Good quality water in our rivers and responsible farm management practices are co-dependent and extremely important, just ask farmers Ruth and John Penny from Serpentine.

For more than 10 years the Penny's have been working with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and North Central Waterwatch to help improve water quality in the Loddon River.

Generations of the Penny family have been farming in the district for 130 years and were one of the first to monitor water quality and fence off their Loddon River frontage from livestock.

Ruth and John know all about the importance of keeping records, their family has been recording weather and rainfall patterns for the region for over the last 100 years.

"The family has a proud history of keeping records, and when Waterwatch gave us the opportunity to monitor water quality we jumped at it. We've always been keen to gain a better understanding about the Loddon's water quality," said Ruth Penny.

"Being able to record figures and watch for trends, all within a few steps of our back door, is very important to us and it's part of continuing the traditions established generations ago". 

Using equipment that is funded through the Community Stream Sampling Project, the Penny's test for salinity, phosphorus, turbidity, pH and temperature. 

North Central's Waterwatch Facilitator, Jennelle Carlier says regular monitoring by the Penny family is conducted on the Loddon River every Friday. 

"The monitoring has helped them and us understand how different salinity levels affect the river and plants and livestock on the family farm. With the ongoing effects of the drought and low flows, the recent monitoring data indicates that the river is experiencing its highest salt levels since monitoring began," said Jennelle.

"Community groups, such as the Serpentine Bowling Club, regularly ask Ruth and John about the levels of salt in the river before they water their grounds. Neighbours also like to drop by and have their water tested or to gain some information about the river water".

The increasing salinity levels are keeping the family alert and they are hoping for some large rain events to reduce the salt concentrations. 

Jennelle added that as part of their farm management practices, the Penny family have now completely fenced their entire 3km frontage along the Loddon River.

"We are seeing the benefits on our property, young trees and many grass species are regenerating, which is very encouraging in these dry years," said John Penny. 

"We're also seeing more farmers in our district fencing off their frontage and they too are seeing the benefits their changes are bringing to their properties".

The passion for the health of the Loddon River, as well as good farm management practices are evident with the regular monitoring and practices undertaken by people like Ruth and John.

"We've always been vigilant about caring for the River, especially with the ongoing drought, and we'll continue to work with agencies like the North Central CMA, as well as our local community to identify new ways to farm and manage livestock," said John.

"The River has always been an integral part of this community, not only is it linked to our livelihood, it's a special part of the social fabric of the community".

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au