The Project

Last updated: 20/05/2009

Drought, climate change and the increasing pressures being placed on precious resources such as the River Murray have generated enormous interest among South Australians about securing enough water to meet our needs. But quantity is only part of the picture.

Healthy Waters is a new project focussing on the equally vital issue of water quality, and the need to protect it for the well-being of our health, environment, economy and way of life.

The project involves local communities, industry and government working together to identify Environmental Values, or desired uses, for water resources in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region. In other words, Healthy Waters is asking people to consider why water is important to them, what they currently enjoy or value about their local water resources, the condition they would prefer these resources to be in for future generations, and why.

The six-month project is building on feedback from the community over the past 15 years and consolidating existing scientific knowledge about the current condition of water resources in the region, including surface water such as rivers, creeks and wetlands; groundwater in underground aquifers; and marine waters from Sellicks Beach to Port Elliot.

Emerging issues

It will explore the potential impact of emerging issues such as urban development, water conservation and the opportunities being opened up by new technology to create alternative sources of water, such as the reuse of stormwater and treated effluent. Healthy Waters will also establish ‘interim’ Water Quality Objectives, or targets, needed to make sure the water is fit for an agreed purpose, whether that is for drinking, agriculture, recreation, fishing, to support aquatic ecosystems, aesthetic values or cultural heritage.

This process will involve discussing the improvements that need to be made; considering the trade-offs that may be necessary to strike a balance between the environmental, social and economic needs of the region and its communities; and reaching agreement on what realistically can be achieved.

Applying information from the project

Results from the project will help inform government policy and future priorities for water quality planning and management, including investment in infrastructure and on-ground works. For example, the agreed Environmental Values will be incorporated into the EPA’s Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy, which captures detailed requirements for protecting water resources in South Australia. They will also inform water security planning for the region, and guide management actions and priorities for water related projects and on-ground works carried out by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board. Water Quality Objectives specific for each catchment and aquifer will also eventually be incorporated into the policy. Because these objectives will require considerable and additional detailed scientific work to finalise, they will initially be adopted by the EPA in draft form as ‘interim’ objectives.

Community consultation

Healthy Waters will involve extensive consultation with the community. Stakeholder organisations and the public will be able to find out information and have their say via a series of open houses, workshops and face-to-face briefings. People are also being encouraged to join an online community panel, and to provide feedback via the project website or by post.

Project partners

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative, the South Australian Government’s Complementary State NRM Program, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, SA Water and South Australia’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA). It is being managed by the EPA in partnership with the NRM Board, SA Water, and the Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (including the Office for Water Security).

Click here to read the About the Project fact sheet.