Water Science
Explore each water quality parameter in more depth and understand your monthly citizen-science monitoring
Pesticide Watch guide![]() During 2023 some regions will value add to their monthly water quality monitoring by participating in Pesticide Watch, a nation-wide program run by Deakin University helping communities identify pesticides in their local waterways through citizen-science. Find out more by reading this guide or join the Pesticide Watch Facebook Page. A video of the testing process can be viewed here. To ask questions about the testing process or Pesticide Watch project contact Brady Hamilton from Deakin University directly; brady.hamilton@deakin.edu.au
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Caring For The Campaspe Project River Health Snapshot 2021![]() Gauge the health of waterways in the Campaspe River using this compilation of water quality and water bug data collected by citizen-scientists.
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Deans Marsh PS Story![]() Deans Marsh PS is an active River Detectives school in the Corangamite CMA region embedding the program into the curriculum, into their school’s broader sustainability initiatives and connecting with their community. Watch the video to hear their highlights or read the full story here !
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Stawell PS Story![]() Stawell PS is a River Detectives school in the Wimmera CMA region exploring and testing waterways from local lakes to streams in Gariwerd (Grampians National Park). Watch the video to hear their highlights or read the full story here !
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Bendigo Creek Citizen Science Project River Health Snapshot 2021![]() Gauge the health of the Bendigo Creek using this compilation of water quality and water bug data collected by citizen-scientists.
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Healthy Coliban Catchment Project River Health Snapshot 2021![]() Gauge the health of waterways in the Healthy Coliban Catchment project area using this compilation of water quality and water bug data collected by citizen-scientists.
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RiverScan Project River Health Snapshot 2021![]() Gauge the health of waterways in the RiverScan project area using this compilation of water quality and water bug data collected by citizen-scientists.
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Site Selection Checklist![]() When choosing your site along a waterway or at a wetland for citizen-science activities (water quality monitoring, waterbug sampling and habitat surveys) there are many things to consider. Please refer to this checklist to assist you.
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The impact of animal poo on our waterways![]() This article (and video) explains the impact animal poo has on our waterways and makes some interesting comparisons between the impact of native animal poo and exotic animal poo. The article is quite detailed but information can be extracted for younger students. The video is short and simple.
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Nature-scrolling activity![]() A nature scroll is simply a long, narrow piece of paper used to record your responses to nature, in words and pictures. It can be a portable, bite-sized alternative to nature journalling and a wonderful way for your students to engage with their local environment or make observations whilst at your adopted water testing site. Make it scientific, make it artistic or both !
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River Detectives Program School Plan![]() Use this School Plan to start a conversation with colleagues delivering the River Detectives program in your setting. This is a great template to use at the start of the year with lots of useful questions to promote thinking and space to document the approach you plan to take. There is also a useful template for sharing your River Detectives data and experience with others at the end of a term/year.
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River Rehab: Protecting Waterways From Livestock video![]() Watch this video to see how Tasmania’s farmers are taking measures to reduce degradation of the state’s waterways from livestock. This video introduces students to sustainable farming practices that protect waterways and increase farm productivity simultaneously. Draw your own farm plan and illustrate how it can be managed sustainably.
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Make your own rain gauge video and experiment![]() Join Wally the Water Scientist and Kristy from Goulburn Valley Water to learn how to make a rain gauge and why tracking rainfall is an interesting and informative activity. A great activity to connect maths, science and environmental learning.
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Microplastics in our streams video![]() This video takes us on a journey with scientists conducting field research on the microplastics being washed down our waterways. It could provide inspiration to conduct research at your own waterway about the prevalence of these tiny but damaging pieces of pollution . . .
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Water Quality Data Sheet![]() Use this data sheet on site or at school to record your water quality data each month. Make sure you enter your water science data online at the ‘Let’s Test and Record’ tab of this website.
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River Detectives Field Manual![]() This is a copy of the Field Manual you receive a version of in your water quality test kit. If you lose your hard copy you can access it here. Be aware that this is the full manual – some pages may be irrelevant to you depending on the equipment you have and the region you are in.
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Water Quality Rating Charts![]() Numbers are just numbers until you work out what they mean. Use the regional water quality rating charts in the Field Manual to compare your readings for EC, turbidity, reactive phosphorus and pH to assess the health of your waterway. Or find your specific CMA region rating charts below; Corangamite CMA, Melbourne Water, North East CMA, North Central CMA, Wimmera CMA
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The Waterwatch Story![]() The North Central Waterwatch Program aims to increase the knowledge and skills of community, supporting them to become custodians of local waterways. River Detectives is the school/youth based component of the program. This video will help your students understand the community of passionate people that they belong to by being a River Detective.
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Riparian Zone Poster![]() An excellent graphic to highlight the key features of a healthy riparian zone compared to a degraded riparian zone. Great for conversations about water quality, habitat health, land practices and shared community responsibility for the health of our waterways.
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Water Quality Results Posters![]() Use these posters to record and display your monthly or yearly results at a glance. Share them with others by printing in the school / community newsletter or displaying them in the classroom, school foyer or even a local shop or community meeting place.
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pH Scale![]() This graphic is the perfect tool to introduce pH, explain acidity and alkalinity to students and compare your pH reading to everyday household items.
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Salinity Scale![]() Use this resource to check the salinity tolerances of humans, crops, livestock, compare your EC results and understand how salinity can impact on all areas of life
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Salinity in our waterways poster![]() Use this poster to explore the issue of salinity and examine positive and negative land management practices that contribute to the issue.
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Salinity – fact sheet![]() Salinity refers to the movement and concentration of salt through the landscape. Find out more here!
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Algae fact sheet![]()
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Phosphorus – fact sheet![]() Your quick reference guide to all things phosphorus.
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Blackwater Fact sheet![]() Find out about why water sometimes turns black!
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Foam fact sheet![]() Find out how and why foam occurs in waterways.
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Fresh and Salty Booklet![]() This booklet complements the Fresh and Salty video with teacher notes and lesson plans
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Turbidity Fact Sheet![]()
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pH Fact sheet![]()
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Fresh and Salty video![]() Fresh and Salty is a highly engaging short animated film produced by the Wimmera CMA. It is the perfect way to introduce the topic of salinity to your students
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