%).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 6 6 2 6 2 19 2 10% No data No data No data 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 12. Percentage SEPP attainment for Copper in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.13 Nickel Seven of the ten CMA and CaLP regions had both data collected and SEPP objectives for nickel. All regions achieved 100% attainment against the SEPP objectives (Figure 13). This is consistent with the 1998 attainment levels for all regions except the Corangamite CMA region which improved from 76% to 100%.

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 6 6 2 6 2 19 2 10% No data No data No data 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 13. Percentage SEPP attainment for Nickel in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

28 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.1.14 Lead All regions had SEPP objectives for lead. Of the seven CMA and CaLP regions with data collected for lead, five achieved 100% attainment against the SEPP objectives. Attainment levels in the other two, the Glenelg CMA and Port Phillip CaLP regions, were observed at 97 and 98% respectively (Figure 14).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 6 6 2 6 2 19 2 10% No data No data No data 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 14. Percentage SEPP attainment for Lead in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

5.1.15 Zinc All regions had SEPP objectives for zinc. Zinc levels were recorded for stations in seven of the ten CMA and CaLP regions across the state. Of these seven regions, three (Goulburn-Broken, North East and Wimmera CMA regions) achieved 100% attainment against the SEPP objectives. Lowest attainment was observed for the Port Phillip CaLP region at 88%. The Glenelg CMA region exhibited 91% attainment and Corangamite North Central CMA regions exhibited 97 and 96% attainment respectively (Figure 15).

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40% percent attainment 30%

20% 6 6 2 6 2 19 2 10% No data No data No data 0% Mallee Glenelg Wimmera North East Port Phillip Corangamite North Central East Gippsland West Gippsland Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority Regions

Figure 15. Percentage SEPP attainment for Zinc in CMA and CaLP regions during 1999. Numbers on the bars indicate the number of sites sampled.

29 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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30 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2 CMA Regional Water Quality

5.2.1 Corangamite CMA Region

31 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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32 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.1.1 Water Quality Characterisation The Corangamite CMA region incorporates four drainage basins; (basin 233), (basin 232), (basin 234) and Otway Coast (basin 235). Water quality was characterised for each station in the Corangamite CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 3 - Table 5). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for all of the stations in the region (Figure 16). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was determined according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, EPA nutrient guideline attainment was used for characterisation. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was determined according to the ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the Corangamite CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, pH and metals and low attainment for nutrients and electrical conductivity.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) at the majority of sites across the CMA region was high with only the smaller and upstream creeks exhibiting low attainment (Boundary Ck 233228, Scotts Ck 235237, Kennedys Ck 235211 and Pirron Yallock Ck 234203) and two sites exhibiting moderate attainment ( 235202 and Moorabool River at Batesford (232202). The low attainment in the smaller creeks may be related to low water flows and correspondingly higher temperatures in these creeks.

There were SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC) at only three lakes in this region, for the rest of the sites, ANZECC guidelines applied. ANZECC attainment for EC was low for the majority of the Barwon River basin, the lower Moorabool River basin and the Lake Corangamite basin. (235203) and its tributary Scotts Creek (235237) also exhibited low EC attainment.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at the majority of river sites across the CMA region, with only Boundary Creek (233228) having low attainment and the Little Aire Creek and in Beech Forest (235204 & 235209) having moderate attainment. This was a result of a proportion of the samples collected at these sites have pH levels below the SEPP objectives. All four of the lakes exhibited high pH levels, resulting in low attainment for pH, which may be associated with low water levels and correspondingly higher temperatures or increased algal activity.

Only two sites did not achieve high SEPP attainment for turbidity or suspended solids, Lake Colac (0220) and Birregurra Creek (233211) which flows from this lake to the Barwon River.

There were SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) at two of the lake sites only, for the other sites EPA guidelines applied. No site achieved high EPA attainment for TN. The highest attainment was achieved in the (234201) and (1810), both moderate at 92% and in the Barwon and Moorabool Rivers (between 67 and 83%).

There were SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) at two of the lake sites only, for the other sites EPA guidelines applied. Six sites achieved higher attainment levels than the other sites, these were Moorabool River at Morrisons (232204: 100%) and at Batesford (232202: 83%), Barwon River at Inverleigh (233218: 100%) and Ricketts Marsh (233224: 92%), Arkins Ck (235205: 100%) and Aire River at Beech Forest (235209: 92%).

ANZECC attainment for chlorophyll-a was high at Lake Purrumbete (1810: 100%), with the other 3 lakes achieving moderate (91%) attainment.

33 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Three of the 6 sites sampled for metals achieved high SEPP and ANZECC attainment for all metals. Of the remaining three sites, Barwon River at Geelong (3361) had low attainment for arsenic, Lake Colac (0220) had moderate attainment for copper and low for zinc, and Lake Colonguluc (1606) had moderate attainment for chromium and low for arsenic and copper.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the Corangamite CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

Table 3. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the Corangamite CMA region during 1999. Where objectives are Turb50, SS50 or SS90, a minimum of 50 or 90% of the samples respectively need to attain the objective.

Program SI No DO EC pH Turb50 SS SS50 SS90 TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers E 3361 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng 75 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 232202 92 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 232204 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 232210 100 ng 100 ng ng 92 92 ng ng ------V 233200 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 233211 100 ng 100 ng ng 0 100 ng ng ------V 233214 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 233215 100 ng 100 ng ng 92 100 ng ng ------V 233218 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 233224 100 ng 100 ng ng 83 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 233228 67 ng 25 ng ng 83 100 ng ng ------V 234201 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 234203 82 ng 100 ng ng 70 100 ng ng ------V 235202 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235203 100 ng 100 ng ng 92 100 ng ng ------V 235204 100 ng 92 ng ng - - ng ng ------V 235205 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235209 100 ng 92 ng ng 92 100 ng ng ------V 235211 67 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235216 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235224 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235227 92 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235234 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 235237 67 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------Lakes E 220 100 ng 83 50 ng 67 ng ng ng 100 100 100 91 100 100 82 E 1606 100 83 25 ng 92 ng ng ng ng ng ng ng ng ng ng ng E 1707 100 100 0 ng 92 ng ng 0 67 ng ng ng ng ng ng ng E 1810 100 0 42 ng 100 ng ng 15 0 ng ng ng ng ng ng ng E = EPA V = VWQMN — = no data ng = no guideline

34 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 4. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the Corangamite CMA region during 1999.

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Chla Rivers E 3361 100 0 100 25 0 75 100 100 83 100 100 100 - V 232202 75 0 100 50 83 ------V 232204 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 232210 100 100 100 42 100 ------V 233200 100 0 100 33 0 ------V 233211 100 0 100 0 0 ------V 233214 92 100 92 100 100 ------V 233215 100 92 100 0 0 ------V 233218 100 0 100 100 100 ------V 233224 92 83 92 92 100 100 100 100 90 100 100 100 - V 233228 67 100 8 58 92 ------V 234201 92 0 92 58 92 ------V 234203 64 40 91 10 50 ------V 235202 100 100 92 92 100 ------V 235203 100 58 100 17 33 ------V 235204 100 100 67 ------V 235205 100 100 67 92 100 ------V 235209 100 100 83 92 100 ------V 235211 67 100 100 25 8 ------V 235216 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 235224 100 100 83 50 100 ------V 235227 92 100 100 75 100 ------V 235234 100 100 100 67 92 ------V 235237 58 8 92 8 58 ------Lakes E 220 100 0 83 0 0 100 100 45 27 100 55 91 91 E 1606 100 0 25 0 0 0 100 92 50 100 100 100 91 E 1707 100 0 42 0 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 E 1810 100 100 67 0 0 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E = EPA V = VWQMN — = no data

35 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 5. Percent attainment of EPA nutrient guidelines for stations within the Corangamite CMA region during 1999.

Program SI No TN TP Rivers E 3361 33 0 V 232202 75 83 V 232204 67 100 V 232210 0 17 V 233200 0 0 V 233211 0 0 V 233214 50 42 V 233215 0 0 V 233218 75 100 V 233224 83 92 V 233228 0 75 V 234201 92 67 V 234203 10 0 V 235202 0 50 V 235203 50 0 V 235204 - - V 235205 0 100 V 235209 0 92 V 235211 0 0 V 235216 0 67 V 235224 0 0 V 235227 0 17 V 235234 0 8 V 235237 17 0 Lakes E 220 0 0 E 1606 0 0 E 1707 0 42 E 1810 92 0 E = EPA V = VWQMN — = no data

36 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

CORANGAMITE C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives N and guidelines. Produced for DNRE by AWT Victoria

Ballarat

232210

Moorabool

Woady 232204

Yaloak 233215 River 0 10 20 40

River kilometres

234201

Catchment Management Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

232202 233218 Geelong Drainage Basin 233200 Boundary 3361 1606 Suspended solids/ 1707 Nutrients turbidity 1810 0220 River 233211 Metals Other Indicators Barwon Colac 233224 234203

233228 235237 Attainment Monitoring Program 235203 235234 Low VWQMN 233214 235227 235211 235202 Medium MSOMP 235216 Port Campbell 235205 235204 High MDBC 235209 235224 No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 16. Corangamite CMA region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines in 1999.

37

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.1.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels of a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 234203 (Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock, upstream of the highway) was identified as having poor attainment of electrical conductivity, total nitrogen and total phosphorus during 1999.

Electrical conductivity concentrations in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock has consistently exceeded the ANZECC guideline limit of 1500 mS/cm almost every summer during the 23 year sampling period. This has been exacerbated during years of low flow such as 1982, the low flow periods of 1984 – 1990 and 1997 – 2000 (Figure 17, Figure 18).

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

DISCHARGE (ML/day) 200

100

0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 17. Flow rates in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock between 1977 and 1999.

11000

10000

9000

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

EC (uS/cm) 3000

2000

1000

0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 18. Electrical conductivity in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock between 1977 and 1999. Dashed line indicates ANZECC guidelines for maximum EC concentration.

39 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Total nitrogen concentrations were sampled quarterly until 1991 when monthly sampling commenced at this station. For the 22 year sampling period, TN levels have fairly consistently exceeded the EPA guideline limit of 1.0 mg/L. While the change in sampling frequency clouds the picture of changes over time, it does appear that the TN levels have gradually increased during this period of time.

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5 TN (mg/L) 1.0

0.5

0.0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 19. Total nitrogen in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock between 1977 and 1999. Dashed line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TN concentration.

Total phosphorus concentrations were sampled quarterly until 1991 when monthly sampling commenced at this station. For the 22 year sampling period, TP levels have fairly consistently exceeded the EPA guideline limit of 0.035 mg/L. Concentrations have tended to fluctuate between 0.05 and 0.15 mg/L with a few extremes above this range in the winter – spring months.

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20

0.15 TP (mg/L) 0.10

0.05

0.00 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 20. Total phosphorus in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock between 1977 and 1999. Dashed line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TP concentration.

40 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Suspended solids concentrations were sampled quarterly until 1991 when monthly sampling commenced at this station. The monthly turbidity sampling probably gives a greater indication of the seasonal variation in sediments in the creek than the quarterly samples as the two parameters become very similar in pattern from 1991 onwards. For both suspended solids and turbidity, the water shows winter – spring peaks in concentrations. As the flows increased after January 1988, the SS and turbidity levels also tended to be higher (Figure 17, Figure 21 and Figure 22) with generally lower concentrations during low flow periods.

60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 SS (mg/L) 15 10 5 0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 21. Suspended solids in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock between 1977 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP objective for median SS concentration. The SEPP objective for 90th percentile is 80 mg/L.

60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 TURBIDITY (NTU) 10 5 0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 22. Turbidity in the Pirron Yallock Creek at Pirron Yallock between 1977 and 1999.

41 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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42 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.2 East Gippsland CMA Region

43 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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44 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.2.1 Water Quality Characterisation The East Gippsland CMA region incorporates five drainage basins; East Gippsland (basin 221), (basin 222), (basin 223), Mitchell River (basin 224) and Upper Murray River (basin 401). Water quality was characterised for each station in the East Gippsland CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 6 to Table 8). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for all of the stations in the region (Figure 23). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the East Gippsland CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity and suspended solids, and low attainment for nutrients.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) at the majority of sites across the CMA region was high with only the far East Gippsland stations exhibiting lower DO attainment (75 – 92%). The lower attainment in these creeks may be related to low water flows and correspondingly higher temperatures in these creeks.

There were no SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC), therefore ANZECC guidelines applied. All sites achieved high (100%) ANZECC attainment for EC.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CMA region, with only three of the far East Gippsland stations, Wingan, Genoa and Bemm Rivers (221208: 83%, 221210: 75% and 221212: 92%), having pH levels below the SEPP objectives.

All sites achieved high SEPP attainment for suspended solids.

There were no SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the East Gippsland CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. Only one station, Genoa River at Rockton (221001) achieved high (100%) EPA attainment for TN. Attainment at all other stations was very low (< 50%), with slightly higher attainment levels (75%) in the Mitchell River basin (224203, 224206 and 224213) and the at Hinnomunjie (401203: 67%).

There were no SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) in the East Gippsland CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. EPA attainment levels were lower in the western half of the CMA region (Mitchell River, Tambo River and Upper Murray basins – generally low to moderate) than in the eastern half of the CMA region (Snowy River and East Gippsland catchments – generally high).

No sites were sampled for either chlorophyll-a or for metals in the East Gippsland CMA region.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the East Gippsland CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

45 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 6. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the East Gippsland CMA region during 1998. SS50 and SS90 require 50 and 90% attainment respectively to attain the SEPP objectives. Other parameters require 100% attainment with the SEPP objectives.

Program SI No DO pH SS50 SS90 Rivers V 221001 92 100 100 100 V 221201 92 100 100 100 V 221207 100 100 100 100 V 221208 83 83 - - V 221210 75 75 100 100 V 221211 92 100 92 92 V 221212 83 92 100 100 V 222200 100 100 100 100 V 222202 100 100 100 100 V 222209 100 100 100 100 V 222217 100 100 100 100 V 223202 100 100 100 100 V 223204 100 100 100 100 V 223213 100 100 100 100 V 223214 100 100 100 100 V 224203 100 100 100 100 V 224206 100 100 100 100 V 224213 100 100 100 100 V 401203 100 100 100 100 V 401215 100 100 - - V 401226 100 100 100 100 V = VWQMN — = no data

46 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 7. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the East Gippsland CMA region during 1999.

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP Rivers V 221001 100 100 100 100 100 V 221201 100 100 100 100 100 V 221207 100 100 100 100 100 V 221208 100 100 83 - - V 221210 100 100 92 100 100 V 221211 100 100 100 92 92 V 221212 100 100 92 100 100 V 222200 100 100 100 100 100 V 222202 100 100 100 100 100 V 222209 100 100 100 100 100 V 222217 100 100 100 100 100 V 223202 100 100 100 100 100 V 223204 100 100 100 100 100 V 223213 100 100 92 100 100 V 223214 100 100 100 100 100 V 224203 100 100 100 100 100 V 224206 100 100 91 100 100 V 224213 100 100 100 100 100 V 401203 100 100 100 100 100 V 401215 100 100 100 - - V 401226 100 100 92 100 100 V = VWQMN — = no data

47 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 8. Percent attainment of EPA nutrient guidelines for stations within the East Gippsland CMA region during 1999.

Program SI No TN TP Rivers V 221001 100 100 V 221201 33 100 V 221207 0 100 V 221208 - - V 221210 25 100 V 221211 0 92 V 221212 0 100 V 222200 42 100 V 222202 0 100 V 222209 17 100 V 222217 17 92 V 223202 25 92 V 223204 8 100 V 223213 17 83 V 223214 25 8 V 224203 75 92 V 224206 75 83 V 224213 75 92 V 401203 67 75 V 401215 - - V 401226 0 0 V = VWQMN — = no data

48 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

EAST GIPPSLAND C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines. N Produced for DNRE by 401215 AWT Victoria

401203

Buchan

223214 223213 222209

401226 Omeo River 221001

0 10 20 40

Wonnangatta

Tambo River kilometres 223202 Snowy Dargo

222217

River River River 221201 224206 Catchment Management Nicholson 221210 Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

224213 River 222202 Drainage Basin 221207 221211 Boundary River Wingan 223204 221212 Suspended solids/ River Nutrients turbidity 222200 221208 Metals Other Indicators 224203

Bairnsdale Tambo Attainment Monitoring Program

Low VWQMN

Medium MSOMP

High MDBC

No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 23. East Gippsland CMA region. Attainment of water quality objectives and guidelines. 49

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.2.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Genoa River at The Gorge A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels of a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 221210 (Genoa River at The Gorge) was identified as having poor attainment of dissolved oxygen, pH and total nitrogen during 1999.

Dissolved oxygen concentrations show a seasonal pattern of lower concentrations during the summers when flows are low and temperatures high, and higher concentrations during the colder Winter – Spring periods (Figure 24, Figure 25). Whilst DO concentrations have dropped below the SEPP minimum objective of 8 mg/L during a few summers, there appears to have been a slight general reduction in maximum DO concentrations as well as contraction in range over the 25 year period.

11000

10000

9000

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

DISCHARGE (ML/day) 2000

1000

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 24. Flow rates in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999.

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6

DO (mg/L) 5 4 3 2 1 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 25. Dissolved oxygen in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum DO concentration.

51 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Electrical conductivity levels during the entire sampling period have been well within the ANZECC guideline maximum of 1500 mS/cm. As expected, EC concentrations were higher during the years of low flow (Figure 24, Figure 26) suggesting that the effects of evaporation and saline inputs exceeded the dilution factor of rainfall during these times.

350 325 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 EC (uS/cm) 100 75 50 25 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 26. Electrical conductivity in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999. The ANZECC guideline for maximum EC is 1500mS/cm. pH levels vary during the sampling period, with pH exceeding the SEPP objective range a number of times. The periods of higher flows tended to have pH levels in the range 7.0 – 7.5 and lower flows around pH 7.5 – 8.0, with the exception of 1993-6 which had pH levels around 6.5 – 7.0. There appears to have been a very slight overall trend downward since 1975 (Figure 26).

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 27. pH in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999. Black lines indicate SEPP objective for pH range limits.

52 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Total nitrogen was monitored quarterly until 1991 when monthly sampling commenced at this station. Since 1986 there appears to have been a general trend toward increasing TN concentrations, with the majority of samples from 1996 to 1999 exceeding the EPA guideline maximum of 0.2 mg/L (Figure 28). The reason for the 1993 peak in TN is unclear, however the peak in 1996 coincides with a large peak in flow in the river at this time (Figure 24).

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

TN (mg/L) 0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 28. Total nitrogen in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TN concentration.

Total phosphorus was monitored quarterly until 1991 when monthly sampling commenced at this station. The majority of samples at this site fall below the EPA guideline maximum of 0.03 mg/L with the exception of those samples taken between 1986 and 1988 and from 1990 to 1992 (Figure 29). The majority of samples since 1991 have been at or below 0.01 mg/L and the peak in 1996 of 0.11 mg/L TP coincides with a large peak in flow in the river at this time (Figure 24).

0.12

0.11

0.10

0.09

0.08

0.07

0.06

0.05

TP (mg/L) 0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0.00 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 29. Total phosphorus in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TP concentration.

53 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Suspended solids were monitored quarterly until 1991 when monthly sampling commenced at this station. Suspended solids and turbidity are both measurements of the amount of sediment and other particles in the water column (Figure 30, Figure 31). Turbidity tended to peak with the higher flows recorded for the periods 1983-86, 1989-92 and late 1995. While the earlier peaks were not evident in the less frequent SS sampling prior to 1991, the high SS concentrations were evident during 1992 and 1995. The majority of SS samples for the entire sampling period were below 10 mg/L, well below the SEPP median objective of 25 mg/L.

140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 SS (mg/L) 40 30 20 10 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 30. Suspended solids in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP median objective and black line indicates SEPP objective for 90th percentile.

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30 TURBIDITY (NTU) 20

10

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 31. Turbidity in the Genoa River at The Gorge between 1975 and 1999.

54 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.3 Glenelg CMA Region

55 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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56 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.3.1 Water Quality Characterisation The Glenelg CMA region incorporates three drainage basins; (basin 236), Portland Coast (basin 237) and (basin 238). Water quality was characterised for each station in the Glenelg CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 9 - Table 11). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for all of the stations in the region (Figure 32). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the Glenelg CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for dissolved oxygen, pH, suspended solids and metals, and low attainment for electrical conductivity and nutrients.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) at the majority of sites across the CMA region was high (100%) with only two stations exhibiting low attainment, at Heathmere (237207) and at Dunkeld (238204).

There were no SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC), therefore ANZECC guidelines applied. High ANZECC attainment (100%) was achieved at the five sites on the Glenelg River system at and upstream of Rocklands Reservoir and at one other site, Surrey River at Heathmere (237207). Burrumbeet Creek feeding into Lake Burrumbeet (236215) had a low attainment of 83% and all other sites had very low EC attainment levels of below 30%.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CMA region, with only three of the stations, Lake Burrumbeet (1234), Moora Moora Reservoir (238237) and the upstream site of the Glenelg River at Big Cord (238231), having low pH attainment. Lake Burrumbeet had 27 % of samples exceeding SEPP objectives whereas, at Moora Moora Reservoir and Glenelg River the low attainment was a result of pH levels being below SEPP objectives.

All sites except Lake Burrumbeet achieved high SEPP attainment for suspended solids. Lake Burrumbeet exhibited low SEPP attainment for turbidity.

There were no SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the Glenelg CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. All of the Glenelg River stations exhibited moderate to high EPA attainment for TN, including Rocklands and Moora Moora Reservoirs and Jimmy Creek in the headwaters. The two Portland Coast stations (237200 & 237207) also had high attainment for TN. For all other sites in the CMA region, EPA attainment for TN was low.

There were no SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) in the Glenelg CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. The four upstream stations of the Glenelg River, including Rocklands and Moora Moora Reservoirs, exhibited moderate to high EPA attainment for TP. All other stations in the CMA region had low attainment for the EPA guidelines for TP.

ANZECC attainment for chlorophyll-a at the three lakes sampled in the Glenelg CMA region was moderate (90-92%).

Six sites were sampled for metals in the Glenelg CMA region. Lake Burrumbeet (1234) exhibited the lowest SEPP attainment for metals with moderate attainment for cadmium and lead and low attainment for copper and zinc. The Wannon River at Henty (238228) had exhibited moderate attainment (92%) for copper, lead

57 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 and zinc and Glenelg River at Sandford (238202) exhibited moderate attainment (92%) for copper and zinc. Low attainment for copper (83%) occurred in the Hopkins River at Hopkins Falls (3685).

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the Glenelg CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

Table 9. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the Glenelg CMA Region during 1999. Where objective is subscripted by 50 or 90, a minimum of 50% or 90% attainment is required. For all other objectives, 100% attainment is required.

