Local school students and community members have recently been out and about collecting samples from local waterways and groundwater bores to test for salinity and learn more about the impacts of salinity on the environment, as part of the activities for Saltwatch week.

Coordinated by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in partnership with Waterwatch Victoria, Saltwatch week is an annual event that commenced in 1987. 

North Central CMA acting Chief Executive Officer, Emer Campbell explains “The North Central CMA has been involved in Saltwatch week since 1993 and as with previous years, we are pleased with this year’s level of participation.  The North Central CMA’s Waterwatch team supported over 150 participants who took part in educational programs and provided assistance to our Waterwatch volunteer monitors who tested water samples from their local waterways.

The week also provides an opportunity for our Waterwatch volunteer monitors and coordinators to test a ‘mystery sample’ provided by the State Waterwatch Victoria team.  This test ensures the skills, methods and equipment used for testing result in reliable and accurate data collection.”

Ms Campbell confirmed that there is now 23 years of community sourced data that can be used to show long term trends in salinity levels.  This data assists the North Central CMA in prioritising works to protect and improve rivers and the natural environment in North Central Victoria.

Ms April Curatolo, manages the North Central CMA’s Waterwatch program, and was also thrilled by the participation of the community in North Central Victoria. “Thank you to the many school students, Waterwatch volunteer monitors and local community members for getting involved in the activities for the week. Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning about the impacts of salinity on the environment should be commended”, said April.

Results from the samples collected can be found on the Waterwatch Victoria website. www.vic.waterwatch.org.au.

For further information on Saltwatch week or Waterwatch please contact the North Central CMA or visit their website at www.nccma.vic.gov.au

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