Water quality in the Lake Illawarra catchment

摘要: Lake Illawarra has a land catchment of 235 km2, through which several creeks and streams pass into the Lake. Data from three local council one DIPNR water quality monitoring projects, within catchment, have been compared analysed in order to assess current state these waterways their possible impact on Illawarra. same or similar projects Wollongong, Wingecarribee Georges River were used for comparison. Water two major catchments draining - Macquarie Rivulet Mullet Creek differed significantly terms dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, nutrients conductivity, reflecting greater development catchment. The anticipated further is likely exacerbate poor this with most indicators already outside ANZECC guidelines (2000). Past present coal mining activities appear be contributing elevated conductivity pH affected sub-catchments other Wollongong streams. Changes may direct indirect ecosystem impacts. causes wet dry weather faecal coliform counts are currently unclear; situation unsatisfactory as rarely below primary contact Source control sediment recommended protection both themselves. Community appreciation ownership critical successful maintenance good quality.