Program SI No DO pH Turb50 SS50 SS90 As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers E 3676 100 100 ng 92 100 - 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 3685 100 100 ng - - 100 100 100 83 100 100 100 V 236215 100 100 92 100 ng ------V 236216 100 100 ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 237200 100 100 ng 100 100 ------V 237207 75 100 ng 100 100 ------V 238202 100 100 ng 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 92 V 238204 50 100 ng 80 100 ------V 238205 100 100 ng ------V 238206 100 100 ng 100 100 ------V 238208 100 100 ng 100 100 ------V 238223 100 100 ng 92 100 ------V 238224 100 100 ng 100 100 ------V 238228 100 100 ng 92 100 100 100 100 92 100 92 92 V 238231 100 25 ng 100 100 ------Lakes E 1234 100 73 18 18 ng 100 100 91 64 100 91 64 S 238236 - 100 ng ------S 238237 - 75 ng ------E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN S = Major Storages — = no data ng = no guideline

58 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 10. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the Glenelg CMA Region during 1999. Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Chla Rivers E 3676 100 0 100 8 75 - 100 100 92 100 100 100 - E 3685 100 0 100 8 75 100 100 100 83 100 92 100 - V 236215 83 83 100 0 0 ------V 236216 83 0 100 8 58 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 - V 237200 100 0 100 92 100 ------V 237207 75 100 100 92 100 ------V 238202 100 0 100 75 100 100 100 100 92 100 92 92 - V 238204 30 20 100 20 60 ------V 238205 100 100 100 ------V 238206 92 0 100 67 100 ------V 238208 100 100 58 100 82 ------V 238223 100 0 100 67 100 ------V 238224 92 27 100 83 100 ------V 238228 100 0 100 42 100 100 100 100 83 100 92 92 - V 238231 100 100 8 100 100 ------Lakes E 1234 100 0 73 0 0 100 100 18 18 100 18 91 90 S 238236 - 100 100 9 100 ------91 S 238237 - 100 42 8 100 ------92 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN S = Major Storages — = no data

59 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 11. Percent attainment of EPA guidelines for stations within the Glenelg CMA Region during 1999. Program SI No TN TP Rivers E 3676 83 0 E 3685 83 0 V 236215 0 0 V 236216 42 0 V 237200 100 42 V 237207 100 33 V 238202 100 83 V 238204 50 10 V 238205 - - V 238206 100 67 V 238208 100 0 V 238223 75 67 V 238224 100 92 V 238228 83 75 V 238231 100 100 Lakes E 1234 0 0 S 238236 100 100 S 238237 92 100 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN S = Major Storages — = no data

60 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

GLENELG C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives N and guidelines.

Produced for DNRE by 238224 AWT Victoria River 238236 238205 238237 Glenelg 238231

238208

Beaufort Creek River 1234 236215 238223 Fiery 0 10 20 40 238202 238204 238228 kilometres Hopkins 238218

Hamilton

Catchment Management Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

Creek Drainage Basin 238206 Boundary

Suspended solids/ Nutrients turbidity

Emu Metals Other Indicators

Attainment Monitoring Program

3676 Mount 237207 Low VWQMN 237200 236216 Portland 3685 Medium MSOMP

High MDBC

No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 32. Glenelg CMA region. Attainment of water quality objectives and guidelines.

61

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.3.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Lake Burrumbeet A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels of a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 1234 (Lake Burrumbeet) was identified as having poor attainment for pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, suspended solids, turbidity, chromium, copper, lead and zinc.

The concentration of a number of water quality parameters has increased significantly during 1998-99 (Figure 33 to Figure 46), this may be associated with the drought currently underway which has caused the lake level to be at a record low since the 1945 drought (pers. com. Central Highlands Water and City of Ballarat). While freshwater input from rainfall has almost ceased, the North Ballarat Treatment Plant discharges approximately 5 ML/day into Burrumbeet Creek which then flows into Lake Burrumbeet (pers. com. Central Highlands Water), thus there has been little dilution from rainwater and runoff during this drought period.

The range of electrical conductivity contracted in 1990 when a distinct seasonal pattern of Summer peaks and Winter troughs, all below the ANZECC guideline maximum of 1500 mS/cm, emerged. This continued until 1997, from which time electrical conductivity has risen rapidly, peaking in early 1999 at 2800 mS/cm, almost double the ANZECC guideline for maximum EC levels. The large drop in lake levels and evaporation could be expected to account for this peak in EC concentration (Figure 33).

3000

2750

2500

2250

2000

1750

1500

1250

1000 EC (uS/cm) 750

500

250

0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 33. Electrical conductivity in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates ANZECC guideline for maximum EC concentration.

63 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The dissolved oxygen range and concentration levels have been stable throughout the 16 year sampling period. All samples have complied with the SEPP objective for minimum DO concentrations (Figure 34).

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6

DO (mg/L) 5 4 3 2 1 0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 34. Dissolved oxygen in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum DO concentration.

Lake Burrumbeet had a wide pH range when sampling was initiated in 1984 which contracted after the first year of sampling. Since 1985, the pH range was generally between 8.0 and 9.5 pH units until 1994 when the lower end of the range increased to around 8.5. In 1996, the upper end also contracted down to 9.0. Consequently, while there were still sufficient samples exceeding the SEPP objectives in 1999 to produce a low attainment score, attainment of these objectives has been relatively stable since mid-1996 (Figure 35).

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 35. pH in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective limits for pH range.

64 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Lake Burrumbeet had fairly stable total nitrogen concentrations during the sampling period until 1998, from which time the concentration levels have risen markedly. At no time during the 16 year sampling period have TN concentrations been within the EPA guideline limit (Figure 36). Similarly for total phosphorus, concentrations have been fairly stable during the sampling period until rising markedly in 1999 (Figure 37). This is probably a result of discharge from the treatment plant continuing while rainfall and inflows have reduced, therefore the concentration of nutrients entering the lake would have been expected to rise, thus increasing nutrient concentrations in the lake until normal rainfall resumes.

16

14

12

10

8

6 TN (mg/L)

4

2

0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 36. Total nitrogen in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TN concentration.

1.5 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6

TP (mg/L) 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 37. Total phosphorus in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TP concentration.

65 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Suspended solids (SS) and turbidity have varied during the 16 year sampling period, with high concentrations from 1990 to 1992 and again in 1999 (Figure 38, Figure 39). Whilst the turbidity levels have generally exceeded the SEPP median objective of 25 NTU, the annual SS concentrations have generally achieved the SEPP median of 80 mg/L.

1700 1600 1500 1400 1300 1200 1100 1000 900 800 700 600 SS (mg/L) 500 400 300 200 100 0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 38. Suspended solids in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP objective for median SS concentration.

225

200

175

150

125

100

75

TURBIDITY (NTU) 50

25

0 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 39. Turbidity in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP objective for median turbidity levels.

66 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

A number of the metals in Lake Burrumbeet were found to be relatively high during 1991 and 1992 and then increased again in 1999 (Figure 40 to Figure 46), particularly arsenic, chromium, nickel, lead and zinc. Cadmium did not increase in 1999 and copper did not have the 1991-92 peak. While the concentrations of the majority of the metals have not risen above the SEPP objectives, the general rise in metals concentrations may be associated with the low water levels of Lake Burrumbeet in 1999.

0.012

0.010

0.008

0.006

As (mg/L) 0.004

0.002

0.000 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 40. Arsenic in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. SEPP objective for maximum As concentration is 0.05 mg/L.

0.0040

0.0035

0.0030

0.0025

0.0020

0.0015 Cd (mg/L)

0.0010

0.0005

0.0000 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 41. Cadmium in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. SEPP objective for maximum Cd concentration is 0.004 mg/L.

67 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

0.075 0.070 0.065 0.060 0.055 0.050 0.045 0.040 0.035 0.030

Cr (mg/L) 0.025 0.020 0.015 0.010 0.005 0.000 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 42. Chromium in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Cr concentration.

0.024

0.022

0.020

0.018

0.016

0.014

0.012

0.010

Cu (mg/L) 0.008

0.006

0.004

0.002

0.000 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 43. Copper in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Cu concentration.

68 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

0.045

0.040

0.035

0.030

0.025

0.020

Ni (mg/L) 0.015

0.010

0.005

0.000 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 44. Nickel in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. SEPP objective for maximum Ni concentration is 0.1 mg/L.

0.040

0.035

0.030

0.025

0.020

0.015 Pb (mg/L)

0.010

0.005

0.000 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 45. Lead in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Pb concentration.

69 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

0.22

0.20

0.18

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.10

0.08 Zn (mg/L) 0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 46. Zinc in Lake Burrumbeet between 1984 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Zn concentration.

70 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.4 Goulburn-Broken CMA Region

71 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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72 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.4.1 Water Quality Characterisation The Goulburn-Broken CMA region incorporates two drainage basins: (basin 404) and (basin 405). Water quality was characterised for each station in the Goulburn-Broken CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 12 - Table 14). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for all of the stations in the region (Figure 47). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the Goulburn-Broken CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solids and metals, and low attainment for nutrients.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) at the majority of sites across the CMA region was high (100%). One station exhibited moderate attainment, Broken Creek at Katamatite (404214) and 5 stations exhibited low attainment, 4 tributaries of the Goulburn River (405212, 405237, 405240 and 405246) and Holland Creek at Kelfeera (404207).

There were no SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC), therefore ANZECC guidelines applied. High ANZECC attainment (100%) was achieved at all sites except Sugarloaf and Sunday Creeks (405212 and 405240) which had moderate attainment of the guidelines.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CMA region, with only one station, Broken River at Moorngag (404206), having moderate pH attainment, with 8% of samples recording pH levels below the SEPP objectives.

The majority of sites achieved high attainment of the SEPP objectives for suspended solids. Sevens Creek below Euroa (405237: moderate attainment), Goulburn River below the confluence of Sevens Creek and Broken River (405204 at Shepparton and 405232 at McCoys Bridge: both low attainment) and Broken Creek at Katamatite (404214: low attainment) did not achieve this.

There were no SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the Goulburn Broken CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. A few of the Goulburn River sites exhibited higher than the average (whilst still low) attainment for the region, with Lake Nagambie (405259) and Waranga Basin (405260) having 87 and 75% attainment respectively, and the Goulburn River at Murchison (405200) and Trawool (0529) at 75 and 77% attainment respectively. Upstream of Lake Eildon, two sites achieved higher than the regional average for TN attainment, Goulburn River at Dohertys (405219: 92% attainment) and Big River downstream of Frenchman Creek (405264: 67% attainment). Yarrawonga Weir (409216) also achieved 70% attainment of the EPA TN guidelines. All other sites in the Goulburn-Broken CMA region achieved only 42% or less attainment of the TN guidelines.

There were no SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) in the Goulburn-Broken CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. Half of the stations in the CMA region achieved between 0 and 42% attainment of the EPA guidelines with the majority of stations along the Goulburn River upstream of Shepparton having greater than 60% attainment (60 – 100%). Yarrawonga Weir also had moderate attainment for TP at 95%.

Attainment of the ANZECC guidelines for chlorophyll-a at seven of the eight lake sites sampled in the Goulburn-Broken CMA region was moderate (92-95%) with only Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon (405254) having low attainment at 75%.

73 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Two sites were sampled for metals in the Goulburn-Broken CMA region. Both sites had 100% attainment for all metals except chromium. Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge (station 405232) had only moderate attainment for chromium (92%).

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the Goulburn-Broken CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

74 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 12. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the Goulburn-Broken CMA region during 1999. Parameters subscripted with 50 or 90 require 50% and 90% attainment respectively. Other parameters require 100% attainment.

Program SI No DO pH SS50 SS90 As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers E 529 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 404206 100 92 83 100 ------V 404207 83 100 83 100 ------M 404210 - 100 ------V 404214 92 100 0 33 ------V 404216 100 100 83 100 ------V 404224 100 100 83 100 ------V 405200 100 100 100 100 ------V 405203 100 100 100 100 ------V 405204 100 100 17 83 ------V 405205 100 100 100 100 ------V 405209 100 100 100 100 ------V 405212 70 100 80 100 ------V 405214 100 100 100 100 ------V 405219 100 100 100 100 ------V 405231 100 100 100 100 ------M 405232 100 100 9 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 V 405234 100 100 100 100 ------V 405237 83 100 58 100 ------V 405240 50 100 100 100 ------V 405246 67 100 67 100 ------V 405251 100 100 100 100 ------V 405264 100 100 100 100 ------Lakes S 404218 - 100 ------S 404219 - 100 ------S 405254 - 100 ------S 405258 - 100 ------S 405259 - 100 ------S 405260 - 100 ------S 405601 - 100 ------S 409216 - 100 ------E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data ng = no guideline

75 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 13. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the Goulburn-Broken CMA region during 1999. Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Chla Rivers E 529 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - V 404206 100 100 83 8 100 ------V 404207 83 100 92 67 100 ------M 404210 - 100 94 2 0 ------V 404214 58 100 100 8 8 ------V 404216 83 100 100 17 33 ------V 404224 100 100 100 33 58 ------V 405200 100 100 83 83 100 ------V 405203 100 100 75 100 100 ------V 405204 100 100 100 50 67 ------V 405205 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 405209 100 100 92 100 100 ------V 405212 70 90 100 30 100 ------V 405214 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 405219 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 405231 100 100 100 100 100 ------M 405232 100 100 96 28 19 100 100 92 92 100 92 100 - V 405234 100 100 92 0 92 ------V 405237 75 100 83 25 75 ------V 405240 50 90 100 30 100 ------V 405246 50 100 100 0 0 ------V 405251 100 100 100 75 100 ------V 405264 100 100 100 100 100 ------Lakes S 404218 - 100 100 0 6 ------94 S 404219 - 100 100 0 0 ------95 S 405254 - 100 100 75 100 ------75 S 405258 - 100 100 100 100 ------92 S 405259 - 100 100 80 100 ------93 S 405260 - 100 100 58 100 ------92 S 405601 - 100 100 17 42 ------91 S 409216 - 100 100 60 95 ------95 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data

76 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 14. Percent attainment of EPA nutrient guidelines for stations within the Goulburn-Broken CMA region during 1999. Program SI No TN TP Rivers E 0529 77 92 V 404206 0 17 V 404207 0 8 M 404210 0 0 V 404214 0 0 V 404216 0 0 V 404224 8 0 V 405200 75 92 V 405203 0 100 V 405204 42 0 V 405205 0 92 V 405209 8 83 V 405212 0 10 V 405214 42 100 V 405219 92 92 V 405231 8 83 M 405232 25 0 V 405234 0 8 V 405237 0 0 V 405240 0 60 V 405246 0 0 V 405251 8 0 V 405264 67 100 Lakes S 404218 0 0 S 404219 0 0 S 405254 0 100 S 405258 8 100 S 405259 87 100 S 405260 75 100 S 405601 33 42 S 409216 70 95 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages

77 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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78 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

404210 GOULBURN BROKEN C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives 409216 and guidelines. Broken Creek N Produced for DNRE by 404214 AWT Victoria

405232

405204 Shepparton

405601 404224 404219 404216 0 10 20 40 405260 kilometres River Benalla

405246 405200 404207

Broken River

Catchment Management 405237 Goulburn Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary 405259 404206

404218 Drainage Basin Boundary 405234 Suspended solids/ 405251 Nutrients turbidity Seymour 405254 Metals Other Indicators 405240 0529

405212 Goulburn River Attainment Monitoring Program 405214 River 405258 Howqua Low - <90% VWQMN

405203 Medium - 90-95% MSOMP 405209 405231 405219

High - >95% MDBC 405205

No guideline EPA and/or no data

405264

Figure 47. Goulburn-Broken CMA region. Attainment of water quality objectives and guidelines. 79

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.4.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Seven Creeks Downstream of Euroa A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels of a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 405237 (Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa) was identified as having poor attainment of total nitrogen and total phosphorus during 1999.

The average discharge rate from Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa is 148 ML/day. This discharge rate is highly depend on the season, with up to 1000 ML/day flowing through this site during the winter months and less than 10 ML/day in the summer months (Figure 48).

1100

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300 DISCHARGE (ML/day) 200

100

0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 48. Flow rates in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999.

81 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Along with the other gauging stations in the Goulburn-Broken CMA, Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa had high attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. There have been two recorded periods where the DO concentrations have dropped below the SEPP objectives for minimum DO. Dissolved oxygen monitoring at this station started in 1986 and ceased midway through 1988. Monitoring commenced again in 1993 and has continued on a monthly basis. From 1993 to 1999 it appears that there has been a decrease in DO concentrations (Figure 49).

13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5

DO (mg/L) 4 3 2 1 0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 49. Dissolved oxygen in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999. The black line indicates the minimum SEPP objectives.

Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa, along with most of the other gauging stations in the Goulburn-Broken CMA, has high attainment for electrical conductivity. EC monitoring at this station started in 1986 and ceased midway through 1988. Monitoring commenced again in 1993 and has continued on a monthly basis. From 1993 to 1999 it appears that there has been a slight increase in EC. The highest EC concentrations appear to occur when winter flows are low (Figure 48, Figure 50).

350 325 300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125 EC (uS/cm) 100 75 50 25 0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 50. Electrical conductivity in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999. ANZECC guidelines for maximum EC concentrations is 1500 mS/cm.

82 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The pH for this station is generally just above the minimum pH level recommended as part of the SEPP guideline and in the winter of 1996 the pH fell below the minimum level. This non compliance with SEPP objectives corresponds with a high winter flow in 1996. Figure 51 indicates that pH units have remained relatively constant over the monitoring period.

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 51. pH in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999. Black lines indicate SEPP objective limits.

Total nitrogen (TN) was monitored at this site from 1993 to 1999. Total N concentrations tended to increase with flow increases at this station (Figure 48, Figure 52) suggesting diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff contribute to the nutrient load in the creek. Total N concentrations are well in excess of the EPA recommended maximum concentrations for TN in this area. Figure 52 shows that there has been no overall change in TN concentrations over the 7 years of monitoring.

2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 TN (mg/L) 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 52. Total nitrogen in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999. Black lines indicate EPA guideline maximum.

83 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Total phosphorus was monitored at this site from 1993 to 1999. As for TN, TP concentrations tended to increase with increase with flow at this station (Figure 48, Figure 53). This suggests that diffuse sources such as rural runoff contribute to the nutrient load in the creek. Total P concentrations are in excess of the EPA recommended maximum concentrations for TP in this area. Figure 52 shows that there has been no observable increase in TP concentrations over the 7 years of monitoring.

0.50

0.45

0.40

0.35

0.30

0.25

0.20 TP (mg/L) 0.15

0.10

0.05

0.00 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 53. Total phosphorus in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999. Black lines indicate EPA guideline maximum

Suspended solids samples were sampled monthly from 1993 to 1999. Figure 54 shows the seasonal variations in SS concentrations. The recommended median SEPP objective is 25 mg/L, approximately half of the SS samples exceed this value. There has also been one large spike in SS that exceeded the 90th percentile SEPP objective.

120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 SS (mg/L) 30 20 10 0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 54. Suspended solids in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999. Dotted lines indicate SEPP objectives for median SS concentrations. The black line indicated the 90th percentile for the SEPP objectives.

84 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Turbidity within Seven Creeks was monitored from 1986 to midway through 1988 and then commenced again in 1993 and has continued on a monthly basis. From 1988 to 1993 there was an increase in turbidity levels. From 1992 to 1999, the turbidity levels remained relatively constant, except for the seasonal variation. Turbidity tends to be greater during the winter months when discharge is higher (Figure 55).

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

TURBIDITY (NTU) 15

10

5

0 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 55. Turbidity in the Seven Creeks downstream of Euroa between 1986 and 1999.

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86 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.5 Mallee CMA Region

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88 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.5.1 Water Quality Characterisation The Mallee CMA region incorporates two drainage basins: Murray-Riverina (basin 409) and Mallee (basin 414). Water quality was characterised for each station in the Mallee CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 15 - Table 17). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for all of the stations in the region (Figure 56). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality attainment in the Mallee CMA was generally high for pH and electrical conductivity and low for nutrients.

No sites were sampled for dissolved oxygen or suspended solids in the Mallee CMA region and there were no objectives for turbidity in this region.

All three sites achieved 100% attainment of both the SEPP objectives and ANZECC guidelines for pH and electrical conductivity.

There were no SEPP objectives for nutrients in the Mallee CMA region so the EPA guidelines applied. Nutrients were only monitored at Wakool River at Kyalite (station 406034) and attainment was low against the EPA guidelines for both total nitrogen and total phosphorus.

No sites were monitored for chlorophyll-a or metals in the Mallee CMA region.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the Mallee CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

89 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 15. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the Mallee CMA region during 1999. Program SI No pH Rivers M 409034 100 M 414200 100 M 414204 100 M = MDBC

Table 16. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the Mallee CMA region during 1998. Program SI No EC pH TN TP Rivers

M 409034 100 100 77 87 M 414200 100 100 - - M 414204 100 100 - - M = MDBC — = no data

Table 17. Percent attainment of EPA nutrient guidelines for stations within the Mallee CMA region during 1998. Program SI No TN TP Rivers

M 409034 54 6 M 414200 - - M 414204 - - M = MDBC — = no data

90 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

MALLEE C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives N and guidelines. Produced for DNRE by 414204 AWT Victoria

0 12.5 25 50 kilometres Rocket Lake

414200 409034

Catchment Management Ouyen Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

Drainage Basin Boundary

Suspended solids/ Nutrients turbidity

Metals Other Indicators

Lake Agnes Sea Lake

Attainment Monitoring Program

Low VWQMN Hopetoun

Medium MSOMP

High MDBC

No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 56. Mallee CMA region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines.

91

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.5.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Wakool River at Kyalite A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels of a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 409034 (Wakool River at Kyalite) was identified as having poor attainment of total nitrogen and total phosphorus during 1999.

Discharge rates in the Wakool River have been highly variable during the monitoring period, with a large peak in flows during the winter-spring period of 1993 (Figure 57).

200000

180000

160000

140000

120000

100000

80000

60000

DISCHARGE (ML/day) 40000

20000

0 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 57. Flow rates in the Wakool River at Kyalite from 1978 to 1999.

Electrical conductivity in the Wakool River for the entire monitoring period has been well below the ANZECC guideline levels and is therefore not considered a water quality issue at this site. It appears that the variation in EC levels has contracted over time, with base EC values increasing slightly and a corresponding drop in peaks (Figure 58).

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

EC (uS/cm) 300

200

100

0 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 58. Electrical conductivity in the Wokool River at Kyalite from 1978 to 1999. ANZECC guideline maximum is 1500 mS/cm.

93 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The pH is generally within the SEPP guidelines. Over the monitoring period from 1978 to 1998 it appears that the pH has increased, the water has become more alkaline. The majority of this increase occurred between 1993 and 1998. In 1987 pH levels briefly dropped below the recommended lower SEPP limit (Figure 59).

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 59. pH in the Wakool River at Kyalite from 1978 to 1999. Dotted lines indicates SEPP objective limits for pH range.

Monitoring for total nitrogen concentrations started in 1981 and ceased in 1982. Monitoring commenced again in 1989. With the limited data it is hard to detect any trends in the concentration of TN over time. There is quite a range in TN concentrations between sampling periods, however, no pattern in relation to season can be detected. More than 50 % of the TN concentrations measured at this site do not comply with the EPA guidelines (Figure 60).

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

TN (mg/L) 0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 60. Total nitrogen in the Wakool River at Kyalite from 1978 to 1999. The black line indicates EPA guideline maximum.

94 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Monitoring for total phosphorus concentrations started in 1981 and ceased in 1982. Monitoring commenced again in 1989. In 1989 and 1990 TP concentrations were an order of magnitude greater than the maximum recommended by the EPA guidelines. Phosphorus concentration tends to be greater during the summer months than the winter months. Figure 61 shows that there may have been no real change in TP concentrations from 1989 to 1999, and that TP concentrations were greater than the EPA recommended maximum TP limit for this area.

0.80 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 TP (mg/L) 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 61. Total phosphorus in the Wakool River at Kyalite from 1978 to 1999. The black line indicates the EPA guideline maximum.

Turbidity has been monitored in the Wakool River at Kyalite since 1978. Monitoring was initially conducted monthly, then changed to weekly. Turbidity at this station is generally greater in the summer months than winter months. There appears to have been a slight decrease in turbidity in over time (Figure 62).

160

140

120

100

80

60

TURBIDITY (NTU) 40

20

0 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 62. Turbidity in the Wakool River at Kyalite from 1978 to 1999.

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5.2.6 North Central CMA Region

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98 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.6.1 Water Quality Characterisation The North Central CMA region is composed of four drainage basins: (basin 406), (basin 407), (basin 408) and Wimmera-Avon Rivers (basin 415) and will be discussed according to these basins where appropriate. Water quality was characterised for each station in the North Central CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 18 - Table 20). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for all stations in the region (Figure 63). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the North Central CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for pH, suspended solids and metals and low attainment for electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and nutrients.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) was low in the Wimmera-Avon basin, the majority of the Campaspe basin and the majority of the Avoca basin. The most upstream site in the Avoca basin, the Avoca River at Amphitheatre (408202) exhibited moderate attainment and two sites in the Campaspe basin, Campaspe River at Ashbourne and at Rochester (406208 and 406202) exhibited high attainment for DO. SEPP attainment in the Loddon basin was moderate to high at all sites except Bet Bet Creek at Norwood (407220).

