Monitoring & Data

Waterwatch Data

Community Collected Data

Using the local community as a water monitoring resource can have many benefits. More sites are able to be monitored and sampling intensity is often increased. The use of community members to monitor their local waterways increases ownership of sites and general feedback about sites is more frequent. Water monitoring can also raise community awareness and knowledge about environmental issues and can lead to changes in community attitudes and behaviour towards the environment.

Data Confidence

Waterwatch Melbourne values water quality data collected by the local community. To address the view that community collected data is of little scientific value, Waterwatch Melbourne runs Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) training events. Monitors (including Waterwatch staff) test their accuracy and skill level against unknown solutions.

Data Use

Data collected by Waterwatch Melbourne is used as part of an early warning system to detect problems in our waterways. Waterwatch can alert organisations such as EPA and Melbourne Water if pollution is found or if a change in waterway health is detected. The data is also used by Melbourne Water to provide indicative information when scoping projects.

Waterwatch Melbourne data is available to the public upon request - simply use the online data request form or contact your local Waterwatch Coordinator.