What are our waterways like today?

It is difficult to summarise the current status of the water quality in Parramatta due to the varied conditions across the catchment and over time. Despite this the following general conclusions are drawn on the current condition of our waterways (Laxton, 2007):

pH: levels in the main River has decreased slightly to a more neutral level (pH 7). This represents a reduction in chemical and other industrial pollutants that alter the chemical nature of water.

Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous): in the rivers are generally high (TN � ranges from 0.5 to 2mg/L and TP vary from 0.05 to 0.25 mg/l). This continues to be a problem for the majority of waterways resulting in increased weed and algal growth.

Turbidity: during dry weather turbidity is reasonable in the lower reaches (Mean around 15-20 NTU) however during wet weather and in the upper reaches levels are considered to be poor.

Faecal coliforms: levels are generally safe for secondary contact during dry weather however during wet weather the significant sewer overflows continue to result in unsafe conditions for both primary and secondary contact.

Sediment: sediment levels from the catchment are higher than would occur under natural conditions. For example, over 4000 tonnes (of suspended solids) was recorded coming down from the upper catchment of Parramatta River between 2000 and 2002.

Oils: although difficult to measure in the water column oil concentrations are considered to be significant as a result of the uncontrolled runoff from many roads and hard stand areas.

Heavy Metals: Considered not to be significant to affect water quality however levels are up to 12 times higher than acceptable levels do occur in bottom sediments.

There are numerous problems with our waterways. These include:

Visually dirty (turbid) water
People getting sick from swimming (primary) contact with water
Excessive algae and weed growth
Unhealthy fish and birdlife
Unsightly creeks strewn with litter (gross pollutants)
Oils and greases on the water
Loss of creek habitat including vegetation, snags and shelter

Whilst the catchment landuse has changed significantly, the river still shows some glimpses of its former glory. There are numerous opportunities that still exist, giving us the chance to restore and regenerate the river and its creeks to a functioning and valuable ecosystem to be enjoyed by all.

	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
mm	1577	854	925	553	509	833	644	696	1040
Days	151	115	140	114	97	105	101	116	106
	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
mm	904	773	590	718	869	668	739	761	1206
Days	119	131	108	102	133	93	105	120	120

Caption: Annual Rainfall over the Study Period

Caption: Changes to annual mean total-N concentration of surface and bottom water of upper Parramatta River estuary and major tributaries (1990-2007)

Caption: Changes to annual mean total-P concentration of surface and bottom water of upper Parramatta River estuary and major tributaries (1990-2007)