There were no SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC) in the North Central CMA region so ANZECC guidelines applied. The two western basins of the CMA region, the Wimmera-Avon and Avoca basins, were characterised by low attainment for EC, as were the downstream sites in the Loddon and Campaspe basins. The majority of sites along Bet Bet and Tullaroop Creeks (407220, 407244 and 407214) had low attainment for EC. Wild Duck Creek (406235) also exhibited low attainment for EC. The drought- induced low flows during 1999 may have contributed to the poor EC attainment levels identified for this period.

Percentage attainment of SEPP objectives for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CMA region, with only six sites not achieving 100% attainment. Low attainment was observed in the Campaspe River at Ashbourne (406208) (with 25% of samples below SEPP objectives), Hepburns Lagoon (407603) (29 % above objective) and Richardson River upstream of Donald (415257) (17 % above objectives). Moderate attainment was observed in the Bendigo Creek at Huntly (407255) (8% of samples below SEPP objectives), and the Loddon River at both Newstead and Laanecoorie (407215 and 407203) (8% above SEPP objectives).

All of the sites monitored for suspended solids (SS) in the Wimmera-Avon basin of the North Central CMA region exhibited low attainment of the SEPP objectives, whilst in the other three basins in the CMA region all sites except one achieved high attainment of the SEPP objectives. The one site in the Loddon basin which exhibited low SEPP attainment for SS was Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo (407236).

There were no SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the North Central CMA region so EPA guidelines applied. Across the North Central CMA region all stations except one exhibited low attainment for TN against the EPA guidelines. This one site was the Avoca River at Coonooer (408200) with moderate attainment.

There were no SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) in the North Central CMA region so EPA guidelines applied. Similarly to TN, across the North Central CMA region only two stations did not exhibit

99 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999 low EPA attainment for TP. These stations were the Avoca River at Coonooer (408200) and Avoca River at Amphitheatre (408202), both having moderate (92%) attainment levels.

The ANZECC attainment levels for chlorophyll-a were moderate (93-94%) at each of the seven lake sites sampled during 1999.

Six sites were sampled for metals in the North Central CMA region, two sites in each of the Campaspe, Loddon and Avoca basins. No station exhibited 100% attainment for all of the metals monitored, although only one station had low attainment for any metal. That station was the Loddon River at Appin (0705: 85%) with low attainment for chromium. Three stations exhibited moderate attainment (92%) for zinc, Campaspe River at Redesdale, Loddon River at Newstead and Avoca River at Amphitheatre (406213, 407215 and 408202). Two stations exhibited moderate (92%) attainment for copper, Campaspe River at Redesdale and Avoca River at Coonooer (406213 and 408200) and one exhibited moderate (92%) attainment for cadmium, Campaspe River at Rochester (406202). All stations achieved 100% SEPP attainment for arsenic, nickel and lead.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the North Central CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

100 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 18. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the North Central CMA region during 1999. Parameters subscripted with 50 or 90 require 50 and 90% attainment respectively to attain the SEPP objectives. Other parameters require 100% attainment with the SEPP objectives.

Program SI No DO pH SS50 SS90 As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers E 705 100 100 31 69 100 100 85 100 100 100 100 M 406202 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 V 406207 83 100 100 100 ------V 406208 88 75 100 100 ------V 406213 75 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 92 V 406214 45 100 100 100 ------V 406215 100 100 100 100 ------V 406224 ------V 406235 67 100 100 100 ------M 407202 - 100 ------V 407203 100 92 67 100 ------M 407209 - 100 ------V 407214 100 100 ------V 407215 92 92 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 V 407220 67 100 ------V 407221 100 100 100 100 ------V 407229 100 100 83 100 ------V 407236 91 100 25 92 ------M 407252 - 100 ------V 407255 100 92 100 100 ------V 408200 75 100 92 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 V 408202 91 100 83 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 V 408203 88 100 75 100 ------M 409005 - 100 ------M 409204 - 100 ------M 409207 - 100 ------V 415220 14 100 57 71 ------V 415257 75 83 67 75 ------V 415259 60 100 20 90 ------Lakes S 406219 - 100 ------S 407240 - 100 ------S 407241 - 100 ------S 407244 - 100 ------S 407603 - 72 ------S 407604 - 100 ------S 415609 - 100 ------E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data ng = no guideline

101 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 19. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the North Central CMA region during 1999.

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Chla Rivers E 705 92 62 100 38 62 100 100 85 85 100 92 100 - M 406202 100 86 100 54 98 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 - V 406207 75 100 100 0 100 ------V 406208 88 86 50 63 100 ------V 406213 75 100 100 17 67 100 100 100 92 100 92 92 - V 406214 27 9 100 0 91 ------V 406215 92 100 100 33 100 ------V 406224 ------V 406235 56 56 100 33 100 ------M 407202 - 75 87 67 54 ------V 407203 92 50 92 17 92 ------M 407209 - 98 90 62 69 ------V 407214 92 42 100 ------V 407215 83 83 92 17 8 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 - V 407220 58 8 100 ------V 407221 100 100 100 58 100 ------V 407229 91 27 100 42 83 ------V 407236 82 58 100 0 0 ------M 407252 - 0 100 0 0 ------V 407255 92 100 92 0 0 ------V 408200 42 0 100 67 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 - V 408202 91 0 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 - V 408203 88 13 100 0 63 ------M 409005 - 100 98 77 88 ------M 409204 - 100 100 81 73 ------M 409207 - 98 94 83 90 ------V 415220 14 86 100 0 14 ------V 415257 75 0 83 0 67 ------V 415259 60 80 100 40 60 ------Lakes S 406219 - 100 100 7 100 ------93 S 407240 - 76 100 0 35 ------94 S 407241 - 100 100 0 71 ------94 S 407244 - 89 100 0 78 ------94 S 407603 - 100 72 0 33 ------94 S 407604 - 100 100 18 94 ------94 S 415609 - 63 100 0 50 ------93 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data

102 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 20. Percent attainment of EPA nutrient guidelines for stations within the North Central CMA region during 1999

Program SI No TN TP Rivers E 705 23 38 M 406202 19 83 V 406207 0 75 V 406208 0 88 V 406213 0 8 V 406214 0 0 V 406215 0 67 V 406224 - - V 406235 0 44 M 407202 38 13 V 407203 0 42 M 407209 35 0 V 407214 - - V 407215 0 0 V 407220 - - V 407221 0 50 V 407229 0 75 V 407236 0 0 M 407252 0 0 V 407255 0 0 V 408200 92 92 V 408202 0 92 V 408203 63 50 M 409005 69 12 M 409204 60 0 M 409207 65 19 V 415220 0 0 V 415257 8 42 V 415259 50 40 Lakes S 406219 0 100 S 407240 0 35 S 407241 18 71 S 407244 11 78 S 407603 0 11 S 407604 0 71 S 415609 44 50 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data

103 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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104 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

409204

NORTH CENTRAL C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives N and guidelines. Produced for DNRE by 407252 409005 AWT Victoria 407209

407202 Kerang

0 10 20 40 408203 0705

Loddon 409207 kilometres

River

River

407236 Catchment Management Charlton Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

406202 Drainage Basin

Rochester Campaspe Boundary 415257 Avoca 407229 Suspended solids/ Nutrients turbidity 415609 408200 415259 Metals Other Indicators

407255 River 406224 415220

Attainment Monitoring Program Bendigo 406214 407203 Low VWQMN 407240 406207 406219 406235 Medium MSOMP 406215 407220 407241 406213 High MDBC

407244 No guideline EPA 407215 and/or no data 408202 407221

407214 407604 407603 406208

Figure 63. North Central CMA region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines. 105

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.6.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Mt Hope Creek at Mitiamo. A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels for a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 407236 (Mt Hope Creek at Mitiamo) was identified as having poor attainment for total nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended solids during 1999. Water flow rates and water quality parameters have been graphed for discussion (Figure 64 - Figure 71).

2000

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1400

1200

1000

800

600

DISCHARGE (ML/day) 400

200

0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 64. Flow rates in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1977 and 1999.

Dissolved oxygen concentrations dropped from 1977 to 1984, when they stabilised at around 5.0 – 10.0 mg/L (Figure 65). Dissolved oxygen exhibits a seasonal pattern of low concentrations during the summer periods of low flow and higher temperatures and higher concentrations during the colder winter – spring periods.

14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 DO (mg/L) 4 3 2 1 0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 65. Dissolved oxygen in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1977 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum DO concentration.

107 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Electrical conductivity has been fairly stable throughout the sampling period, tending to range between 500 and 2000 mS/cm. This has resulted in frequent exceedences of the ANZECC guideline maximum of 1500mS/cm, particularly during low flow years and summers (Figure 66). The high EC peaks of greater than 3000 mS/cm (double the ANZECC guideline) all occurred during years in which there was no spring peak in flow.

8000 7500 7000 6500 6000 5500 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000

EC (uS/cm) 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 66. Electrical conductivity in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo. Black line indicates ANZECC guideline for maximum EC level. pH has consistently stayed within the SEPP objective range of 6.0 – 9.0. Between 1977 and 1988, pH averaged around 7.5, whereas when sampling recommenced in 1991, the pH averaged around 7.0 and has gradually risen back to the 7.5 mark (Figure 67).

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 67. pH in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1977 and 1999. Black lines indicate SEPP objective for pH range limits.

108 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Sampling for total nitrogen and total phosphorus commenced in late 1993 and samples have consistently exceeded the EPA guideline maxima of 0.6 and 0.05 mg/L respectively (Figure 68 and Figure 69). Total N has exhibited a general range of 1.2 to 3.2 mg/L and TP has exhibited a general range of 0.1 to 0.9 mg/L during the six year sampling period.

The high nutrient levels in the creek at this station are believed to be primarily due to sources within the city of Bendigo and the Epsom Wastewater Treatment Plant upstream of this station, although other sources include agricultural runoff and intensive farming practices along the creek system (AWT Victoria 2000).

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0 TN (mg/L) 1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 68. Total nitrogen in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1993 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TN concentration.

2.2

2.0

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8 TP (mg/L) 0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 69. Total phosphorus in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1993 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TP concentration.

109 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Suspended solids and turbidity exhibit very similar patterns from the commencement of SS sampling (Figure 70 and Figure 71). Suspended Solids concentrations have consistently exceeded the SEPP median and 90th percentile objectives since commencement of sampling in late 1993. As the SS and turbidity peaks do not directly correspond to the winter - spring peak flows, local erosion has not been implicated as the primary contributor of sediments to the water. Contribution from tributaries with different flow patterns and from a ‘sand slug’ (remnant sand and gravel from alluvial gold mining) slowly moving down the creek have been implicated in causing the elevated SS and turbidity levels in the Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo (AWT Victoria 2000).

300

275

250

225

200

175

150

125

SS (mg/L) 100

75

50

25

0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 70. Suspended solids in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1993 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP objective for median SS concentration and black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective.

260 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80

TURBIDITY (NTU) 60 40 20 0 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 71. Turbidity in Mt. Hope Creek at Mitiamo between 1977 and 1999.

110 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.7 North East CMA Region

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5.2.7.1 Water Quality Characterisation The North East CMA region incorporates four drainage basins: Upper Murray River (basin 401), Kiewa River (basin 402), (basin 403) and Murray-Riverina (basin 409) and will be discussed according to these basins where appropriate. Water quality was characterised for each station in the North East CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 21 - Table 23). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for the stations in the region (Figure 72). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the North East CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solids and metals and low attainment for nutrients.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) was high at all of the sites for which it was monitored.

There were no SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC) in the North East CMA region so ANZECC guidelines applied. All sites exhibited high (100%) attainment for EC.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at all sites across the CMA region, with only one site not achieving 100% attainment, Kiewa River at Wodonga (402205). With 2% of the samples having pH levels below the SEPP objectives.

All of the sites monitored for suspended solids (SS) in the North East CMA region achieved high attainment of the SEPP objectives.

There were no SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the North East CMA region so EPA guidelines applied. TN attainment levels in the Upper Murray River and Kiewa River basins were high to moderate in the headwaters (402223, 401216 and 401212) then deteriorated downstream of these to low for the rest of the system. All of the sites in the Ovens River basin and along the River Murray itself exhibited low TN attainment levels only.

There were no SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) in the North East CMA region so EPA guidelines applied. The sites along the Ovens River basin generally exhibited moderate to high TP attainment until downstream of Wangaratta (403241) where attainment dropped to low. All sites in the Kiewa River basin, along the River Murray, and the Mitta Mitta River at Tallandoon (401204) exhibited low TP attainment levels. The upstream sites of the Mitta Mitta River and Snowy Creek, including Lake Dartmouth, exhibited moderate to high TP attainment levels.

Attainment of the ANZECC guidelines for chlorophyll-a was moderate (91-92%) at each of the three lake sites sampled.

Two sites were sampled for metals in the North East CMA region. Both of these sites achieved 100% SEPP attainment for all of the metals sampled.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the North East CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

113 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 21. Percent SEPP attainment for stations within the NorthEast CMA region during 1999. Parameters subscripted with 50 or 90 require 50 and 90% attainment respectively to attain the SEPP objectives. Other parameters require 100% attainment with the SEPP objectives.

Program SI No DO pH SS50 SS90 As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers M 401201 - 100 ------M 401204 100 100 ------V 401211 100 100 100 100 ------V 401212 100 100 100 100 ------V 401216 100 100 100 100 ------V 402203 100 100 100 100 ------V 402204 100 100 92 92 ------M 402205 100 98 ------V 402222 100 100 83 92 ------V 402223 100 100 100 100 ------V 403205 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 403210 100 100 100 100 ------V 403213 100 100 100 100 ------V 403217 100 100 92 92 ------V 403223 100 100 100 100 ------V 403228 100 100 ------V 403230 100 100 100 100 ------M 403241 100 100 64 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 403244 100 100 100 100 ------M 409011 - 100 ------M 409016 - 100 ------Lakes S 401620 - 100 ------S 403234 - 100 ------S 403235 - 100 ------V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data ng = no guideline.

114 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 22. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines of stations within the North East CMA region during 1999.

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Chla Rivers M 401201 - 100 100 94 98 ------M 401204 100 100 100 96 98 ------V 401211 100 100 92 100 100 ------V 401212 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 401216 100 100 92 100 100 ------V 402203 100 100 92 100 100 ------V 402204 100 100 100 75 83 ------M 402205 98 100 96 87 92 ------V 402222 100 100 83 100 100 ------V 402223 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 403205 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 - V 403210 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 403213 92 100 100 100 100 ------V 403217 100 100 92 100 100 ------V 403223 100 100 83 92 100 ------V 403228 100 100 83 ------V 403230 100 100 83 100 100 ------M 403241 86 100 96 90 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 - V 403244 100 100 85 100 100 ------M 409011 - 100 98 100 98 ------M 409016 - 100 92 100 100 ------Lakes S 401620 - 100 100 100 100 ------91 S 403234 - 100 100 100 100 ------91 S 403235 - 100 100 92 100 ------92 V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data

115 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 23. Percent attainment of EPA guidelines of stations within the North East CMA region.

Program SI No TN TP Rivers M 401201 35 75 M 401204 8 85 V 401211 8 100 V 401212 92 92 V 401216 92 92 V 402203 33 75 V 402204 17 8 M 402205 81 79 V 402222 17 50 V 402223 100 75 V 403205 67 100 V 403210 50 100 V 403213 25 83 V 403217 17 92 V 403223 83 92 V 403228 - - V 403230 0 100 M 403241 81 67 V 403244 77 77 M 409011 12 79 M 409016 8 79 Lakes S 401620 75 100 S 403234 36 91 S 403235 17 83 V = VWQMN M = MDBC S = Major Storages — = no data

116 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

NORTH EAST C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives 401201 and guidelines. N Produced for DNRE by AWT Victoria

409016

409011 Wodonga 402205 403241 Tallangatta

402222 0 10 20 40 Mitta Mitta River 402204 kilometres Wangaratta Ovens 401204

River 401212

Kiewa River

403223 Catchment Management 401211 Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary 403230

403213 403210 River 401620 Drainage Basin 402203 Boundary

403235 Suspended solids/ 403205 Nutrients turbidity Mount Beauty 403217 402223 Metals Other Indicators

403234 403244 403228 401216 Attainment Monitoring Program

Low VWQMN

Medium MSOMP

High MDBC

No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 72. North East CMA region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines.

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5.2.7.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Kiewa River at Kiewa A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels for a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 402222 (Kiewa River at Kiewa) was identified as having poor attainment for total nitrogen and total phosphorus during 1999.

Flow rates in the Kiewa River tend to peak during the winter – spring months when rainfall is at its greatest. There have been no obvious periods of drought during the period of monitoring (Figure 73).

5500

5000

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500 DISCHARGE (ML/day) 1000

500

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 73. Flow rates in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1976 to 1999.

119 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The Kiewa River has seasonal peaks and troughs of dissolved oxygen concentrations. Concentrations generally peak in June-July and are at their lowest in the summer months (Figure 74). The average DO concentration (9.5 mg/L) does not appear to have changed over the 23 years of sampling. Dissolved Oxygen concentrations were well in excess of 5 mg/L, which is the SEPP objective for minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations.

14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 DO (mg/L) 4 3 2 1 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 74. Dissolved oxygen in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1976 to 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum dissolved oxygen concentration.

Electrical conductivity in the Kiewa River for the entire monitoring period has been well below the ANZECC guideline levels and is therefore not considered a water quality issue in the Kiewa River at Kiewa. It appears that the EC levels have decreased slightly over time (Figure 75).

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

EC (uS/cm) 30

20

10

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 75. Electrical conductivity in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1976 to 1999. ANZECC guideline maximum is 1500 mS/cm.

120 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The pH of the water in the Kiewa River at Kiewa is generally within the SEPP guidelines. Over the monitoring period from 1977 to 1999 it appears that the pH has declined, the water has become more acidic. The pH has declined by about 0.5 pH units in 22 years. The majority of this decline occurred between 1988 and 1991. In 1994 there was a severe drop in pH, below the recommended SEPP limits (Figure 76) which maybe associated with the high summer flows at this time (Figure 73).

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 76. pH in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1977 to 1999. Black lines indicates SEPP objective limits for pH range.

Monitoring for total nitrogen (TN) commenced late in 1978 on a quarterly basis. In 1991 the sampling frequency was increased to monthly. It is unclear whether the troughs in TN concentrations became lower following 1991 or the additional sampling enabled these troughs to be detected. Although the minimum TN concentrations have decreased since 1991, the maximum TN concentrations since 1991 have increased, therefore, the overall average concentration of TN over the sampling period remains unchanged (Figure 77). The TN concentrations follow the same pattern as the discharge rates, peaking in the winter months. For the majority of the sampling periods total N concentrations were in excess of the EPA guidelines for the Kiewa river.

1.2 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8

0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 TN (mg/L) 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 77. Total nitrogen in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1978 to 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline maximum.

121 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The total phosphorus (TP) concentrations have generally had a positive relationship with the discharge rates (Figure 73, Figure 78). Total P concentrations were sampled quarterly from 1979 to 1991, when monitoring was changed to monthly. Approximately 50 % of the sampling events have had TP concentrations above the EPA guidelines for maximum TP concentrations. The concentration of TP has remained relatively constant over time, except for the seasonal variation (Figure 78).

0.18

0.16

0.14

0.12

0.10

0.08

0.06 TP (mg/L)

0.04

0.02

0.00 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 78. Total phosphorus in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1978 to 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline maximum.

Suspended solids have been monitored in the Kiewa River at Kiewa since 1978. Monitoring was initially conducted quarterly, then in 1991 was increased to monthly. Suspended Solids concentrations at this station were generally lower in the summer months than winter months, when discharge rates were greater. There appears to have been a slight decrease in SS concentrations in 1982, which then increased again in 1990 to levels similar to pre-1982 (Figure 79). The concentrations of SS have remained within the SEPP objectives of a median of 25 mg/L and 90th percentile of 80 mg/L throughout the sampling period.

225

200

175

150

125

100

75 SS (mg/L)

50

25

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 79. Suspended solids in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1977 to 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP median objective and black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective.

122 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Turbidity has followed a similar pattern to the TP and TN concentrations. Turbidity levels tended to peak in the winter during greater flows, with a seasonal variation ranging from less than 1 NTU to greater than 55 NTU (Figure 80).

60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20

TURBIDITY (NTU) 15 10 5 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 80. Turbidity in the Kiewa River at Kiewa from 1977 to 1999.

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5.2.8 Port Phillip CaLP Region

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126 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.8.1 Water Quality Characterisation The Port Phillip CaLP region is comprised of six drainage basin, namely; Moorabool River (basin 232), (basin 231), (basin 230), (basin 229), , including Dandenong Valley (basin 228), and South Gippsland (basin 227), and will be discussed according to these basins where appropriate. Water quality was characterised for each station in the Port Phillip CaLP region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 24 - Table 26). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map of the stations in the region (Figure 81). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the Port Phillip CaLP region generally exhibited high attainment for pH, suspended solids and metals, low attainment for nutrients and varying attainment for electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) tended to be lower in the lower reaches of each basin, with the more urban basins having poorer attainment (Dandenong Valley, Yarra River and Maribyrnong River).

SEPP objectives existed for electrical conductivity (EC) for some of the sites in the Port Phillip CaLP region, for the others the ANZECC guidelines applied. The three eastern basins in the CaLP region (South Gippsland, Bunyip River, and Yarra River) were observed to consistently have high attainment levels across all sites except the Yarra River at the Chandler Highway (4940) which had moderate attainment levels. The three western basins (Moorabool River, Werribee River and Marybinong River) consistently had low to moderate attainment levels, with only two stations (Barringo Creek at Barringo, 230209 and at Sardine Creek, 231213) achieving high attainment.

Percentage attainment of SEPP objectives for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CaLP region, with only five sites not achieving 100% attainment. Moderate attainment with 8% of the samples above SEPP objectives was observed in the at Altona (5502) and at Bolinda (230232). Werribee River at Werribee (231204) also exhibited moderate attainment with 8% of the samples below SEPP objectives. Low attainment was observed in the at Mernda (229216) (25% of samples above objectives) and Barringo Creek at Barringo (230209) (15% of samples below objectives).

All of the sites monitored for suspended solids (SS) in the Port Phillip CaLP region exhibited high attainment of the SEPP objectives. The sites along the Yarra River and in the Dandenong Valley had SEPP objectives for turbidity. Each of the sites with turbidity objectives in the Dandenong Valley was observed to have low attainment levels of these objectives. Along the Yarra River, the Yarra River at Healesville and at Spadonis Reserve (2904 and 4992) exhibited low attainment of the SS objectives, whilst the other stations achieved high attainment of the objectives.

SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) exist for the Yarra River basin, for the other basins the EPA guidelines applied. All of the sites sampled for TN in the Yarra River basin achieved only low attainment against the SEPP objectives, ranging from 75% attainment in the upper catchment to 0% in the lower catchment. In the Yarra River basin, attainment for SEPP objectives was the same as for the EPA guidelines. Of the basins in the Port Phillip CaLP region, sites within the Werribee River basin exhibited the highest attainment level of the EPA guidelines with two sites achieving high attainment; Lerderderg River (231213) and Parwan Creek (231234) and one; Werribee River at Werribee Gorge (3133) having moderate attainment.

127 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The only other two sites which achieved moderate attainment were in the Maribyrnong River basin; Deep Creek at Bulla (230205) and Barringo Creek at Baringo (230209). The stations in the lower Yarra River basin and Dandenong Valley as well as Kororoit Creek at Altona (5502) and (227231) all exhibited very low attainment levels of between 0 and 25% attainment of the TN objectives and guidelines.

SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) exist for the Yarra River basin. For the other basins the EPA guidelines applied. In the Yarra River basin the attainment levels for the SEPP objectives were the same as those for the EPA guidelines. Five stations were identified as having 0% attainment of the SEPP objectives or EPA guidelines, these were; Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road (5254) and upstream of the freeway (5681) in the Dandenong Valley, Kororoit Creek at Altona (5502), Bass River (227231) and Plenty River at Mernda (229216). The Maribyrnong River at Canning Street ford (6070) achieved only 33% attainment and all other stations in the CaLP region achieved 50% or greater attainment. The best attainment levels were observed in the Maribyrnong River basin, the upper Yarra River basin and the Werribee River basin.

No lakes were sampled for chlorophyll-a in the Port Phillip CaLP region during 1999.

Nineteen sites were sampled for metals in the Port Phillip CaLP region, 5 in the Yarra River basin, four in the Maribyrnong River basin, five in the Werribee River basin and five in the Dandenong Valley. Of these, three in Yarra had low to moderate attainment for a number of metals; copper (2904, 4940 and 4992), zinc and lead (2904 and 4940) and chromium (2904). Two stations in the Maribyrnong River basin had low to moderate attainment for copper (6070 and 230202) and three stations in the Werribee River basin had moderate (92%) attainment for a number of metals; copper (3120, 5509 and 231204), zinc (5509) and cadmium (231204). In the Dandenong Valley, there was low attainment for chromium (5635: 83%), copper (5254 and 5635: 75 and 58% respectively) and zinc (5254 and 5635: both with 0% attainment). Copper and zinc had the lowest attainment levels of the metals monitored and there was 100% attainment at all stations monitored for arsenic and nickel.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the Port Phillip CaLP region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

128 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 24. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the Port Phillip CaLP Board region during 1999. Parameters subscripted with 50 or 90 require 50 and 90% attainment respectively to attain the SEPP objectives.

Program SI No DO EC EC90 pH Turb50 Turb90 SS50 SS90 TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers E 2904 92 100 ng 100 58 83 83 92 25 83 100 100 92 83 100 92 92 E 2916 100 100 ng 100 92 100 100 100 75 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 3030 67 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 3120 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 83 100 ng ng 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 E 3133 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 4940 75 92 ng 100 50 100 100 100 0 58 100 100 100 67 100 67 92 E 4991 92 100 ng 100 75 100 100 100 17 83 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 4992 83 100 ng 100 8 75 75 92 0 58 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 E 5254 92 ng ng 100 8 75 75 100 ng ng 100 100 100 75 100 100 0 E 5502 83 ng ng 92 ng ng 25 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 5509 83 ng ng 100 ng ng 67 100 ng ng 100 100 100 92 100 100 92 E 5635 92 ng ng 100 ng ng 92 100 ng ng 100 100 83 58 100 100 0 E 5652 100 ng 100 100 25 92 58 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 5654 100 ng 100 100 33 100 100 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 5681 100 ng 100 100 17 33 17 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 6070 83 ng ng 100 ng ng 83 100 ng ng 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 V 227231 50 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 228207 100 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 229212 100 100 ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 229214 100 100 ng 100 100 100 100 100 75 100 ------V 229215 100 100 ng 100 75 100 100 100 0 100 ------V 229216 100 100 ng 75 100 100 100 100 0 0 ------V 230200 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 230202 91 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng 100 100 100 71 100 100 100 V 230205 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 230209 100 ng ng 85 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 230232 100 ng ng 92 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 231204 100 ng ng 92 ng ng 92 100 ng ng 100 92 100 92 100 100 100 V 231213 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 231231 91 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 231234 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------V 232200 100 ng ng 100 ng ng 100 100 ng ng ------E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN — = no data ng = no guideline

129 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 25. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the Port Phillip CaLP region during 1999.

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers E 2904 92 100 100 42 92 100 100 92 83 100 92 92 E 2916 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 3030 58 50 100 8 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 E 3120 100 75 100 83 100 100 100 100 75 100 100 100 E 3133 100 92 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 4940 75 92 100 0 92 100 100 100 67 100 67 92 E 4991 92 100 58 0 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E 4992 83 100 100 25 92 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 E 5254 92 58 100 0 0 100 100 100 8 100 0 17 E 5502 58 8 92 0 0 100 100 100 25 100 17 100 E 5509 67 75 100 42 67 100 100 100 75 100 75 92 E 5635 92 100 100 8 83 100 100 83 0 100 58 0 E 5652 92 100 92 0 50 100 100 92 0 100 8 0 E 5654 92 100 100 8 83 100 100 100 25 100 50 42 E 5681 92 100 100 0 0 100 100 100 8 100 17 50 E 6070 75 33 100 8 67 100 100 100 83 100 100 100 V 227231 58 100 100 0 42 ------V 228207 100 100 100 86 100 ------V 229212 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 229214 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 229215 100 100 100 25 100 ------V 229216 100 100 100 0 0 ------V 230200 67 75 100 0 100 ------V 230202 82 92 100 50 100 100 100 100 43 100 100 100 V 230205 100 33 100 50 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 230209 100 100 54 92 92 ------V 230232 100 92 92 83 100 ------V 231204 100 83 92 75 83 100 100 100 67 100 92 100 V 231213 91 100 82 100 100 ------V 231231 82 18 100 50 92 ------V 231234 100 0 100 100 100 ------V 232200 100 0 100 67 100 ------E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN — = no data

130 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 26. Percent attainment of EPA guidelines for stations within the Port Phillip CaLP region during 1999.

Program SI No TN TP Rivers E 2904 25 83 E 2916 75 100 E 3030 42 100 E 3120 75 50 E 3133 92 100 E 4940 0 58 E 4991 17 83 E 4992 0 58 E 5254 25 0 E 5502 8 0 E 5509 83 67 E 5635 25 83 E 5652 8 50 E 5654 17 83 E 5681 0 0 E 6070 42 33 V 227231 0 0 V 228207 14 100 V 229212 86 100 V 229214 75 100 V 229215 0 100 V 229216 0 0 V 230200 75 100 V 230202 33 67 V 230205 92 100 V 230209 92 92 V 230232 42 100 V 231204 58 67 V 231213 100 100 V 231231 33 50 V 231234 100 100 V 232200 50 100 E = EPA FSN V = VWQMN

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132 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

PORT PHILLIP CaLP REGION Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines. N Produced for DNRE by AWT Victoria

230209 230232 Creek

231213 0 10 20 40

kilometres 230202 229216

230205 231234 2904 Melton 4992 3133 Yarra

3030 230200 4991 229212 231231 Warburton 5509 6070 229215 229214 4940 2916 Catchment and Land Protection Board Boundary 3120 5502 Melbourne 231204 Drainage Basin Boundary

Suspended solids/ 232200 228207 5654 Nutrients turbidity 5254 5635 Metals Other Indicators 5652

5681

River Attainment Monitoring Program Bunyip Low VWQMN

Mornington Medium MSOMP

High MDBC

No guideline EPA 227231 and/or no data

Figure 81. Port Phillip CaLP region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines.

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5.2.8.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road. A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels for a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 5254 (Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road) was identified as having poor attainment for electrical conductivity, turbidity, copper, zinc, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. As Mordialloc Creek is an estuarine system, although a somewhat man made estuarine system, it is unlikely that EC levels will meet guidelines.

Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd has been monitored as part of the EPA FSN since 1985 and as part of the Melbourne Water Monitoring Program since 1994. This station is at the lower end of the Mordialloc Creek that conveys water from the to the Port Phillip Bay at Mordialloc.

Dissolved oxygen concentrations at this station have generally been above the SEPP objective for minimum DO concentrations since 1987, with only an occasional summer where concentrations have dipped below this level (Figure 82). Except for the summer of 1988 when no dip occurred, there has consistently been the seasonal variation of lower concentrations in Summer – autumn than in the cooler winter – spring months.

14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 DO (mg/L) 4 3 2 1 0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 82. Dissolved oxygen in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum DO concentration.

135 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

While the majority of samples for electrical conductivity since 1985 have been below the ANZECC guideline of 1500 mS/cm (Figure 83), this was not the case in 1994-95 when EC levels were well above the guideline limit. The closer of the Sewage Treatment Plant in 1994 and drought conditions over the 1994- 1996 period, may have resulted in a greater proportion of the water in the creek coming from esterine sources. resulting in the peaks in EC concentr5taions over this period. Overall there has been no overall observed increase or decrease in EC levels in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road.

22000

20000

18000

16000

14000

12000

10000

8000 EC (uS/cm) 6000

4000

2000

0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 83. Electrical conductivity in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates ANZECC guideline for maximum EC concentration.

Trends in pH in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road have be observable since monitoring began in 1987 (Figure 84), with decreasing pH from 1987 to 1993, increasing from 1993 to 1996 and decreasing again from 1996 to the end of 1999. Despite these obvious changes, the pH in the creek has generally remained within SEPP objective limits. The peak in 1996 may be related to increased EC concentrations.

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 84. pH in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for limits of pH range.

136 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

While the total nitrogen levels in 1999 tended to be significantly higher than the EPA guideline, these concentrations were considerably lower than in the 1980s. From 1990 to 1995 there was a marked drop in nitrogen concentrations in Mordialloc Creek, which may be associated with the increased control of discharge from industry and upgrades to the Dandenong-Springvale Sewage Treatment Plant. The Sewage Treatment Plant ceased discharge to the creek system in 1994 (pers. com. EPA).

30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12

TN (mg/L) 10 8 6 4 2 0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 85. Total nitrogen in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TN concentration.

As for nitrogen, total phosphorus levels in 1999 tended to be significantly higher than the EPA guideline, although these concentrations were considerably lower than in the 1980’s. From 1990 to 1995 there was a marked drop in phosphorus concentrations in Mordialloc Creek, which may be associated with the increased control of discharge from industry and upgrades to the Dandenong-Springvale Sewage Treatment Plant. The Sewage Treatment Plant ceased discharge to the creek system in 1994 (pers. com. EPA).

6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5

TP (mg/L) 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 86. Total phosphorus in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline for maximum TP concentration.

137 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Improved controls of discharges into the creek system from industry and upgrades to the Dandenong- Springvale Sewage Treatment Plant were implemented from 1990 (pers. com. EPA). These may be associated with the improved suspended solids levels in the creek from this time (Figure 87). Since 1990, the SS concentrations in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road have complied with the SEPP objectives of 90% below 80 mg/L and 50% below 25 mg/L.

280 260 240 220 200 180 160 140 120 100 SS (mg/L) 80 60 40 20 0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 87. Suspended solids in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP objective for median SS concentration and black line indicates SEPP objective for 90th percentile for SS concentration.

Turbidity unlike suspended solids has remained high through out the sampling period. It is likely that turbidity is generated from fine suspended solids generated through surface runoff (

Figure 88). The lack of sampling for turbidity from 1987 to 1990 mean that any trends associated with this period are unclear. However, it appears that turbidity levels have decreased slightly from the 1980’s to the 90’s. In the 80’s there was a lot of urban development in this area which can result in soil particles been washed into waterways. This development has since stabilised. The continuing high turbidity levels may be due to the fact that since 1995, the primary water input has been from diffuse runoff (pers. com. EPA).

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60 TURBIDITY (NTU) 40

20

0 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 88. Turbidity in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP objective for median turbidity and black line indicates SEPP objective for 90th percentile for turbidity.

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139 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

As can be seen in the following graphs, Figure 89 - Figure 95, there has been a general decrease in metals concentrations from 1985 stabilising in 1990, increasing in 1994-96 followed by a fall back to stable concentrations. While this pattern does not exactly match all of the changes over time seen in the data for the individual metals, it does cover the majority. The relatively consistent drop in metals in 1990 may be associated with the tightening of controls on industry discharge into the creek system by the EPA as well as the upgrading of the Dandenong-Springvale Sewage Treatment Works at this time (pers. com. EPA).

Arsenic concentrations in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road have tended to be half or less of the SEPP objective of 0.020 mg/L, with the exception of January 1993 which exceeded the objective limit (Figure 89). While the gap in data collection between 1987 and 1990 makes interpretation difficult, arsenic levels appear to have stabilised at or below the 0.004 mg/L mark since late 1996.

0.022

0.020

0.018

0.016

0.014

0.012

0.010

0.008 As (mg/L) 0.006

0.004

0.002

0.000 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 89. Arsenic in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum As concentration.

140 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

As observed for arsenic, the majority of samples throughout the monitoring period from 1985 have been well within the SEPP objective of 0.006 mg/L for cadmium (Figure 90). There were only two samples that exceeded this objective, one each in 1985 and 1986. Cadmium concentrations have been fairly stable at and below 0.001 mg/L for the majority of sampling, with exceptions in 1995 and 1996 when these levels peaked.

0.013 0.012 0.011 0.010 0.009 0.008 0.007 0.006 0.005

Cd (mg/L) 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.000 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 90. Cadmium in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Cd concentration.

In order to show changes over time more clearly, two samples have been removed from Figure 91, December 1987 (0.55 mg/L) and September 1993 (0.52 mg/L). Chromium concentrations in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road fell within the SEPP objective of less than 0.02 mg/L for the majority of the sampling period (Figure 91). During three years (1985, 1986 and 1995) this objective was exceeded by most of the samples measured, with occasional extreme peaks in other years. From 1985 to 1990 there was a general tendency for decreasing chromium concentrations, with no obvious trends since that time.

0.15 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06

Cr (mg/L) 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.00 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 91. Chromium in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Cr concentration.

141 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The SEPP objective for maximum copper concentration in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd was exceeded consistently until 1990 when concentrations dropped suddenly to around the objective limit. Since 1990, there has been a period of exceedence from 1994 to 1996, however, for the majority of the time, copper concentrations have been around or below the SEPP objective of 0.01 mg/L (Figure 92).

0.055

0.050

0.045

0.040

0.035

0.030

0.025

0.020 Cu (mg/L) 0.015

0.010

0.005

0.000 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 92. Copper in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Cu concentration.

In order to show the variation over time, a single sample (1986, concentration 0.55 mg/L) has been removed from Figure 93. In the absence of this sample, it can be clearly seen that nickel concentrations decreased markedly from 1985 to stabilise around 1989-90. A peak in nickel concentration, exceeding the SEPP objective maximum of 0.04 mg/L, occurred in early 1994, dropping again to stabilise at or below 0.01 mg/L (Figure 93).

0.10

0.09

0.08

0.07

0.06

0.05

0.04

Ni (mg/L) 0.03

0.02

0.01

0.00 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 93. Nickel in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Ni concentration.

142 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Since 1990, the lead concentrations in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road have generally been within the SEPP objective of maximum 0.02 mg/L (Figure 94). A few exceptions to this have been in late 1993 – early 1994 and in early 1996. Prior to 1990, a high proportion of samples exceeded the SEPP objective, with a maximum concentration in May 1987 of 0.11 mg/L.

0.12 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05

Pb (mg/L) 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.00 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 94. Lead in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Pb concentration.

For the entire 15 years of sampling, zinc concentrations in the Mordialloc Creek at Wells Road have exceeded the SEPP objective of 0.04 mg/L with very few exceptions (Figure 95). Unlike the other metals monitored, there is no apparent pattern of increasing or decreasing concentrations over this time.

0.70 0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25 Zn (mg/L) 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 95. Zinc in Mordialloc Creek at Wells Rd between 1985 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum Zn concentration.

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VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.9 West Gippsland CMA Region

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146 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.9.1 Water Quality Characterisation The West Gippsland CMA region incorporates three drainage basins: Thomson River (basin 225), La Trobe River (basin 226) and South Gippsland (basin 227) and will be discussed according to these basins where appropriate. Water quality was characterised for each station in the West Gippsland CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 27 – Table 29). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for the region (Figure 96). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the West Gippsland CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity and suspended solids. Sites in the CMA region for which SEPP objectives existed for nutrients had high attainment of these objectives, and the remaining sites for which EPA guidelines applied had low attainment of these guidelines.

SEPP attainment for dissolved oxygen (DO) was high for all sites except at Licola (225209) which exhibited moderate attainment.

There were SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC) in the Thomson River and La Trobe River basins of the West Gippsland CMA region. There were no SEPP objectives for sites in the South Gippsland basin (except one site) so ANZECC guidelines applied. All sites exhibited high attainment for EC except Merriman Creek at Prospect Road (227240), which had moderate SEPP attainment.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CMA region, with two sites, Macalister River downstream of Lake Glenmaggie (225204) and Thomson River at The Narrows (225210), having 8 % of samples falling above the SEPP objectives, moderate attainment.

All of the sites in the West Gippsland CMA region achieved high attainment of the SEPP objectives for suspended solids with the exception of Macalister River at Licola (225209: moderate attainment) and Moe Drain at Trafalgar East (226402: low attainment).

There were SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the Thomson River and La Trobe River basins of the West Gippsland CMA region. There were no SEPP objectives for sites in the South Gippsland basin so EPA guidelines applied. All sites for which SEPP objectives applied achieved high attainment of the objectives with the exception of Moe Drain at Trafalgar East (226402: low attainment). However, every site in the CMA region achieved only low attainment of the EPA guidelines, with a maximum attainment of 83% at at Yarram (227200).

There were SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) in the Thomson River and La Trobe River basins of the West Gippsland CMA region. There were no SEPP objectives for sites in the South Gippsland basin so EPA guidelines applied. In the Thomson River basin, only the Macalister River downstream of Lake Glenmaggie (225204) exhibited low TP attainment and the Avon River at Stratford (225201) exhibited moderate attainment, all of the other sites had high SEPP attainment for TP. In the La Trobe basin, all sites except the most upstream (226222: high attainment) exhibited low attainment with both the SEPP objectives and EPA guidelines. EPA attainment for TP in the South Gippsland basin was also consistently low.

No sites were sampled for chlorophyll-a or for metals in the West Gippsland CMA region.

147 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the West Gippsland CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

Table 27. Percent SEPP attainment of stations within the West Gippsland CMA region during 1999. SS50 and SS90 require 50 and 90% attainment respectively to attain the SEPP objectives. Other parameters require 100% attainment with the SEPP objectives.

Program SI No DO EC EC90 pH SS50 SS90 TN50 TN90 TP50 TP90 Rivers V 225114 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 83 100 V 225201 100 100 100 100 92 100 92 100 67 92 V 225204 100 100 100 92 67 100 100 100 25 100 V 225209 92 100 100 100 50 92 100 100 75 100 V 225210 100 100 100 92 100 100 92 100 92 100 V 226005 100 100 100 100 100 100 75 100 17 100 V 226222 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 226226 100 100 100 100 ------V 226228 100 100 100 100 83 100 58 100 0 58 V 226402 100 100 100 100 0 50 0 42 0 0 V 226408 100 100 100 100 100 100 67 92 25 100 V 227200 100 ng ng 100 100 100 ng ng ng ng V 227202 100 ng ng 100 67 100 ng ng ng ng V 227211 100 ng ng 100 100 100 ng ng ng ng V 227225 100 ng ng 100 100 100 ng ng ng ng V 227237 100 ng ng 100 100 100 ng ng ng ng V 227240 100 100 82 100 ------V = VWQMN — = no data ng = no guideline

148 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 28. Percent attainment of ANZECC guidelines for stations within the West Gippsland CMA region during 1999

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP Rivers V 225114 100 100 100 100 100 V 225201 100 100 92 92 92 V 225204 100 100 100 100 100 V 225209 100 100 100 100 100 V 225210 100 100 100 92 100 V 226005 100 100 100 58 100 V 226222 100 100 100 100 100 V 226226 100 100 100 - - V 226228 100 100 100 25 58 V 226402 100 100 100 0 0 V 226408 100 100 92 50 100 V 227200 100 100 100 92 92 V 227202 100 100 100 0 8 V 227211 100 100 100 50 92 V 227225 100 100 100 83 100 V 227237 92 100 100 58 100 V 227240 100 100 91 - - — = no data

Table 29. Percent attainment of EPA guidelines for stations within the West Gippsland CMA region during 1999. Program SI No TN TP Rivers V 225114 0 100 V 225201 17 92 V 225204 33 100 V 225209 50 100 V 225210 0 100 V 226005 42 17 V 226222 83 100 V 226226 - - V 226228 0 0 V 226402 0 0 V 226408 17 0 V 227200 83 75 V 227202 0 0 V 227211 25 8 V 227225 0 67 V 227237 8 33 V 227240 - - V = VWQMN — = no data

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150 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

WEST GIPPSLAND C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives N and guidelines. Produced for DNRE by AWT Victoria

225114 225209 Macalister

0 10 20 40 226222 225204 Avon kilometres 225210 River

Thomson River River 226226 225201 LaTrobe Catchment Management Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

Sale 226228 Moe 226005 River Drainage Basin Boundary River 226402 Moe 226408 Suspended solids/ Nutrients turbidity

Metals Other Indicators 227240

Attainment Monitoring Program 227225 227200 Low VWQMN

227202 227237 Inverloch Medium MSOMP 227211

Tarwin River High MDBC

No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 96. West Gippsland CMA region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines.

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5.2.9.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Moe Drain at Trafalgar East A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. The stations selected were identified as having very low attainment levels of a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 226402 Moe Drain at Trafalgar East was identified as having poor attainment for total nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended solids during 1999 (Figure 101 to Figure 103).

Moe Drain at Trafalgar East has been monitored for dissolved oxygen, EC, pH, turbidity and discharge rate since Jan 1991. Total nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended solids have been monitored on a monthly basis since late 1993. The flow rate in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East indicates that there was particularly low flows during 1994 and the period from January 1997 onward (Figure 97).

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000 DISCHARGE (ML/day)

500

0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 97. Flow rates in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East between 1991 and 1999.

153 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Over the 9 year sampling period the dissolved oxygen levels complied with SEPP objectives. In the lower flow conditions from 1996 onwards, the variation in dissolved oxygen concentrations were less erratic. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were the highest during winter - spring and the lowest in late summer (Figure 98).

13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5

DO (mg/L) 4 3 2 1 0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 98. Dissolved oxygen in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum dissolved oxygen concentration.

There is a general seasonal pattern of electrical conductivity values in the Moe Drain of higher in summer – autumn and lower in winter – spring (Figure 99). Despite this pattern, the EC values appear to have been relatively stable although increasing slightly from around 350mS/cm to around 400 mS/cm between 1992 and 1997. In 1997, when flow rates decreased significantly, EC values increased and then stabilised at around 500 mS/cm. EC values exceeded the SEPP 90th percentile objective (700 mS/cm) on two occasions, which is likely to be a result of very low flow.

1000

900

800

700

600

500

400

EC (uS/cm) 300

200

100

0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 99. Electrical conductivity in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for maximum electrical conductivity and dotted line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective.

154 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The SEPP guidelines for pH indicated that the pH should be between 6 and 8.5. The pH in the Moe drain for the 9 years of sampling has remained within these limits. From 1991 to 1995 the pH was relative stable at around 6.75. In the 1995-1996 period the pH was quite erratic, ranging from 6 to 7.4. Following this unstable period the pH appears to have risen to a relatively stable 7.25 (Figure 100).

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

7.0

pH 6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 100. pH in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999. Black lines indicate SEPP objective for pH range limits.

Total nitrogen concentrations at this station ranged from 0.8 mg/L in the summer of 1998 to 4.2 mg/L in Autumn 1995. In general the concentrations follow a similar pattern to the drain discharge, the lower the discharge the lower the TN concentrations. Over the 6 years of monitoring the TN concentrates have exceeded the recommended SEPP objectives. The median concentration and peak concentrations have remained relatively constant over the monitoring period. However, the minimum concentrations appear to be decreasing over time. With minimum concentrations occurring in the summer months when flows are reduced (Figure 101).

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

TN (mg/L) 1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 101. Total nitrogen in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999. Black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective and dotted line indicates SEPP median objective.

155 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Total phosphorus concentrations were well in excess of the SEPP guidelines. There does not appear to be any change in average TP concentration over the monitoring period. However, TP concentrations above 0.25 mg/L appear to be more common from 1997 onwards, when discharge has been low. The low rainfall and flow conditions from 1997 onwards may have resulted in an accumulation of TP in the catchment area, causing first flush effects during discharge events. Total P concentrations tend to fluctuate with discharge rates, increases in flow generally resulting in increased TP concentrations (Figure 102).

0.65 0.60 0.55 0.50 0.45 0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25

TP (mg/L) 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 102. Total phosphorus in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999. Black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective and dotted line indicates SEPP median objective.

Suspended solid concentrations were highly variable between months and ranged from a high of 260 to a low of 10 mg/L. The suspended solids concentrations have a positive relationship with flow with lower flows appearing to result in lower SS concentrations in the Moe Drain. Apart from 1994 and 1998, the concentration of SS has been well in excess of SEPP objectives (Figure 103). The concentration of SS appears to have decreased over time, this may be a result of the low flow condition over the past four years.

275

250

225

200

175

150

125

100 SS (mg/L) 75

50

25

0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 103. Suspended solids in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999. Black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective and dotted line indicates SEPP median objective.

156 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Turbidity in Moe drain has been monitored from 1991 to 1999. The overall trend in turbidity measurements indicates a decrease over the sampling period. The turbidity levels follow a similar pattern to that of the suspended solids (Figure 104).

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60 TURBIDITY (NTU) 40

20

0 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 104. Turbidity in the Moe Drain at Trafalgar East from 1991 to 1999.

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5.2.10 Wimmera CMA Region

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5.2.10.1 Water Quality Characterisation The Wimmera CMA region incorporates only one drainage basin, the Wimmera-Avon Rivers basin (basin 415). Water quality was characterised for each station in the Wimmera CMA region according to percent attainment with the relevant water quality objectives and guidelines (Table 30 - Table 32). A summary of this data is presented on an attainment map for the region (Figure 105). Where SEPP objectives existed, characterisation was according to attainment of those objectives. Where there were no SEPP objectives for nutrients, characterisation was according to EPA nutrient guideline attainment. For other parameters where no SEPP objective existed, characterisation was according to ANZECC guideline attainment.

Water quality within the Wimmera CMA region generally exhibited high attainment for pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, nutrients and metals, and low attainment for dissolved oxygen.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) was monitored at river sites only, thus only 7 of the 16 stations in the CMA region are routinely monitored for DO. One of these 7 sites was dry during the whole of 1999 (415251). SEPP attainment for DO at the remaining 6 sites was low at 3 sites (415200, 415201 and 415237), moderate at two (415203 and 415207) and high at one (415246). This may be associated with the low flows and correspondingly higher temperatures in the waterways during 1999.

There were SEPP objectives for electrical conductivity (EC) in the Wimmera CMA region. High SEPP attainment (100%) was achieved at all lake sites except Lake Lonsdale (415227) which had 0% attainment of the objectives. The 6 river sites also tended to achieve high attainment, with the exception of Wimmera River at Glenorchy (415201) and Concongella Creek at Stawell (415237) which both exhibited low attainment.

SEPP attainment for pH was high at the majority of sites across the CMA region, with only one lake site, Green Lake (415612), having low pH attainment, with 15% of samples exceeding the pH objectives.

Only four sites had suspended solids data collected during 1999. All of these sites achieved high attainment of the SEPP objectives for suspended solids.

There were no SEPP objectives for total nitrogen (TN) in the Wimmera CMA region, therefore EPA guidelines applied. Both Lake Lonsdale (415227) and Green Lake (415612) had 0% attainment of the EPA guidelines for TN. The other lakes achieved 100% attainment. Of the four river sites which had nutrient data collected, two sites (Wimmera River at Horsham and Glenorchy: 415200 and 415201) had low attainment, one (Wimmera River at the Lochiel Railway Bridge: 415246) had moderate attainment and the most upstream site (Wimmera River at Eversley: 415207) achieved high attainment.

There were SEPP objectives for total phosphorus (TP) for the four river sites with nutrient data in the Wimmera CMA region, for the lake sites EPA guidelines applied. The same two lakes with low attainment for TN had 0% attainment for TP as well (Lake Lonsdale and Green Lake) with the other lakes having 100% attainment of the EPA guidelines. Only the most downstream site on the Wimmera River (at Lochiel Railway Bridge: 415246) did not have high attainment of the SEPP objectives for TP, with moderate (92%) attainment.

Attainment of the ANZECC guideline for chlorophyll-a at the seven of the eight lake sites sampled in the Wimmera CMA region was moderate (92-94%), with only Lake Lonsdale (415227) having low attainment at 0%.

161 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Two sites were sampled for metals in the Wimmera CMA region. Both sites had 100% attainment for all metals except chromium and copper. The Wimmera River at Horsham (415200) had low attainment for chromium and moderate attainment for copper.

The low attainment of water quality parameters in Lake Lonsdale (415227) and Green Lake were probably due to them being, very low, as a result of low inflows.

The water quality data and summary statistics relating to the water quality, water quantity and river health in the Wimmera CMA region have been made available on the Internet. See www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn for this information.

Table 30. Percent attainment of SEPP objectives for stations within the Wimmera CMA region during 1998. SS50 and SS90, EC90 or TP90 require 50 and 90 percent attainment respectively. All other parameters require 100% attainment.

Program SI No DO EC90 pH SS50 SS90 TP90 As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Rivers V 415200 75 100 100 83 100 100 100 100 67 92 100 100 100 V 415201 58 75 100 92 100 100 ------V 415203 92 100 100 - - ng ------V 415207 92 100 100 100 100 100 ------V 415237 75 25 100 - - ng ------V 415246 100 100 100 100 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 V 415251 ------Lakes S 415202 - 100 100 ------S 415227 - 0 100 ------S 415229 - 100 100 ------S 415606 ------S 415607 - 100 100 ------S 415608 - 100 100 ------S 415610 - 100 100 ------S 415612 - 100 85 ------S 415620 - ng 100 ------V = VWQMN S = Major Storages — = no data ng = no guideline.

162 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table 31. Percent attainment with ANZECC guidelines of stations within the Wimmera CMA region during 1998.

Program SI No DO EC pH TN TP As Cd Cr Cu Ni Pb Zn Chla Rivers V 415200 75 100 100 50 75 100 100 67 67 100 75 100 - V 415201 58 33 100 75 100 ------V 415203 92 67 75 ------V 415207 92 8 100 92 100 ------V 415237 50 0 100 ------V 415246 100 0 100 67 92 100 100 100 83 100 100 100 - V 415251 ------Lakes S 415202 - 100 85 31 100 ------92 S 415227 - 0 0 0 0 ------0 S 415229 - 100 100 100 100 ------94 S 415606 ------S 415607 - 100 100 8 100 ------92 S 415608 - 100 100 8 100 ------92 S 415610 - 100 100 6 100 ------94 S 415612 - 100 85 0 0 ------92 S 415620 - 100 100 8 100 ------92 V = VWQMN S = Major Storages — = no data Table 32. Percent attainment with EPA nutrient guidelines of stations within the Wimmera CMA region during 1999. Program SI No TN TP

Rivers V 415200 58 50 V 415201 83 100 V 415203 - - V 415207 100 100 V 415237 - - V 415246 92 92 V 415251 - Lakes S 415202 100 100 S 415227 0 0 S 415229 100 100 S 415606 - - S 415607 100 100 S 415608 100 100 S 415610 100 100 S 415612 0 0 S 415620 92 100 V= VWQMN S = Major Storages — = no data

163 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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164 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

WIMMERA C.M.A. REGION Attainment with water quality objectives N and guidelines. Produced for DNRE by

AWT Victoria River

0 10 20 40

Wimmera kilometres 415246 Dimboola

Catchment Management Authority (C.M.A.) Boundary

Drainage Basin Boundary

Horsham Suspended solids/ Nutrients turbidity 415607 415200 415606 415608 Metals Other Indicators 415251 415612 Mc Kenzie

415201 Attainment Monitoring Program

River 415620 Low 415203 VWQMN 415227 415237 415202 Stawell Medium MSOMP 415610 High MDBC 415207 415229 No guideline EPA and/or no data

Figure 105. Wimmera CMA region. Attainment with water quality objectives and guidelines. 165

VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

5.2.10.2 Station Specific Water Quality: Wimmera River at Glenorchy A station in each region was chosen for detailed investigation and interpretation. This station had been identified as having very low attainment levels for a number of water quality parameters. No station was chosen that had been investigated in either of the 1997 or 1998 Annual Reports.

Station 415201 (Wimmera River at Glenorchy) was identified as having poor attainment levels for dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity during 1999.

The low flows from 1994 (with winter peaks in 1995 and 1996, Figure 106) appear to be associated with the increase in the occurrence of DO concentrations being below the SEPP objectives. Dissolved oxygen levels appear to be at the lowest in the summer months when flows are also lowest (Figure 107).

4500

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000 DISCHARGE (ML/day)

500

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 106. Flow rates in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy from 1975 to 1999.

16

14

12

10

8

6 DO (mg/L) 4

2

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 107. Dissolved Oxygen in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP objective for minimum DO concentration.

167 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

The summer peaks in electrical conductivity have consistently exceeded the SEPP objective for 90% of samples. Since 1994, when the flow rates dropped (Figure 106), the base flow EC levels increased (Figure 108). However, these were still within the SEPP objective limit in 1999.

6500 6000 5500 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500

EC (uS/cm) 2000 1500 1000 500 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 108. Electrical Conductivity in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective.

The majority of the pH samples are within the recommended SEPP objective limits. In the last five years they have been relatively stable ranging from 7.0 – 8.0 pH units (Figure 109).

10.0

9.5

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

pH 7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

5.0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 109. pH in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999. Black lines indicates SEPP objective limits for pH range.

168 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Total nitrogen was sampled quarterly until 1990, when monthly sampling commenced. Total nitrogen concentrations have generally decreased during the period of sampling from 1978 to 1999, with a peak in 1995 where almost all samples exceeded the EPA guideline maximum of 1.0 mg/L (Figure 110).

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5 TN (mg/L) 1.0

0.5

0.0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 110. Total Nitrogen in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates EPA guideline maximum.

As for total nitrogen, total phosphorus was monitored quarterly until 1990 when monthly monitoring commenced. Total P concentrations have been fairly stable throughout the monitoring period with baseflow concentrations within the EPA guideline limit of 0.05 mg/L (Figure 111). All samples collected since 1978 have complied with the SEPP objective for 90 % of samples with the exception of one sample in late 1996 (0.34 mg/L).

0.35

0.30

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0.15 TP (mg/L) 0.10

0.05

0.00 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 111. Total Phosphorus in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999. Dotted line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective and black line indicates EPA guideline maximum.

169 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Suspended solids were monitored quarterly until 1990 when monthly monitoring commenced. Turbidity has been monitored monthly since sampling commenced in 1976.

Suspended solids in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy since 1978 have generally complied with the SEPP requirements for SS of a median below 25 mg/L and 90th percentile below 80 mg/L (Figure 112).

While the changes over time for suspended solids are a little unclear due to the change in sampling frequency, it is clear that turbidity levels (Figure 113) have dropped and become less variable between 1977 and 1999, with a considerable reduction in variability since 1995. Suspended solids concentrations appear to have also become more stable since 1995, with the lower flows experienced since that time.

300 275 250 225 200 175 150 125

SS (mg/L) 100 75 50 25 0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 112. Suspended Solids in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999. Black line indicates SEPP 90th percentile objective and dotted line indicates SEPP median objective.

250

225

200

175

150

125

100

75 TURBIDITY (NTU) 50

25

0 1-Jan-75 2-Jan-76 1-Jan-77 1-Jan-78 1-Jan-79 2-Jan-80 1-Jan-81 1-Jan-82 1-Jan-83 2-Jan-84 1-Jan-85 1-Jan-86 1-Jan-87 2-Jan-88 1-Jan-89 1-Jan-90 1-Jan-91 2-Jan-92 1-Jan-93 1-Jan-94 1-Jan-95 2-Jan-96 1-Jan-97 1-Jan-98 1-Jan-99 2-Jan-00 DATE

Figure 113. Turbidity in the Wimmera River at Glenorchy between 1975 and 1999.

170 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

6 References

ANZECC, 1992. The Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters. National Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council.

ANZECC, 1999. National water quality management strategy: Australia and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality. Public comment draft. Australia and New Zealand environment and conservation council agriculture and resource management council of Australia and New Zealand.

AWT Victoria, 1999a. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: 1998. Report prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by AWT Victoria Pty Ltd. Report No. 401/99.

AWT Victoria, 1999b. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network and State Biological Monitoring Program Manual of Procedures.

AWT Victoria, 2000. Bendigo Creek Nutrient Investigation. Report prepared for North Central Catchment Management Authority by AWT Victoria Pty Ltd.

CMAC, DNRE and EPA, 1996. Testing The Waters - The 1996 review of Victorian Water Quality Monitoring. Draft Technical Discussion Paper, December 1996.

Cottingham, P., Bennison, G., Dunn, R., Lidston, J. and Robinson, D., 1995. Algal Bloom and Nutrient Status of Victorian Inland Waters. Government of Victoria.

EPA, 1995. Guide to Sampling and Analysis of Waters and Wastewaters. Environmental Protection Authority.

Greenberg, A.E., Clesceri, L.S. and Eaton, A.D., 1992. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (18th edn). American Public Health Association, Washington, USA.

Harris, G.P., 1994. Nutrient Loadings and Algal Blooms in Australian Waters - A Discussion Paper. LWRRDC Occasional Paper No. 12/94.

Hart, B.T., Maher, W. Lawrence, I., 1998. New-risk-based water quality guidelines. Water 25 (3) 24-25

Hunter, K.M., 1996. State Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: Victoria 1996. A Report prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by AWT Victoria Pty Ltd. Report No.70/96.

Hunter, K.M., 1993. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network: August 1990 - December 1992. State Water Laboratory of Victoria. Report No.110.

Hunter, K.M. and Hedger, M.M., 1995. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Annual Report 1994. A Report prepared for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Industry Standards Group by AWT Victoria Pty Ltd.

Hunter, K.M. and Zampatti, B.P., 1994a. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Annual Report 1994. State Water Laboratory of Victoria. Report No.112.

Hunter, K.M. and Zampatti, B.P., 1994b. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Summary of Historical Data 1975 - 1992. State Water Laboratory of Victoria. Report No.115.

OCE, 1988. State of the Environment Report: Victoria’s Inland Waters. Office of the Commissioner for the Environment, Government of Victoria.

171 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

RWC, 1991. Monitoring and Assessment of the Quality of Victorian Waters. Report No.106. Rural Water Commission of Victoria.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999a. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Statewide Summary. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999b. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999c. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999d. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Glenelg Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999e. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Goulburn- Broken Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999f. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Mallee Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999g. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: North Central Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999h. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: North East Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999i. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Port Phillip Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999j. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Smith, W and Nathan, R., 1999k. Victorian Water Quality Monitoring Network Trend Analysis: Wimmera Catchment Management Authority Area. Produced for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by Sinclair Knight Merz.

Tiller, D. and Newell, P., 1995. Preliminary Nutrient Guidelines for Victorian Inland Streams. Environmental Protection Authority.

Victorian Government Printing Office, 1970. Environment Protection Act 1970.

Victorian Government, 1979. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of Western Port Bay and Catchment). Policy No.W-28.

172 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Victorian Government, 1982. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of Lake Colac and Catchment). Policy No.W-34A.

Victorian Government, 1982. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of the Western District Lakes). Policy No.W-34B.

Victorian Government, 1983. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of Lake Burrumbeet and Catchment). Policy No.W-36A.

Victorian Government, 1985. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of the Wimmera River and Catchment). Policy No.W-15A.

Victorian Government, 1985. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of Far East Gippsland). Policy No.W-21.

Victorian Government, 1988. State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria). Policy No.S122.

Victorian Government, 1988. State Environment Protection Policy (The Waters of the Dandenong Valley). Policy No.W-28A.

Victorian Government, 1996. State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) – Schedule F5. The LaTrobe and Thompson River Basins and Merriman Creek Catchment.

Victorian Government, 1997. State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) – Schedule F6. Waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Victorian Government, 1999. State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) – Schedule F7. Waters of the Yarra Catchment.

WATER ECOscience, 1997a. State Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: Victoria 1996 – Volume 1. Report prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by WATER ECOscience Pty Ltd. Report No.171/97.

WATER ECOscience, 1997b. State Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: Victoria 1996 – Volume 2. Report prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by WATER ECOscience Pty Ltd. Report No.171/97.

WATER ECOscience, 1998. State Water Quality Monitoring Annual Report: Victoria 1997. Report prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment by WATER ECOscience Pty Ltd. Report No.260/98. www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn

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174 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Appendix I: Water Quality Guidelines

Table AI.1. SEPP Waters of Victoria (1988). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators.(General and Ecosystem Protection). Indicators Objectives Aquatic Parks and Forests Estuarine Coastal General Surface Reserves Waters Dissolved Oxygen N > 6 g/m3 > 5 g/m3 > 6.5 g/m3 > 5 g/m3 > 60% saturation > 60% saturation > 85% saturation > 50% saturation Bacteria (E.coli) N 1000 orgs/100mL (geometric mean) pH – variation N < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 1.0 – range N 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 7.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 9.0 Temperature – variation N < 1.0°C < 1.0°C < 0.5°C < 2.0°C Light penetration N Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Toxicants (mg/L) N £ N + 0.5 (T – N) £ N + 0.5 (T – N) £ N + 0.5 (T – N) £ T – As T = 50 T = 10 T = 10 T = 50 – Cd T = 0.4 or 1.2(a) T = 3.0 T = 3.0 T = 0.4 or 1.2(a) – Cr T = 10 T = 10 T = 10 T = 10 – Cu T = 10 T = 5 T = 5 T = 10 – Fe T = 1000 T = 200 T = 200 T = 1000 – Pb T = 4, 25, 50 or 100(a) T = 10 T = 10 T = 4, 25, 50 or 100(a) – Hg T = 0.05 T = 0.10 T = 0.10 T = 0.05 – Ni T = 25 T = 20 T = 20 T = 25 – Zn T = 50, 100, 300, 600(a) T = 20 T = 20 T = 50, 100, 300, 600(a) Nutrients & N Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Biostimulants Total Dissolved Solids N The level shall not vary from background levels by > 5% Qualitative Suspended Solids 50th %ile < 10 50th %ile < 25 50th %ile < 10 50th %ile < 25 (g/m3) N 80th %ile < 25 80th %ile < 90 80th %ile < 25 80th %ile < 80

(a) = depending on hardness (mg/L CaCO3) N = natural background level T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (“Recommended Water Quality Criteria” EPA 1983) Qualitative = no quantitative objective

175 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AI.2. SEPP No.W-28 The Waters of Western Port Bay and Catchment (1979). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives Bay Eastern Potable Water Island Segments Catchment Supply and Peninsula Dissolved Oxygen – mg/L > 6.0 > 6.5 > 7.0 > 6.0 – % saturation > 90% > 85% > 90% > 80% Faecal Coliforms (orgs / 100mL) NL NL 95th %ile < 100 NL E.coli (orgs / 100mL) Median < 70 Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 80th %ile < 230 80th %ile < 400 95th %ile < 10 80thv%ile < 2000 pH – variation < ± 0.1 < ± 0.5 6.5 – 8.5 < ± 0.5 – range 7.8 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 Temperature – variation < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 1.0oC < ± 2.0oC Total Dissolved Solids NL < 1,000 < 200 NL (mg/L) Salinity - variation < 0.25 std dev’ns NL NL NL Light penetration Qualitative < 10% reduction < 10% reduction < 10% reduction – Turbidity (FTU) NL NL <25 NL Toxicants (mg/L) – As < 10 (x) (x) (x) – Cd < 0.2 < 0.4 < 0.4 < 0.4 – Cr < 50 < 50 < 50 < 50 – Cu < 10 (x) < 50 (x) – Fe < 50 (x) (x) (x) – Pb < 10 < 30 < 30 < 30 – Hg < 0.1 < 0.2 < 0.2 < 0.2 – Ni < 2.0 < 100 < 100 < 100 – Zn < 20 < 30 < 30 < 30 Nutrients and Biostimulants Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Chlorophyll-a < 20% increase NL NL NL Aesthetic Characteristics Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Suspended Solids (mg/L) NL NL < 200 Qualitative Settleable Matter Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative N = natural background level (no variation from) T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (listed in SEPP) (x) = indicates insufficient data NL = No Level set Qualitative = no quantitative objective

176 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AI.3.SEPP No W-34B The Waters of the Western District Lakes (1982). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. (only the lakes sampled in the networks in this report are listed). Indicators Objectives A B G Lake Purrumbete Lake Colongulac Dissolved Oxygen – g / m3 > 7.5 > 7.2 > 5.7 – % saturation > 85% > 85% > 75% Bacteria (E.coli) Mean < 200 Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 – orgs / 100mL 80th %ile < 400 80th %ile < 400 80th %ile < 2000 pH – variation from background ± 0.5 ± 0.5 ± 0.5 – range 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 9.0 Temperature – variation from background ± 0.5oC ± 0.5oC ± 1.0oC Salinity – guidance range (g/m3) 0 - 500 2,500 – 10,600 6,100 – 13,700 Light penetration Qualitative – secchi depth (m) ± 0.48 ± 0.26 - Toxicants (mg/m3) guidance levels N + 0.2(T-N) N + 0.2(T-N) N + 0.5(T-N) – As T = (x) T = (x) T = (x) – Cd T = 0.4 T = 0.4 T = 0.4 – Cr T = 50.0 T = 50.0 T = 50.0 – Cu T = 10.0 T = 10.0 T = 10.0 – Fe T = 1000 T = 1000 T = 1000 – Pb T = 30.0 T = 30.0 T = 30.0 – Hg T = 0.05 T = 0.05 T = 0.05 – Ni T = 100 T = 100 T = 100 – Zn T = 30.0 T = 30.0 T = 30.0 Nutrients & Biostimulants Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative – Total N (g/m3) < 0.7 < 0.7 NL – Total P (g/m3) < 0.05 < 0.05 NL Total Dissolved Solids – g / m3 90th %ile < 250 90th %ile < 1000 90th %ile < 3000 Suspended Solids (g/m3) < 25 < 25 < 80 Settleable Matter Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Aesthetic Characteristics Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative N = natural background level T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (listed in SEPP) (x) = insufficient data to determine threshold concentration NL = No Level set Qualitative = no quantitative objective

177 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AI.4.SEPP No W-34A The Waters of Lake Colac and Catchment (1982). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives A B Lake Colac Segment General Land Segment Dissolved Oxygen – g / m3 > 6.0 > 76.0 – % saturation > 60% > 60% Bacteria (E.coli) – orgs / 100mL Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 pH – variation from background ± 1.5 ± 1.5 – range 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 Temperature – variation from background < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC Light penetration – Turbidity (FTU) Median < 35 Median < 35 Toxicants (mg/L) < T < T – As (x) (x) – Cd < 0.4 < 0.4 – Cr < 50.0 < 50.0 – Cu < 10.0 < 10.0 – Fe < 1000 < 1000 – Pb < 30.0 < 30.0 – Hg < 0.05 < 0.05 – Ni < 100 < 100 – Zn < 30.0 < 30.0 Nutrients & Biostimulants Qualitative Qualitative Total Dissolved Solids – variation < 10% < 10% Suspended Solids (mg/L) Median < 80 Median < 30 Aesthetic Characteristics Qualitative Qualitative N = natural background level T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (listed in SEPP) (x) = insufficient information Qualitative = no quantitative objective

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Table AI.5.SEPP No W-36A The Waters of Lake Burrumbeet and Catchment (1983). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives Lakes Burrumbeet Upper Lower General and Learmonth Burrumbeet Creek Burrumbeet Creek Dissolved Oxygen – mg/L > 6.0 > 2.0 > 4.5 > 6.0 – % saturation > 60% > 45% > 60% Bacteria (E.coli) – orgs / 100mL Mean < 200 Mean < 1,000 Mean < 1,000 Mean < 1,000 pH – variation from background ± 1.5 ± 1.5 ± 1.5 ± 1.5 – range 6.0 – 9.0 5.5 – 9.5 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 Temperature – variation from background < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC Light penetration – Turbidity (FTU) Median < 35 Median < 45 Median < 35 Median < 35 Toxicants (mg/L) < T < T (agricultural) < T < T – As < 200 < 200 < 200 < 200 – Cd < 0.4 < 10 < 0.4 < 0.4 – Cr < 50 < 1000 < 50 < 50 – Cu < 10 < 500 < 10 < 10 – Fe < 1000 (x) < 1000 < 1000 – Pb < 30 < 100 < 30 < 30 – Hg < 0.05 < 2 < 0.05 < 0.05 – Ni < 100 (x) < 100 < 100 – Zn < 30 < 20000 < 30 < 30 Nutrients and Biostimulants Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Aesthetic Characteristics Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Suspended Solids (mg/L) Median < 80 Median < 45 Median < 40 Median < 50 (x) = indicates insufficient information N = natural background level (no variation from) T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (listed in SEPP) Qualitative = no quantitative objective

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Table AI.6. SEPP No.W-21 The Waters of Far East Gippsland (1985). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicator Objectives Scientific General Bekta Mallacoota Estuarine General Reference Potable Potable Inlet Segment Surface Segment Water Supply Water Supply Segment Waters Segment Segment Segment Dissolved Oxygen – mg/L N > 8.0 > 8.0 > 7.5 > 8.0 > 8.0 – % saturation N > 85 > 85 > 75 > 85 > 85 Bacteria (orgs/100mL) – total coliforms N NL NL 50th%ile < 70 50th%ile < 70 NL – faecal coliforms N NL NL 50th%ile < 14 50th%ile < 14 NL – E.coli N 90th %ile < 100 90th %ile < 100 NL NL Mean < 200 pH – variation Nil < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.2 < 0.2 < 0.5 – range N 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 Temperature variation Nil < 0.5°C < 0.5°C < 1.0°C < 0.5°C < 0.5°C Salinity or Total N Dissolved Solids – % variation Nil < 2 < 2 < 5 < 2 < 2 Light Penetration - % variation N < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 Toxicants (mg/L) N < N+0.2(T-N) < N+0.2(T-N) < N+0.5(T-N) < N+0.2(T-N) < N+0.2(T-N) – As T = 50 T = 50 T = 10 T = 10 T = 50 – Cd T = 0.4 T = 0.4 T = 3.0 T = 3.0 T = 0.4 – Cr T = 10 T = 10 T = 10 T = 10 T = 10 – Cu T = 10 T = 10 T = 5.0 T = 5.0 T = 10 – Fe T = 1000 T = 1000 T = 200 T = 200 T = 1000 – Pb T = 25 T = 25 T = 10 T = 10 T = 25 – Hg T = 0.05 T = 0.05 T = 0.10 T = 0.10 T = 0.05 – Ni T = 30 T = 30 T = 20 T = 20 T = 30 – Zn T = 50 T = 50 T = 20 T = 20 T = 50 Nutrients N Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Aesthetic Quality N Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Suspended Solids N 50th% < 25 50th% < 25 50th% < 25 50th% < 25 50th% < 25 – mg/L 90th% < 80 90th% < 80 90th% < 80 90th% < 80 90th% < 80 Settleable Matter N Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative N = natural background level T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (listed in SEPP) NL = No Level set Qualitative = no quantitative objective

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Table AI.7. SEPP No.W-15A The Waters of the Wimmera and Catchment (1985). Objectives for Water Quality Environmental Indicators. Indicators Objectives A - Potable B - Water C – Wimmera D – Upper E – Lower F – Terminal Water Supply Storages Tributaries Wimmera R. Wimmera R. Lakes Dissolved Oxygen – g / m3 > 7.5 > 7.5 > 4.5 > 6.0 > 6.0 > 6.0 – % saturation > 75% > 75% > 45% > 60% > 60% > 60% Bacteria (E.coli) – orgs / 100mL 90th %ile < 100 Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 Mean < 200 Mean < 200 Mean < 200 pH – variation ± 0.5 ± 0.5 ± 1.5 ± 1.0 ± 1.0 ± 1.0 – range 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 5.5 – 9.5 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 Temperature – variation < ± 1.0oC < ± 1.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC Light penetration – Turbidity (FTU) 90th % < 25 90th % < 50 90th % < 50 90th % < 50 90th % < 50 90th % < 50 Toxicants (mg/L) N + 0.5(T-N) N + 0.5(T-N) 2T T T T – As = 50 = 50 = 100 = 50 = 50 = 50 – Cd = 0.4 or 1.2(a) = 0.4 or 1.2(a) = 0.8 or 2.4(a) = 0.4 or 1.2(a) = 0.4 or 1.2(a) = 0.4 or 1.2(a) – Cr = 10 = 10 = 20 = 10 = 10 = 10 – Cu = 10 = 10 = 20 = 10 = 10 = 10 – Fe = 1000 = 1000 = 2000 = 1000 = 1000 = 1000 – Pb = 4, 25, 50, 100(a) = 4, 25, 50, 100(a) = 8, 50, 100, 200(a) = 4, 25, 50, 100(a) = 4, 25, 50, 100(a) = 4, 25, 50, 100(a) – Hg = 0.05 = 0.05 = 0.10 = 0.05 = 0.05 = 0.05 – Ni = 25 = 25 = 50 = 25 = 25 = 25 – Zn = 50, 100, 300 or = 50, 100, 300 or = 100, 200, 600 or = 50, 100, 300 or = 50, 100, 300 or = 50, 100, 300 or 600 (a) 600 (a) 1200 (a) 600 (a) 600 (a) 600 (a) Nutrients & Biostimulants Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative – Total P (g/m3) 90th % < 0.2 90th % < 0.2 90th % < 0.1(f) Total Dissolved Solids – g / m3 90th % < 250 90th % < 1000 90th % < 3000 90th % < 3000b 90th % < 1500d 90th % < 2000c 90th % < 2500e – variation < 10% Suspended Solids (g/m3) 50th % < 10 50th % < 25 50th % < 25 50th % < 25 50th % < 25 50th % < 25 90th % < 30 90th % < 80 90th % < 80 90th % < 80 90th % < 80 90th % < 80 Settleable Matter Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Aesthetic Characteristics Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative Qualitative

(a) = depending on hardness (mg/L CaCO3) (b) = upstream of Glenorchy Weir (c) = between Glenorchy Weir and Horsham Weir (d) = between Horsham Weir and Dimboola Weir (e) = between Dimboola Weir and entry to (f) = in Wimmera River at point of entry to Lake Hindmarsh N = natural background level T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (“Recommended Water Quality Criteria” EPA 1983) Qualitative = no quantitative objective

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Table AI.8. SEPP No.W-28A The Waters of the Dandenong Valley (1988). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives Mordialloc & Mordialloc & Patterson Dandenong Ck Headwaters Minor Wetlands Lysterfield Kananook Kananook River Major Tributaries Creeks Tributaries Tributaries Dissolved Oxygen – mg/L > 4.0 > 4.5 > 4.0 > 4.5 > 8.0 > 4.5 > 4.5 > 8.0 – % saturation > 45% > 45% > 45% > 45% > 85% > 45% > 45% > 85% Bacteria (E.coli) Mean < 1000 Mean < 1000 Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 Mean < 1000 Mean < 1000 Mean < 200 – orgs / 100mL 80th% < 2000 80th% < 2000 80th% < 400 80th% < 2000 80th% < 2000 90th% < 5000 80th% < 2000 80th% < 400 pH – variation < ± 0.5 < ± 1.0 < ± 0.5 < ± 1.0 < ± 0.5 < ± 1.0 < ± 1.0 < ± 0.5 – range 6.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 9.0 5.0 – 9.0 6.5 – 8.5 Temperature – variation < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 0.5oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 2.0oC < ± 0.5oC Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) NL 90th% < 1000 NL 90th% < 1000 N < ± 2% 90th% < 1000 N < ± 10% N < ± 2% Salinity - variation < 10% NL < 10% NL NL NL NL NL Light penetration Median < 20 Qualitative Median < 20 Median < 25 Median < 25 Median < 50 Median < 25 Median < 30 – Turbidity (FTU) 90th% < 35 90th% < 35 90th% < 50 90th% < 30 90th% < 200 90th% < 50 90th% < 35 Toxicants (mg/L)

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Table AI.9. SEPP (Waters of Victoria) – Schedule F5. Waters of the Latrobe and Thomson River Basins and Merriman Creek Catchment.(1996). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives A B C D E F G reserves & forests & mixed agricultural industrial natural wetlands conservation forestry forestry & area of watercourses areas activities agricultural Latrobe draining Valley irrigation Dissolved Oxygen – mg/L N > 8.0 > 7.0 > 6.0 > 5.0 > 5.0 > 6.0 – % saturation N > 85% > 75% > 65% > 55% > 55% > 65% Bacteria (E.coli) – orgs / 100mL N N Mean < 200 Mean < 200 Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 N pH – variation N < ± 0.5 < ± 0.7 < ± 1.0 < ± 1.0 < ± 1.0 < ± 0.5 – range 5.5 – 8.0 5.5 – 8.0 6.0 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 Temperature 90th% ± 0.3 90th% ± 0.7 90th% ± 1.5 90th% ± 1.5 90th% ± 1.5 90th% ± 0.3 – variation N max < ± 0.5 max < ± 1.0 max < ± 2.0 max < ± 2.0 max < ± 2.0 max < ± 0.5 Salinity (mg/L) N 90th% < 200 90th% < 300 90th% < 400 90th% < 500(a) 90th% < 700 N max < 300 max < 400 max < 500 max < 700(b) max < 1000(c) – variation (increase) < 5% < 10% < 10% < 10% N Turbidity (NTU) N 50th% < 5 50th% < 10 50th% < 15 50th% < 25 50th% < 30 N 90th% < 10 90th% < 20 90th% < 30 90th% < 50 90th% < 60 Toxicants (mg/L) N < 0.2T < 0.5T < T < T < T < 0.2T – As < 10 < 25 < 50 < 50 < 50 < 10 – Cd < 0.04– 0.4d) < 0.1-1.0(d) < 0.2 – 2.0(d) < 0.2 – 2.0(d) < 0.2 – 2.0(d) < 0.04– 0.4d) – Cr < 2.0 < 5.0 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 2.0 – Cu < 0.4 – 1.0(d) < 1.0-2.5(d) < 2.0 – 5.0(d) < 2.0 – 5.0(d) < 2.0 – 5.0(d) < 0.4 – 1.0(d) – Fe < 200 < 500 < 1000 < 1000 < 1000 < 200 – Pb < 0.2-1.0(d) < 0.5-2.5(d) < 1.0 – 5.0(d) < 1.0 – 5.0(d) < 1.0 – 5.0(d) < 0.2-1.0(d) – Hg < 0.02 < 0.05 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.02 – Ni < 3 – 30(d) < 7.5 – 75(d) < 15 – 150(d) < 15 – 150(d) < 15 – 150(d) < 3 – 30(d) – Zn < 1 – 10 < 2.5 - 25 < 5.0 - 50 < 5.0 - 50 < 5.0 - 50 < 1 – 10 Nutrients and Biostimulants – Total P (mg/L) N 50th% < 0.015 50th% <0.025 50th% < 0.040 50th% < 0.060 50th% < 0.070 N 90th% < 0.030 90th% <0.045 90th% < 0.065 90th% < 0.100 90th% < 0.120 – Total N (mg/L) N 50th% < 0.60 50th% < 0.70 50th% < 0.80 50th% < 0.90 50th% < 1.00 N 90th% < 1.00 90th% < 1.20 90th% < 1.40 90th% < 1.60 90th% < 1.80 Aesthetic N N N Characteristics 50th% < 60 50th% < 60 50th% < 60 50th% < 100 – colour (Pt Co units) 90th% < 100 90th% < 100 90th% < 100 90th% < 150 Suspended Solids N 50th% < 5 50th% < 10 50th% < 20 50th% < 50 50th% < 60 N (mg/L) 90th% < 10 90th% < 20 90th% < 40 90th% < 90 90th% < 100 N = natural background level (no variation from) T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (ANZECC 1992) (a) = upstream of Glengarry Rd where 90th% < 350 (b) = Latrobe River upstream of Glengarry Rd where max < 400 (c) = Newry Ck and Nuntin Ck where max < 1200 (d) = depending on the hardness of the water

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Table AI.10. SEPP (Waters of Victoria) – Schedule F6. Waters of Port Phillip Bay (1997). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives Aquatic Corio Hobsons Werribee Inshore General Reserves Dissolved Oxygen – % sat’n (1m below surface) N > 90% > 90% > 90% > 90% > 90% – % sat’n (1m above bottom) N > 90% > 90% > 90% > 90% 90th % > 90% Bacteria (E.coli) Mean < 14(a) – orgs / 100mL N Mean < 200 Mean < 200 Mean < 1000 Mean < 200 Mean < 14 80th % < 400 80th % < 400 80th % < 400 pH – variation from background N N ± 0.5 N ± 0.5 N ± 0.5 N ± 0.5 N ± 0.5 – range N 7.5 – 8.5 7.5 – 8.5 7.5 – 8.5 7.5 – 8.5 7.5 – 8.5 Temperature – variation from background N N ± 1.0oC N ± 1.0oC N ± 1.0oC N ± 1.0oC N ± 1.0oC Light penetration – Secchi Depth (m) N > 3 > 2 > 3 > 3 > 4 – attenuation of PAR (m-1) N 90th % < 0.45 90th % < 0.50 90th % < 0.45 90th % < 0.45 90th % < 0.35 Toxicants (mg/L) N < 0.5T < 0.5T < 0.5T < 0.5T < 0.5T – As < 3 < 3 < 3 < 3 < 3 – Cd < 25.0 < 25.0 < 25.0 < 0.15(a) < 0.15 – Cr < 5 < 5 < 5 < 5 < 5 – Cu < 5.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 – Fe NL NL NL NL NL – Pb < 5.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 < 5.0 – Hg < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 < 0.1 – Ni < 15.0 < 15.0 < 15.0 < 15.0 < 15.0 – Zn < 5 < 10 < 0.5 < 5 < 5 Salinity - variation N N ± 5% N ± 5% N ± 5% N ± 5% N ± 5% Chlorophyll-a (mg/L) N Median < 1.5 Median < 2.5 Median < 2.5 Median < 1.5 Median < 1.0 90th % < 2.5 90th % < 4.0 90th % < 4.0 90th % < 2.5 90th % < 2.0 (a) = in aquaculture zones N = natural background level (no variation from) T = threshold concentration of chronic sublethal effects (ANZECC 1992) NL = No Level set

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Table AI.11. SEPP (Waters of Victoria) – Schedule F7.Waters of the Yarra Catchment (1999). Objectives for Environmental Water Quality Indicators. Indicators Objectives Aquatic Parks and Rural Eastern Rural Western Urban Upper Yarra Port Reserves Forests Waterways Waterways Waterways Estuary Temperature – °C increase N < 1 < 2 < 2 < 2 < 2 < 2 pH – range N 6.5 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.0 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 – variation Nil < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 < 0.5 Salinity – mg/L N < 200 < 200a/ < 500b < 1500 <500a/ <1000b NL NL – % variation Nil < 10 < 10 < 25 < 10a/ < 20b NL NL Dissolved Oxygen – mg/L N > 8.0 > 6.0 > 6.0 > 6.0 > 6.0 > 6.0 – % saturation N > 85 > 80 > 60 > 60 > 60 > 60 Turbidity (NTU) – 50th% N < 5 < 15 < 25 <20c/<30d/<25b < 30 < 20 – 90th% N < 10 < 30 < 80 <50c/<80d/<80b < 80 < 50 Suspended Solids – 50th% (mg/L) N < 5 < 20 < 25 <25c/<50d/<25b < 50 < 25 – 90th% (mg/L) N < 10 < 40 < 90 <60c/<90d/<90b < 90 < 60 Nutrients (mg/L) – total phosphorus N < 0.03 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.08a/ < 0.1b NL NL – total nitrogen N < 0.2 < 0.6 < 0.6 < 0.9a/ < 1.0b NL NL Toxicants (mg/L) N < 0.2T < T < T < T < T < T – As < 10.0 < 50.0 < 50.0 < 50.0 < 50.0 < 50.0 – Cd < 0.04 – 0.4* < 0.2 – 2.0* < 0.2 – 2.0* < 0.2 – 2.0* < 2.0 < 2.0 – Cr < 2.0 < 10.0 < 10.0 < 10.0 < 50.0 < 50.0 – Cu < 0.4 – 1.0* < 2.0 – 5.0* < 2.0 – 5.0* < 2.0 – 5.0* < 5.0 < 5.0 – Fe < 200# < 1000# < 1000# < 1000# NL NL – Pb < 0.2 – 1.0* < 1.0 – 5.0* < 1.0 – 5.0* < 1.0 – 5.0* < 5.0 < 5.0 – Ni < 3.0 – 30* < 15.0 – 150* < 15.0 – 150* < 15.0 – 150* < 15.0 < 15.0 – Zn < 1.0 – 10# < 5.0 – 50# < 5.0 – 50# < 5.0 – 50# < 50.0 < 50.0 – Mercury (Hg) < 0.01 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 < 0.05 – Methylmercury < 0.0008 < 0.004 < 0.004 < 0.004 < 0.004 < 0.004 – biomagnification < TH < TH < TH < TH < TH < TH Taints N TC TC TC TC TC TC E.coli (orgs/100mL) N < 200 < 200 < 200 <200a/<1000be < 1000e < 1000 N = natural background level (no variation from) T = national guideline concentration for protection of aquatic ecosystems (ANZECC 1992) TC = threshold concentration of chemicals in water capable of tainting fish flesh and other aquatic organisms (ANZECC 1992) TH = minimum risk concentrations required to protect consumers from toxicants accumulated in tissues of fish, crustacea and shellfish (ANZECC 1992) a = objective for Yarra River main stream b = objective for tributaries of the Yarra River c = objective for urban waterways segment of Yarra River upstream of confluence with Diamond Creek d = objective for urban waterways segment of Yarra River downstream of confluence with Diamond Creek e = objective until 31 December 2002, when reverts to < 200 organisms/ 100mL * = depending on the hardness of the water # = provided iron not present as Fe(II) NL = No Level set

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Table AI.12. Guideline values for the protection of aquatic ecosystems (ANZECC, 1992).

Indicator Units Fresh water guideline limits Colour & Clarity euphotic depth (eu) < 10% change pH pH 6.5 - 9.0 Dissolved Oxygen mg/L > 6 (>80-90% sat.) Salinity (TDS) mg/L < 1,000 Total Phosphorus mg/L P 0.01 - 0.1 Total Nitrogen mg/L N 0.1 - 0.75 Toxicants All mg/L – As < 50.0 – Cd < 0.2 – 2.0* – Cr < 10.0 – Cu < 2.0 – 5.0* – Fe < 1000.0# – Pb < 1.0 – 5.0* – Hg < 0.1 – Ni < 15.0 – 150.0* – Zn < 5.0 – 50.0# * = depending on the hardness of the water # = provided iron not present as Fe(II)

Table AI.13. Guideline values for recreational water quality and Aesthetics (ANZECC, 1992).

Indicator Units Guideline Physico-chemical Clarity euphotic depth (eu) Not to be reduced by > 20%. pH pH 5.0 - 9.0 Bacteria (primary contact) faecal coliforms faecal coliform organisms / 100 mL 150/100 mL enterococci enteroccocci organisms / 100 mL 35/100 mL protozoans protozoans / 100 mL 0/100 mL Bacteria (secondary contact) faecal coliforms faecal coliform organisms / 100 mL 1,000/100 mL enterococci enterococci Organisms / 100 mL 230/100 mL Algae Algae Algal cells / 100 mL Contact discouraged if levels >15,000 - 20,000 cells/mL depending on algal species

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Table AI.14. Drinking water guidelines (ANZECC, 1992).

Indicator Units Guideline limit Aesthetic Turbidity NTU site specific pH pH 6.8 - 8.5 Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 1,000 Inorganic Nitrate-N mg/L N 10 Nitrite-N mg/L N 0.1 Bacteria Coliforms No./100 mL up to 10 faecal coliforms No./100 mL 0 Algae Total cells No.cells/mL up to 5,000 Blue-green No.cells/mL < 1,000 * in 5% of samples

Table AI.15. Agricultural irrigation water quality guidelines (ANZECC, 1992).

Indicator Units Guideline Aesthetic pH pH 4.5 - 9.0 (4.8 - 8.3 better tolerance levels) Bacteria faecal coliforms No./100 mL 1,000 Inorganic Chloride mg/L 30 - 1,000 dependent upon crop, soil type and management practice Total dissolved solids mg/L 250 - 3,500 dependent upon irrigation practice, soil permeability and management practice

Table AI.16. Preliminary nutrient guidelines for Victorian inland streams during baseflow (EPA, 1995).

River Region TP (mg/L) TN (mg/L) Highlands 0.020 0.150 Murray Foothills 0.030 0.200 Murray Plains 0.050 0.600 Southern and Isolated Foothills 0.030 0.200 Northwest Plains 0.050 0.900 Southwest 0.035 1.000 Southern Lowland-rural rivers and streams 0.050 0.600 Southern Lowland-urban rivers (interim) 0.080 0.900 Southern Lowland-urban rivers (long term) 0.050 0.600 Southern Lowland-urban tributaries (interim) 0.100 1.000 Southern Lowland-urban tributaries (long term) 0.030 0.200

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Appendix II: Victorian CMA and CaLP Regions and Drainage Basins

Figure AII.1. Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Catchment and Land Protection (CaLP) regions of Victoria.

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Figure AII.2. Victorian Drainage Basins.

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Appendix III: Station Descriptions and Locations

Table AIII.1. CMA Region abbreviations

Abbreviation CMA Region Cor Corangamite EG East Gippsland Glg Glenelg GB Goulburn-Broken M Mallee NC North Central NE North East PP Port Phillip WG West Gippsland Wim Wimmera

Table AIII.2. VWQMN Rivers and Streams station description and locations for stations monitored during 1999. With respect to analysis, F denotes field parameters, L denotes laboratory parameters, I denotes major ions and M denotes metals. u/s = upstream, d/s = downstream. Site denoted with * were previously duplicated by EPA FSN program and were merged in 1997. For definition of site indicator see Section 1.2.1.

CMA Station Site Latitude Longitude River Description Analysis Region Number Indicator (deg.min) (deg.min)

EG 221001 A Genoa River Rockton F, L 37º08’ 149º09’ EG 221201 B Cann River Weeragua F, L 37º23’ 149º12’ EG 221207 B Errinundra River Errinundra F, L 37º27’ 148º55’ EG 221208 A Wingan Inlet National Park F 37º41’ 149º31’ EG 221210 A Genoa River The Gorge F, L 37º25’ 149º31’ EG 221211 A Combienbar River Combienbar F, L 37º27’ 148º59’ EG 221212 A F, L 37º37’ 148º54’ EG 222200 C Snowy River Jarrahmond F, L 37º41’ 148º22’ EG 222202 E Sardine Creek F, L 37º31’ 148º33’ EG 222209 A Snowy River McKillop Bridge F, L 37º5’ 148º25’ EG 222217 A Jacksons Crossing F, L 37º25’ 148º22’ EG 223202 C Tambo River Swifts Creek F, L 37º16’ 147º43’ EG 223204 A Nicholson River Deptford F, L 37º36’ 147º42’ EG 223213 A Tambo River d/s of Duggan Creek F, L 37º00’ 147º53’ EG 223214 A Tambo River u/s of Smith Creek F, L 36º57’ 147º56’ EG 224203 B Mitchell River Glenaladale F, L 37º46’ 147º22’ EG 224206 B F, L 37º25’ 147º05’ EG 224213 A Lower Dargo Road F, L 37º30’ 147º16’ WG 225114 A Thompson River Whitelaws F, L 37º43’ 146º17’

191 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

CMA Station Site Latitude Longitude River Description Analysis Region Number Indicator (deg.min) (deg.min)

WG 225201 A Avon River Stratford F, L 37º58’ 147º04’ WG 225204 D Macalister River 1.8 km d/s of Lake Glenmaggie F, L 37º54’ 146º48’ WG 225209 A Macalister River Licola F, L, I 37º38’ 146º37’ WG 225210 B Thompson River The Narrows F, L 37º54’ 146º24’ WG 226005 A La Trobe River Thoms Bridge F, L, I 38º10’ 146º25’ WG 226222 A La Trobe River near Noojee (u/s Ada River Junction) F, L, I 37º53’ 145º53’ WG 226226 A Tanjil Junction F 38º01’ 146º12’ WG 226228 A La Trobe River Rosedale (main stream) F, L 38º09’ 146º47’ WG 226402 A Moe Drain Trafalgar East F, L 38º10’ 146º12’ WG 226408 B Yallourn F, L 38º12’ 146º22’ WG 227200 B Tarra River Yarram F, L 38º33’ 146º41’ WG 227202 A Meeniyan F, L 38º35’ 146º00’ WG 227211 B Toora F, L 38º39’ 146º22’ WG 227225 A Tarra River Fischers F, L 38º28’ 146º32’ PP 227231 A Bass River Glen Forbes South F, L 38º28’ 146º31’ WG 227237 B Franklin River Toora F, L 38º38’ 146º19’ WG 227240 A Merriman Creek Prospect Rd (Giffard-Seaspray Rd) F 38º22’ 147º10’ PP 228207 A Bunyip River Headworks Discontinued F, L 37º57’ 145º45’ PP 229212 A Yarra River Millgrove Discontinued F, L 37°45’ 145°39’ PP 229214 A Yarra Junction Discontinued F, L 37°47’ 145°37’ PP 229215 B Woori Yallock Discontinued F, L 37°46’ 145°31’ PP 229216 A Plenty River Mernda Discontinued F, L 37°36’ 145°07’ PP 230200 D Maribynong River Keilor Discontinued F, L 37°43’ 144°50’ PP 230202* B Sunbury F, L, M 37º35’ 144º45’ PP 230205* A Deep Creek Bulla (d/s of Emu Creek Junction) F, L, M 37º38’ 144º48’ PP 230209 A Barringo Creek Barringo (u/s of diversion) F, L 37º24’ 144º38’ PP 230232 A Deep Creek Bolinda F, L 37º25’ 144º49 PP 231204* A Werribee River Werribee (Diversion Weir) F, L, M 37°53’ 144°39’ PP 231213 A Lerderderg River Sardine Creek (O'Briens Crossing) F, L 37º30’ 144º22’ PP 231231 A Melton South F, L 37º44’ 144º35’ PP 231234 A Parwan Creek Parwan F, L 37º43’ 144º25’ PP 232200 C Little River Little River F, L 37º58’ 144º30’ Cor 232202 A Moorabool River Batesford F, L 38º06’ 144º17’ Cor 232204 B Moorabool River Morrisons F, L 37º47’ 144º07’ Cor 232210 A Moorabool River Lal Lal F, L 37º39’ 144º03’ Cor 233200 B Barwon River Pollocksford F, L 38º09’ 144º11’ Cor 233211 A Birregurra Creek Ricketts Marsh F, L 38º18’ 146º51’ Cor 233214 A Barwon River (east branch) Forrest (u/s of tunnel) F, L 38º32’ 143º46’ Cor 233215 A Mount Mercer F, L 37º49’ 143º55’ Cor 233218 B Barwon River Inverleigh F, L 38º09’ 143º60’ Cor 233224* A Barwon River Ricketts Marsh F, L, M 38º20’ 143º50’

192 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

CMA Station Site Latitude Longitude River Description Analysis Region Number Indicator (deg.min) (deg.min)

Cor 233228 A Boundary Creek Yeodene F, L 38º26’ 143º43’ Cor 234201 B Woady Yaloak River Cressy (Yarima) F, L 38º01’ 143º39’ Cor 234203 A Pirron Yallock Creek Pirron Yallock u/s of Hwy F, L 38º21’ 143º25’ Cor 235202 C Gellibrand River upper Gellibrand F, L 38º34’ 143º39’ Cor 235203 B Curdies River Curdie F, L 38º27’ 142º58’ Cor 235204 A Little Aire Creek Beech Forest F 38º39’ 143º32’ Cor 235205 B Arkins Creek (west) Wyelangta F, L 38º39’ 143º27’ Cor 235209 B Aire River Beech Forest F, L 38º40’ 143º35’ Cor 235211 A Kennedy's Creek Kennedy's Creek F, L 38º35’ 143º15’ Cor 235216 B Cumberland River Lorne F, L 38º34’ 143º57’ Cor 235224 A Gellibrand River Burrupa F, L 38º42’ 143º15’ Cor 235227 A Gellibrand River Bunkers Hill F, L 38º32’ 143º29’ Cor 235234 A Love Creek Gellibrand F, L 38º29’ 143º34’ Cor 235237 A Scotts Creek Curdie (Digneys Bridge) F, L 38º27’ 142º59’ Glg 236215 A Burrumbeet Creek Lake Burrumbeet F, L 37º32’ 143º40’ Glg 236216* A Taroon (Ayrford Road bridge) F, L, M 38º18’ 142º53’ Glg 237200 B Toolong F, L 38º19’ 142º14’ Glg 237207 A Surry River Heathmere F, L 38º15’ 141º40’ Glg 238202* B Glenelg River Sandford F, L, M 37º37’ 141º26’ Glg 238204 C Wannon River Dunkeld F, L 37º38’ 141º20’ Glg 238205 C Glenelg River Rocklands Reservoir F 37º14’ 141º57’ Glg 238206 B Glenelg River Dartmoor F, L 37º56’ 141º17’ Glg 238208 A Jimmy Creek Jimmy Creek F, L 37º23’ 142º31’ Glg 238223 A Wando Vale F, L 37º30’ 141º25’ Glg 238224 A Glenelg River Fulhams Bridge F, L 37º09’ 141º51’ Glg 238228* A Wannon River Henty F, L 37º39’ 141º30’ Glg 238231 A Glenelg River Big Cord F, L 37º19’ 142º22’ EG 401203 A Mitta Mitta River Hinnomunjie F, L 36º57’ 147º36 NE 401211 A Mitta Mitta River Colemans F, L 36º32’ 147º37’ NE 401212 A Nariel Creek Upper Nariel F, L 36º27’ 147º50’ EG 401215 C Morass Creek Uplands F 36º52’ 147º42’ NE 401216 A Big River Joker Creek F, L 36º57’ 147º28’ EG 401226 A Victoria River u/s of Falls F, L 37º05’ 147º27’ NE 402203 A Kiewa River Mongans Bridge F, L 36º36’ 147º06’ NE 402204 A Yackandandah Creek Osbornes Flat F, L 36º18’ 146º54’ NE 402222 A Kiewa River Kiewa (main stream) F, L 36º15’ 147º01’ NE 402223 A Kiewa River (west branch) u/s of offtake F, L 36º47’ 147º09’ NE 403205* C Ovens River Bright F, L, M 36º44’ 146º57’ NE 403210 B Ovens River Myrtleford F, L 36º34’ 146º42’ NE 403213 A Fifteen Mile Creek Greta South F, L 36º37’ 146º15’ NE 403217 B Matong North F, L 36º60’ 146º35’

193 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

CMA Station Site Latitude Longitude River Description Analysis Region Number Indicator (deg.min) (deg.min)

NE 403223 A Docker Road Bridge F, L 36º31’ 146º23’ NE 403228 B King River Lake William Hovell F 36º55’ 146º24’ NE 403230 A Ovens River Rocky Point F, L, I 36º32’ 146º40’ NE 403244 A Ovens River Harrietville F, L, I 36º52’ 147º04’ GB 404206 B Broken River Moorngag F, L 36º48’ 146º01’ GB 404207 A Holland Creek Kelfeera F, L 36º37’ 146º03’ GB 404214 A Broken Creek Katamatite F, L 36º06’ 145º41’ GB 404216 A Broken River Goorambat (Casey Weir) F, L 36º29’ 145º56’ GB 404224 B Broken River Gowangardie (Weir) F, L 36º26’ 145º40’ GB 405200 A Goulburn River Murchison F, L 36º37’ 145º13’ GB 405203 C Goulburn River Eildon F, L, I 37º15’ 145º54’ GB 405204 C Goulburn River Shepparton F, L 36º23’ 145º24’ GB 405205 A Murrindindi above "Colwells" F, L, I 37º25’ 145º34’ GB 405209 B Taggerty F, L, I 37º19’ 145º43’ GB 405212 D Sunday Creek Tallarook F, L 37º06’ 145º03 GB 405214 A Tonga Bridge F, L 37º09’ 146º08’ GB 405219 A Goulburn River Dohertys F, L, I 37º20’ 146º08’ GB 405231 A King Parrot Creek Flowerdale F, L 37º21’ 145º17’ GB 405234 B Seven Creeks d/s of Polly McQuinn Weir F, L 36º53’ 145º40’ GB 405237 A Seven Creeks d/s of Euroa F, L 36º46’ 145º35’ GB 405240 A Sugarloaf Creek Ash Bridge F, L 37º04’ 145º03’ GB 405246 A Castle Creek Arcadia F, L 36º36’ 145º21’ GB 405251 A Brankeet Creek Ancona F, L 36º59’ 145º47’ GB 405264 A Big River d/s Frenchman Creek Junction F, L 37º31’ 146º05’ NC 406207 C Campaspe River Eppalock F, L 36º51’ 144º32 NC 406208 B Campaspe River Ashbourne F, L 37º23’ 144º27’ NC 406213* C Campaspe River Redesdale F, L, M 37º01’ 144º33’ NC 406214 A Axe Creek Longlea F, L 36º47’ 144º26’ NC 406215 A Lyal F, L 36º58’ 144º30’ NC 406224 A Mt.Pleasant Creek Runnymede F, L 36º33’ 144º38’ NC 406235 A Wild Duck Creek u/s Heathcote-Mia Mia Rd F, L 36º57’ 144º40’ NC 407203 B Loddon River Laanecoorie F, L 36º50’ 143º50’ NC 407214 A Creswick Creek Clunes F, L 37º18’ 143º47’ NC 407215* C Loddon River Newstead F, L, M 37º08’ 144º05’ NC 407220 A Bet Bet Creek Norwood F 36º60’ 143º38’ NC 407221 B Jim Crow Creek Yandoit F, L, I 37º12’ 144º6’ NC 407229 A Loddon River Serpentine Weir F, L, I 36º26’ 143º57’ NC 407236 B Mt. Hope Creek Mitiamo F, L 36º10’ 144º17’ NC 407255 B Bendigo Creek Huntly F, L 36º28’ 144º22’ NC 408200* A Avoca River Coonooer F, L, M 36º29’ 143º19’ NC 408202* A Avoca River Amphitheatre F, L, M 37º11’ 143º25’

194 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

CMA Station Site Latitude Longitude River Description Analysis Region Number Indicator (deg.min) (deg.min)

NC 408203 B Avoca River Quambatook F, L 35º55’ 143º31 Wim 415200* D Wimmera River Horsham F, L, M 36º44’ 142º09’ Wim 415201 B Wimmera River Glenorchy F, L 36º55’ 142º39’ Wim 415203 D Mount William Creek Lake Lonsdale (tail gauge) F 37º02’ 142º35’ Wim 415207 C Wimmera River Eversley F, L 37º11’ 143º11’ NC 415220 B Avon River Wimmera Highway F, L 36º39’ 142º59’ Wim 415237 A Concongella Creek Stawell F 37º02’ 142º49’ Wim 415246* A Wimmera River Lochiel Railway Bridge Crossing F, L, M 36º45’ 142º08’ Wim 415251 A MacKenzie Creek MacKenzie Creek F, L 36º25’ 142º11’ NC 415257 A Richardson River u/s of Donald F, L 36º25’ 142º59’ NC 415259 A Richardson River Banyena F, L 36º00’ 140º00’

195 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AIII.3. EPA Fixed Site Network site descriptions and locations for sites monitored during 1999. Site denoted with * were previously duplicated by VWQMN program and were merged in 1997. Lake sites denoted by # were previously duplicated by VWQMN lakes program and were merged in 1997. EPA = Environnment Protection Authority. MW = Melbourne Water.

CMA Region Authority Program Site No. Description Latitude Longitude Cor EPA Lakes 0220# Lake Colac 38o 17’ 143o 36’ Glg EPA Lakes 1234# Lake Burrumbeet 37o 30’ 143o 38’ Cor EPA Lakes 1606 Lake Colongulac 38o 11’ 143o 10’ Cor EPA Lakes 1707# Lake Bullen Merri 38o 15’ 143o 07’ Cor EPA Lakes 1810# Lake Purrumbete 38o 17’ 143o 14’ GB EPA Rivers 0529 Goulburn River @ Trawool 37o 06’ 145o 12’ NC EPA Rivers 0705 Loddon River @ Appin 35o 55’ 143o 52’ PP EPA Rivers 3120 Werribee River @ Cobbledick Ford 37°47’ 144o 35’ PP EPA Rivers 3133 Werribee River below Werribee Gorge 37°41’ 144°23’ Cor EPA Rivers 3361 Barwon River @ Queens Park, Geelong 38o 09’ 144o 19’ Glg EPA Rivers 3676* Hopkins River @ Hopkins Falls 38o 20’ 142o 38’ Glg EPA Rivers 3685 Hopkins River @ Framlingham 38° 15’ 142° 42’ PP MW Rivers 2904 Yarra River @ Healesville 37o 41’ 145o 29’ PP MW Rivers 2916 Yarra River @ Launching Place 37o 47’ 145o 35’ PP MW Rivers 3030 Maribyrnong River @ Brimbank Park 37o 44’ 144o 50’ PP MW Rivers 4940* Yarra River @ Chandler Highway 37o 47’ 145o 01’ PP MW Rivers 4991* Yarra River @ Warrandyte Bridge 37o 44’ 145o 13’ PP MW Rivers 4992 Yarra River @ Spadonis Reserve 37o 41’ 145o 21’ PP MW Rivers 5254 Mordialloc Creek @ Wells Rd 38o 01’ 145o 06’ PP MW Rivers 5502 Kororoit Creek @ Racecourse Rd, Altona 37o 51’ 144o 51’ PP MW Rivers 5509 Kororoit Creek @ Millicent Dve, Deer Park 37o 46’ 144o 46’ PP MW Rivers 5635 Mile Creek @ Cheltenham Rd 37°59’ 145°11’ PP MW Rivers 5652 Dandenong Creek @ Pillars Rd Crossing 38°02’ 145°11’ PP MW Rivers 5654 Dandenong Creek @ Stud Rd 37o 57’ 145o 14’ PP MW Rivers 5681 Patterson River u/s Freeway 38o 04’ 145o 09’ PP MW Rivers 6070 Maribyrnong River @ Canning St Ford 37o 46’ 144o 51’

196 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AIII.4. Major Storage Operational Monitoring Program station descriptions and locations for stations monitored in 1999.

CMA Region Station Description Storage Manager No.

Glg 238236 Rocklands Reservoir Wimmera Mallee Water Glg 238237 Moora Moora Wimmera Mallee Water NE 401620 Lake Dartmouth Goulburn Murray Water NE 403234 Lake William Hovell Goulburn Murray Water NE 403235 Lake Buffalo Goulburn Murray Water GB 404218 Lake Nillahcootie Goulburn Murray Water GB 404219 Goulburn Murray Water GB 405254 Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon Goulburn Murray Water GB 405258 Lake Eildon Outlet Tower Goulburn Murray Water GB 405259 Lake Nagambie Goulburn Murray Water GB 405260 Waranga Basin Goulburn Murray Water GB 405601 Greens Lake Goulburn Murray Water NC 406219 Goulburn Murray Water NC 407240 Laanecoorie Reservoir Goulburn Murray Water NC 407241 Goulburn Murray Water NC 407244 Tullaroop Reservoir Goulburn Murray Water NC 407603 Hepburns Lagoon Goulburn Murray Water NC 407604 Newlyns Reservoir Goulburn Murray Water GB 409216 Yarrawonga Weir Murray-Darling Basin Commission Wim 415202 Lake Wartook Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415227 Lake Lonsdale Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415229 Lake Bellfield Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415606 Dock Lake Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415607 Pine Lake Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415608 Taylors Lake Wimmera Mallee Water NC 415609 Lake Batyo Catyo Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415610 Lake Fyans Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415612 Green Lake Wimmera Mallee Water Wim 415620 Toolondo Reservoir Wimmera Mallee Water

197 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AIII.5. MDBC Physico-Chem Baseline Monitoring station descriptions and locations, classes and authorities for stations monitored in 1999. Stations marked with * were previously duplicated by EPA FSN sites and were merged in 1997. Class indicates which parameters are routinely monitored (as listed in Appendix IV).

Victorian Victorian Victorian Authority Station Description Class CMA Region Latitude Longitude

NE AWT Vic. 401201 River Murray at Jingellic 2 35°56’ 147°43’ NE AWT Vic. 401204 Mitta Mitta River at Tallandoon 2 36°25’ 147°14’ NE AWT Vic. 402205 Kiewa River at Bandiana 2 36°08’ 146°57’ NE AWT Vic. 403241* Ovens River at Peechelba East 2 36°10’ 146°14’ GB AWT Vic. 404210 Broken Creek at Rices Weir 2 35°58’ 144°58’ GB AWT Vic. 405232* Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge 2 36°10’ 145°07’ NC AWT Vic. 406202* Campaspe River at Rochester 2 36°22’ 144°42’ NC AWT Vic. 407202 Loddon River at Kerang 2 35°42’ 143°55’ NC AWT Vic. 407209 Gunbower Creek at Koondrook 2 35°40’ 144°07’ NC AWT Vic. 407252 Barr Creek at Capels Crossing 2 35°36’ 142°56’ NC AWT Vic. 409005 River Murray at Barham 2 35°38’ 144°07’ NE AWT Vic. 409011 Lake Hume at Dam Wall 2 34°00’ 147°00’ NE AWT Vic. 409016 River Murray at Heywoods 2 36°05’ 146°57’ M AWT Vic. 409034 Wakool River at Kyalite 2 34°53’ 143°29’ NC AWT Vic. 409204 River Murray d/s Swan Hill 2 35°19’ 143°34’ NC AWT Vic. 409207 River Murray d/s Torrumbarry Weir 2 35°59’ 144°28’ M AWT Vic. 414200 River Murray d/s Wakool Junction 4 34°51’ 143°20’ M AWT Vic. 414204 River Murray at Red Cliffs 4 34°18’ 142°14’ State Authority Station Description Class NSW DLWC 409025 River Murray d/s Yarrawonga Weir 2 - - NSW DLWC 410130 Murrumbidgee River at Balranald 2 - - NSW DLWC 410134 Billabong Creek at Darlot 3 - - NSW DLWC 414203 River Murray at Euston Weir 2 - - NSW DLWC 414206 River Murray at Merbein 2 - - NSW DLWC 425007 Darling River at Burtundy 2 - - NSW DLWC 425012 Darling River at Weir 32 3 - - SA SAW 426200 River Murray d/s Rufus River Junction 4 - - SA SAW 426501 River Murray at Lock 9 2 - - SA SAW 426512 River Murray at Lock 5 2 - - SA SAW 426516 River Murray at Lock 3 2 - - SA SAW 426522 River Murray at Murray Bridge 2 - - SA SAW 426524 Lake Alexandrina at Milang 2 - - SA SAW 426539 River Murray at Waikerie 4 - - SA SAW 426551 River Murray at Tailem Bend 2 - - SA SAW 426553 2 - - SA SAW 426554 River Murray at Morgan 1 - - AWT Vic. = AWT Victoria DLWC = Department of Land and Water Conservation SAW = South Australia Water

198 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Appendix IV: Parameters Monitored

Table AIV.1. Parameters currently monitored as part of the VWQMN program.

Field Parameters Laboratory Parameters Electrical Conductivity (EC) (mS/cm) Colour (Filt.) (Pt/Co Units) Turbidity (NTU) Filterable Reactive Phosphorus (FRP) (mg/L P) pH (pH Units) Total Phosphorus (TP) (mg/L P) Water Temperature (0C) Nitrates and Nitrites (NOx) (mg/L N) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (mg/L N) Gauge Height (m) Suspended Solids (SS) (mg/L) Discharge (ML/day) Metals Major Ions Arsenic (As) Lead (Pb) Sodium (Na) Calcium (Ca) Cadmium (Cd) Mercury (Hg) Magnesium (Mg) Potassium (K)

Chromium (Cr) Nickel (Ni) Alkalinity (CaCO3) Chloride (Cl)

Copper (Cu) Zinc (Zn) Sulphate (SO4)

Table AIV.2. Parameters monitored as part of the Major Storages Operational Monitoring Program.

Field parameters Laboratory parameters Electrical Conductivity (EC mS/cm) Total Phosphorus (TP) (mg/L P) pH (pH units) Filterable Reactive Phosphorus (FRP) (mg/L P) Turbidity (NTU) Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (mg/L N) Nitrates and Nitrites (NOx) (mg/L N) Chlorophyll-a (CHLA) (mg/L) Total Nitrogen (TN) (mg/L N) - calculated using NOx and TKN Phaeophytin (PHAO) (mg/L)

199 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AIV.3. Parameters monitored as part of the EPA Fixed Sites Network.

Field Parameters Program Water Temperature (oC) EPA & MW pH (pH units) EPA & MW Electrical Conductivity (EC) (mS/cm) EPA & MW Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/L) (Depth Profile) EPA Lakes Secchi depth (m) EPA Lakes Discharge (ML/day) MW Laboratory Parameters - Nutrients Program Total Phosphorus (TP) (mg/L P) EPA & MW Filterable Reactive Phosphorus (FRP) (mg/L P) EPA & MW Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (mg/L N) EPA & MW

Nitrates (NO3) (mg/L N) EPA & MW

Nitrites (NO2) (mg/L N) EPA & MW

Ammonia (NH3) (mg/L N) EPA & MW Total Nitrogen (TN) (mg/L N) EPA & MW Laboratory Parameters - Other Program Turbidity (NTU) EPA & MW Non-filterable residue / Suspended solids (mg/L) EPA & MW Chlorophyll-a (mg/L) EPA Lakes Phaeophytin (mg/L) EPA Lakes True Colour (Pt/Co units) EPA Lakes E. coli MW Zooplankton EPA Lakes Metals Program Arsenic (As) EPA & MW Cadmium (Cd) EPA & MW Chromium (Cr) EPA & MW Copper (Cu) EPA & MW Lead (Pb) EPA & MW Mercury (Hg) EPA Nickel (Ni) EPA & MW Zinc (Zn) EPA & MW

200 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AIV.4. Parameters monitored as part of the MDBC Physico-Chem Baseline Monitoring Program. Class designations are defined in Table 16.* denotes monthly monitoring in the Murray River at Morgan only.

Field Parameters Frequency Stations (Class) pH (pH units) Weekly All Turbidity (NTU) Weekly All Electrical Conductivity (EC) (mS/cm) Weekly All Water Temperature (oC) Weekly All Gauge Height (m) Weekly All Discharge (ML/day) Weekly All Laboratory Parameters (set 1) Frequency Stations (Class)

Bicarbonate (HCO3-) Monthly All except Class 4 Chloride (Cl) Monthly All except Class 4

Sulphate (SO4) Monthly All except Class 4 Potassium (K) Monthly All except Class 4 Sodium (Na) Monthly All except Class 4 Calcium (Ca) Monthly All except Class 4 Magnesium (Mg) Monthly All except Class 4 Soluble Organic Carbon (SOC) Monthly All except Class 4 Colour (Pt/Co Units) Monthly All except Class 4 Laboratory Parameters (set 2) Frequency Stations (Class) Nitrates and Nitrites (NOx) (mg/L N) Weekly Class 1 and Class 2 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) (mg/L N) Weekly Class 1 and Class 2 Total Phosphorus (TP) (mg/L P) Weekly Class 1 and Class 2 Soluble Phosphorus (mg/L) Weekly Class 1 and Class 2

Silica (SiO2) (mg/L SiO2) Weekly Class 1 and Class 2 Additional Parameters Monitored (set 3) Boron (B) Cadmium (Cd) Copper (Cu) Chromium (Cr) Iron (Fe) Lead (Pb) Manganese (Mn) Mercury (Hg) Nickel (Ni) Zinc (Zn) Herbicides Pesticides Trihalomethanes (THM) Algal Counts are conducted as part of a separate program at 14 stations only Phaeophytin and Chlorophyll-a are performed on selected stations only

For further information, contact MDBC

201 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

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202 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Appendix V: Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Table AV.1. Quality control on filters utilised for field filtration of FRP during 1999. Date Filtrate No.of Replicates Mean Maximum St.Deviation Filtered Blank 10 < 0.003 < 0.003 NV 15/07/97 Filtered Standard (0.040 mg/L P) 10 0.038 0.039 (0.0008) Filtered Blank 10 < 0.003 < 0.003 NV 27/09/99 Filtered Standard (0.037 mg/L P) 10 0.0358 0.036 0.0004 NV = no value should be recorded as measurement will be below the limits of detection

Table AV.2. Schedule of field inspection and calibration performed by AWT during 1999. Group Office Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Gisborne Y Y Y Y West Hamilton Y Y Y Y Horsham Y Y Y Y Kerang Y Y Y Y North Tatura Y Y Y Y Wangaratta Y Y Y Y Maffra Y Y Y Y East Woori Yallock Y Y Y Y Y = inspection performed at the end of that month

203 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.3. An example of Inter-laboratory test results during 1999. Differences from the known values that fall outside the acceptable range are indicated in bold. Date Office pH % difference EC % difference Turbidity difference (mS/cm) (NTU) Jan ‘99 KNOWN VALUE 7.13 562 15 ACCEPTABLE 6.8 – 7.5 ± 5% 533 - 590 ± 5% 13 - 17 ± 2 RANGE* Overall Mean 6.99 561 13.5 Overall Min 6.78 527 11 Overall Max 7.23 589 17 Gisborne 6.8 + 4.6 % 583 - 3.8 % 13 - 2 6.8 + 4.6 % 583 - 3.8 % 13 - 2 6.9 + 3.2 % 589 - 4.9 % 12 - 3 6.8 + 4.6 % 550 + 2.0 % 11 - 4 6.84 + 4.0 % 550 + 2.0 % 12 - 3 Hamilton 7.1 + 0.4 % 535 + 4.8 % 13 - 2 6.8 + 4.6 % 537 + 4.4 % 14 - 1 7.0 + 1.8 % 542 + 3.4 % 14 - 1 Horsham 7.0 + 1.8 % 563 - 0.2 % 17 +2 6.9 + 3.2 % 558 + 0.6 % 15 0 Kerang 6.78 + 4.9 % 571 - 1.6 % 15 0 Maffra 6.88 + 3.4 % 578 - 3.0 % 14 - 1 6.95 + 2.5 % 568 - 1.1 % 15 0 7.23 - 1.5 % 589 - 4.9 % 13 - 2 Tatura 7.15 - 0.3 % 529 + 5.8 % 13 - 2 7.1 + 0.4 % 527 + 6.2 % 13.5 - 1.5 7.14 - 0.2 % 550 + 2.1 % 13 - 2 7.2 - 1.0 % 559 + 0.5 % 13 - 2 Wangaratta 7.08 + 0.6 % 575 - 2.4 % 14 - 1 7.06 + 0.9 % 572 - 1.8 % 13 - 2 7.1 + 0.4 % 572 - 1.8 % 13 - 2 7.1 + 0.4 % 576 - 2.6 % 13 - 2 Woori Yallock 7.14 - 0.2 % 564 - 0.4 % 13 - 2 7.0 + 1.8 % 554 + 1.4 % 14 - 1 7.0 + 1.8 % 554 + 1.4 % 14 - 1 6.96 + 2.3 % 567 - 1.0 % 14 - 1 * Acceptable variation taken from Standard Methods (Greenberg et al. 1992)

204 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 GISBORNE ° 7.0 4.0 6.4 7.0 4.0 6.4 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 Act. 7.08 4.14 7.02 4.02 6.97 4.00 6.97 4.00 23.3 ° 7.0 4.0 6.4 7.0 4.0 6.4 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 Exp. 22.7 pH 62990644 62990640 62990640 62990644 62990640 62990644 62990640 62990644 Serial No. 137 380 157 405 170 430 150 120 170 115 149 458 155 300 Act. 0.17 1.41 0.16 1.35 0.45 1300 1425 1380 1410 1080 1388 1410 1000 1400 1300 21.0 147.3 135 376 146 400 145 400 112 441 138 322 0.15 1.42 0.15 1.42 0.44 Exp. 1305 1415 1415 1415 1080 1415 1415 1055 1415 1335 21.4 146.5 146.5 146.5 109.5 146.5 EC 78080 30667 30715 78080 30715 78080 30715 78080 31412058 31412058 31412058 31412058 Serial No. 73 76 8.6 8.8 640 540 Act. 0.44 0.42 9 76 73 8.6 570 640 0.52 0.44 Exp. 9 75 76 80 8.6 0.4 8.1 7.6 8.2 680 570 800 870 Act. 0.52 0.39 Turbidity 75 67 78 80 8.6 8.7 8.4 8.3 680 810 870 0.52 0.42 0.39 Exp. 0-1000 Meter Standards 16789 16789 16789 16-x-338 Serial No. Act. 19.0 19.2 19.3 12.0 12.0 22.3 22.3 22.3 19.3 19.3 19.3 11.8 11.8 22.3 22.3 22.3 Exp. Temperature WGT001 WGT002 WGT003 WGT001 WGT003 WGT001 WGT002 WGT003 Serial No. ° ° ° ° 8 8.7 7.7 8.8 7.7 9.2 9.4 8.4 8.6 8.6 8.8 22 Act. 10.4 10.9 21.5 23.5 ° ° ° ° 8.7 7.7 8.7 7.7 9.3 9.3 8.5 8.8 8.5 8.8 24 24 10.6 10.6 Exp. 21.6 21.6 DO 7597 7697 7597 7597 10921 10921 10921 10921 Serial No. 2/12/99 29/01/99 28/05/99 27/08/99 Date

205 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 HAMILTON 7.0 3.9 5.8 7.0 3.9 5.8 7.0 7.0 4.0 7.0 Act. 7.02 4.01 3.97 4.08 6.98 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.0 4.0 5.8 7.0 4.0 5.8 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 Exp. pH 3249 3249 3249 3249 63995510 63995510 63995510 63995510 Serial No. 146 205 120 132 140 152 152 152 150 Act. 1400 1000 1404 1414 1160 1414 1410 1350 1400 1404 147.4 146.9 207 141 Exp. 1400 1090 1415 1415 1170 1415 1415 1360 1415 1415 145.5 113.5 146.5 146.5 121.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 EC 236116 236116 905082 236116 905082 236116 905082 42195103 42195105 42195103 Serial No. 9 82 81 8.4 8.7 0.4 7.5 8.3 950 950 660 860 Act. 0.39 67.5 0.39 81 78 80 8.4 8.6 8.5 8.4 8.3 950 660 810 870 0.47 0.42 0.39 Exp. 7 8 73 85 88 7.4 640 775 810 Act. 0.41 0.38 0.33 Turbidity 7 8 81 73 85 8.4 950 640 775 0.46 0.41 0.38 Exp. Meter Standads 6068 6068 6068 6068 Serial No. 23 23 23 Act. 18.0 18.2 18.6 20.4 20.4 20.4 22.8 26.0 22.8 23 23 23 18.3 18.3 18.3 20.4 20.4 20.4 22.8 26.1 22.8 Exp. Temperature WHT001 WHT002 WHT003 WHT001 WHT002 WHT003 WHT001 WHT002 WHT003 WHT001 WHT002 WHT003 Serial No. ° 9 8 8.8 9.3 9.4 9.4 8.6 8.2 8.2 Act. 22.5 ° 8.8 9.2 9.2 9.4 9.4 8.7 8.2 8.2 8.1 Exp. 23.0 DO 7483 7483 7483 38330 Serial No. 7403 38330 92D0 38330 92D0 38330 Date 1/12/99 28/01/99 27/05/99 26/08/99

206 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 HORSHAM 7.0 3.9 6.3 7.0 4.0 Act. 7.05 3.98 6.99 4.00 7.0 4.0 6.3 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.00 4.00 Exp. pH 62990549 62990549 62990549 62990549 Serial No. ° 155 168 125 151 127 150 116 182 147 193 Act. 1470 1120 1425 1170 1409 1080 1413 20.4 ° 154 165 116 147 108 Exp. 1470 1120 1415 1170 1415 1040 1415 20.8 121.5 146.5 183.7 146.5 183.7 EC 114973 114978 114978 114978 82724032 82724032 82724032 Serial No. 93 97 8.9 8.8 880 910 Act. 0.49 0.44 90 93 9.1 8.9 950 880 0.53 0.49 Exp. 90 78 75 81 9.0 0.8 8.5 8.2 8.4 950 660 600 675 Act. 0.40 0.40 Turbidity 90 78 78 80 9.1 8.5 8.4 8.3 950 660 810 870 0.47 0.42 0.39 Exp. Meter Standards 6042 6042 6042 6042 Serial No. 11 Act. 25.5 25.5 13.2 20.6 20.8 21.0 11 25.5 25.5 13.2 21.2 21.2 21.2 Exp. Temperature WRT001 WRT002 WRT001 WRT001 WRT001 WRT002 WRT003 Serial No. ° 8.2 9.9 9.3 8.6 Act. 13.8 25.5 ° 8.2 9.9 9.2 8.8 13.8 Exp. 25.5 DO 3138 Serial No. 94J2 3138 94J2 3138 94J2 3138 Date 3/12/99 28/01/99 27/05/99 26/08/99

207 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 KERANG 7.0 4.0 5.7 7.3 7.0 4.0 5.6 7.0 Er-2 Act. 7.12 4.02 7.13 4.08 7.06 4.03 6.96 3.98 7.0 4.0 5.7 7.0 7.0 4.0 5.7 7.0 4.0 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 Exp. pH 10091 62990652 62994431 62994431 62990652 62990652 62994431 Serial No. 166 247 173 147 250 167 249 149 145 121 307 125 307 152 Act. 1542 1420 1354 1553 1431 1445 1406 1458 1135 1200 1420 152.3 157.7 157.1 164 245 146 146 245 164 245 146 145 310 311 Exp. 1555 1415 1415 1555 1415 1415 1415 1415 1170 1170 1415 146.5 146.5 146.5 121.5 121.5 146.5 EC 6716 1911093 1911093 1911088 16-X-373 16-X-371 72143164 23298110 72143164 72143164 Serial No. . Act Exp. 9 78 74 80 8.5 8.5 660 610 860 Act. 0.44 0.40 Turbidity 76 78 78 8.9 8.5 8.4 660 660 880 0.47 0.38 Exp. Meter Standards 16786 16786 16786 Serial No. 20 20 10 9.6 9.5 Act. 20.3 16.8 17.0 16.9 9.4 9.4 20.2 20.2 20.2 10.1 17.2 17.2 17.2 Exp. Temperature WKT003 WKT004 WKT005 WKT001 WKT004 WKT005 WKT001 WKT003 WKT005 Serial No. ° ° 9.2 8.2 9.2 8.3 9.8 8.8 Act. 11.4 11.0 20.5 20.5 ° ° 9.2 8.2 9.2 8.2 9.7 9.0 11.3 11.3 Exp. 20.5 20.5 DO 7160 7160 7160 93C03441 93C03441 Serial No. Date 25/03/99 25/06/99 30/09/99

208 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 KERANG continued 7 7 4 Act. 3.99 7 4 7 4 Exp. pH 62990652 62994431 Serial No. 97 148 590 573 890 Act. 1414 1411 1405 20.8 20.8 149.4 145.9 577 577 131 Exp. 1415 1415 1415 1265 20.9 20.9 146.5 146.5 146.5 EC 126363 1911093 23298110 72143164 Serial No. 72 8.2 Act. 0.46 >1000 73 0.5 8.5 850 Exp. 77 8.2 860 Act. 0.38 Turbidity 78 8.2 870 0.38 Exp. Meter Standards 16786 Serial No. Act. 20.5 Exp. 20.9 Temperature WKT001 Serial No. 9.0 5.6 Act. 9.0 5.5 Exp. DO No. 7160 Serial Date 23/12/99

209 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 MAFFRA 7.1 4.0 Act. 7.03 4.01 6.50 7.00 4.01 6.58 7.06 3.99 7.48 3.92 6.99 3.99 7.11 4.06 7.02 4.00 6.98 3.97 6.98 4.00 7.0 4.0 7.00 4.00 6.55 7.00 4.00 6.55 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 Exp. pH 53031087 53031081 53031087 53031081 71217090 53031081 53031087 99220058 53031087 53031081 Serial No. 58 138 117 420 125 152 151 142 127 Act. 1310 1090 1395 1120 1385 1403 1240 146.5 57 137 117 120 136 130 Exp. 1320 1130 1415 1160 1415 1415 1250 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 EC 228282 228282 16-X-33 16-X-33 62101083 62191023 62191023 Serial No. 83 80 80 9.0 8.7 8.4 680 505 580 Act. 0.46 0.35 83 75 80 9.0 9.0 8.7 680 510 505 0.45 0.46 Exp. - 70 82 82 8.8 8.6 8.4 8.4 510 690 540 850 Act. 0.45 0.39 Turbidity 75 75 78 78 8.8 8.6 8.5 8.4 510 680 660 860 0.47 0.38 Exp. Meter Standards 6886 6886 6886 16318 Serial No. Act. 22.6 22.5 22.5 14.0 14.0 14.5 11.3 14.3 18.1 18.1 18.1 15.0 17.9 22.6 22.6 22.6 13.9 13.9 13.7 11.2 15.4 18.1 18.1 18.1 18.0 18.0 Exp. Temperature HD9215 WMT001 WMT002 WMT004 WMT001 WMT004 WMT001 WMT004 WMT007 WMT001 WMT002 WMT004 WMT007 Serial No. ° ° ° ° ° ° 8.6 7.2 8.6 7.2 9.6 9.4 9.2 13 17 17 17 9..4 Act. 10.2 10.5 10.2 10.3 12.2 9.05 9.45 8.95 20.0 22.2 ° ° ° ° ° ° 10 10 7.2 7.2 9.3 9.5 9.5 9.5 14 8.58 8.58 10.4 10.6 10.8 9.05 9.05 9.05 Exp. 22.6 22.6 17.2 17.2 17.2 DO 7159 7159 7159 7159 10210 94K24648 94K24648 94K24648 94K24648 Serial No. Date 6/08/99 22/02/99 29/04/99 29/10/99

210 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 TATURA 6.4 7.0 4.0 6.3 7.0 4.1 4.0 7.0 3.9 4.0 6.3 Act. 7.08 4.02 7.03 4.04 7.0 7.0 4.0 6.3 7.0 4.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 4.0 6.3 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 Exp. pH 72347148 62994427 62990308 62990308 62994427 Serial No. 146 250 151 254 182 189 146 176 154 147 188 155 147 131 Act. 1330 1347 1418 1412 1426 1416 1369 1416 1416 1964 1353 1402 1374 1343 1150 155.3 156.9 146.9 154.9 158.2 142 255 240 181 146 146 175 146 146 181 146 146 Exp. 1360 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1415 1145 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 118.5 EC 4219 228270 905025 905025 228270 1911209 1911209 42087057 31412125 31412125 42087051 42195116 Serial No. Act. Exp. 67 76 75 75 8.5 9.0 8.6 0.4 8.1 680 680 660 Act. Turbidity 65 75 75 78 8.2 8.6 8.6 8.5 680 680 660 0.47 Exp. 12835 12835 Meter Standards Serial No. Act. 22.0 22.3 22.3 13.0 13.1 12.9 13.0 22.3 22.3 22.3 12.9 12.9 12.9 12.9 Exp. Temperature WTT001 WTT005 WTT006 WTT001 WTT003 WTT005 WTT006 Serial No. ° 8.8 7.5 8.8 7.6 8.6 7.5 8.7 Act. 11.8 12.4 11.6 22.5 ° 8.8 7.5 8.8 7.5 8.8 7.5 8.8 10.6 10.6 10.6 Exp. 22.2 DO 7158 7158 7161 16-X-109 94L26004 94L26004 Serial No. Date 25/03/99 25/06/99

211 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV. Inspection results during 1999 TATURA continued Act. 7.07 4.09 7.07 7.04 4.01 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.01 7.00 replaced probe being 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 Exp. pH 62994427 62990308 77347148 62994427 62990308 72347148 Serial No. ° 134 134 148 203 141 191 Act. 1260 1300 1410 1275 1312 1255 1402 1246 1401 1270 1401 1395 1403 22.0 139.5 151.4 136.7 136.9 148.3 131.3 148.2 190.1 148.6 148.2 191.2 ° . . 135 204 204 204 204 Exp. 1290 1290 1290 1290 1305 1290 1415 1415 1415 1290 1415 1415 1415 22.5 133.5 133.5 133.5 133.5 133.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 133.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 EC 228270 905025 905025 228270 1911209 1911209 31412125 42195116 42087057 42087057 31412125 42195116 Serial No. 68 7.4 860 Act. 0.55 69 7.9 900 0.57 Exp. 78 74 8.4 7.6 900 750 Act. 0.39 0.38 Turbidity 78 78 8.4 8.2 880 870 0.38 0.38 Exp. 12835 12835 Meter Standards Serial No. Act. 20.6 20.6 20.6 20.1 22.5 24.1 24.1 24.1 20.6 20.6 20.6 20.6 22.5 24.1 24.1 24.1 Exp. Temperature WTT001 WTT003 WTT005 WTT006 WTT001 WTT003 WTT005 WTT006 Serial No. 9.8 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.8 9.7 8.7 8.5 8.6 Act. 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.7 9.7 8.7 8.7 8.7 Exp. DO 7161 7158 7158 7161 94l26004 94L26004 Serial No. Date 30/09/99 22/12/99

212 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 WANGARATTA 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.0 3.9 6.3 Act. 6.96 3.85 7.06 3.88 7.00 4.04 7.03 4.02 4.59 7.41 4.07 7.01 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 7.0 4.0 6.3 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 Exp. pH 1299 1336 1095 1121 1299 1336 1336 1299 15880010 Serial No. 150 111 120 115 150 150 121 109 Act. 0.93 0.18 0.17 0.98 70.5 0.16 1.24 0.11 0.15 1.24 0.12 1400 1060 1050 1300 1300 1060 150 109 117 121 1.15 0.12 0.12 1.15 70.4 0.15 1.42 0.11 0.15 1.42 0.11 Exp. 1390 1145 1125 1080 1415 1415 1169 146.5 146.5 108.9 EC 78109 78109 31655 30708 78109 30708 31655 30708 31655 78189 Serial No. 87 6.4 810 Act. 0.42 88 6.4 810 0.48 Exp. 76 75 79 78 8.6 7.3 8.5 8.4 680 620 860 860 Act. 0.36 0.38 0.39 Turbidity 75 78 78 78 8.6 8.5 8.7 8.2 680 660 880 870 0.47 0.38 0.38 Exp. Meter Standards 22614 22614 16318 16318 9202000 Serial No. Act. 22.5 23.0 23.0 11.5 12.5 11.2 11.5 12.0 15.5 16.0 15.7 15.7 22.4 22.5 22.4 22.5 22.5 23.0 23.0 23.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 15.7 15.7 15.7 15.7 22.4 22.5 22.4 22.5 22.5 Exp. Temperature WWT002 WWT004 WWT005 WWT001 WWT002 WWT003 WWT004 WWT005 WWT001 WWT003 WWT004 WWT005 WWT001 WWT002 WWT003 WWT004 WWT005 Serial No. ° ° ° ° ° ° 6 11 11 8.8 6.2 8.6 8.6 6.1 8.4 9.8 8.3 9.8 8.5 3.5 3.5 8.6 3.4 23 21 Act. 10.9 9.85 8.65 8.55 22.5 22.7 20.5 20.5 ° ° ° ° ° ° 6 6 6 8.7 8.7 8.7 9.9 8.4 9.9 8.4 9.9 8.4 8.7 3.3 8.7 3.3 8.7 3.3 23 10.8 10.8 10.8 Exp. 23.0 23.0 22.5 22.5 22.5 DO 5850 9996 5850 9996 9996 5850 9996 5850 8014182 8014182 8014182 8014182 Serial No. Date 1/10/99 26/03/99 24/06/99 22/12/99

213 VICTORIAN WATER QUALITY MONITORING ANNUAL REPORT: 1999

Table AV.4. Inspection results during 1999 WOORI YALLOCK Act. 7.01 4.01 7.13 7.00 4.00 7.00 6.99 4.00 6.65 7.01 4.01 7.11 7.00 4.00 6.98 6.98 3.85 7.00 4.00 7.37 3.67 7.04 3.84 7.18 3.83 7.01 4.00 6.99 4.01 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.11 7.00 4.00 7.11 7.00 4.00 7.11 7.00 4.00 7.11 7.00 4.00 7.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 7.00 4.00 Exp. pH 6 11046 53011096 62994048 64203157 64203157 53031096 64203157 62994048 64203157 53011096 62994048 Serial No. 53031109 66 152 155 291 154 310 139 160 144 Act. 77.7 1450 1400 1427 1383 1314 1414 1050 1600 1372 1360 1409 148.5 156.8 145.7 152.5 148.4 needs service 72 72 152 152 292 146 318 130 135 Exp. 1445 1445 1415 1415 1415 1415 1250 1305 1415 1415 1375 1415 EC 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 146.5 142.5 146.5 228294 228294 228294 228294 1911088 1911088 64082156 64082156 64082156 64082156 Serial No. 84 9.1 8.2 680 800 710 Act. 0.34 0.28 80.5 680 Exp. 75 74 79 74 78 78 8.8 8.5 8.7 8.5 8.2 8.4 570 660 660 650 860 850 Act. 0.47 0.39 0.39 Turbidity 75 75 75 78 78 78 8.7 8.6 8.6 8.5 8.4 8.4 570 680 680 660 880 860 0.47 0.38 0.38 Exp. 16318 16318 Serial No. Meter Standards 92100023333 92100023333 92100023333 92100023333 Act. 22.6 22.8 22.5 22.5 18.0 18.0 18.0 18.1 16.3 15.9 16.5 16.1 19.0 19.0 19.5 19.5 22.8 22.8 22.8 22.8 17.9 17.9 17.9 17.9 16.0 15.9 16.1 15.9 19.6 19.6 19.6 19.6 Exp. Temperature WYT001 WYT002 WYT003 WYT005 WYT001 WYT002 WYT003 WYT005 WYT002 WYT003 WYT004 WYT005 WYT001 WYT002 WYT003 WYT004 Serial No. ° ° ° ° 12 8.8 5.8 9.6 8.9 9.2 20 Act. 12.4 23.0 18.2 17.8 ° ° ° ° 9 no ng 8.8 5.8 9.5 9.9 9.9 9.1 DO Exp. 22.8 18.0 18.0 18.5 readi DO 10210 10210 16-X-377 Serial No. 94A1444B 94A1444B 94A1444B Date 6/08/99 22/02/99 29/04/99 29/10/99

214