Water Quality Monitoring Program

July 2017 - ongoing | 25 sites across the Bellinger and Kalang catchments, NSW, Australia (see map)

The Bellingen Riverwatch Water Quality Monitoring program is in its sixth year with the incredible collective efforts of volunteers and schools.

Monthly ongoing water quality data is important for monitoring the rivers’ health, identifying priority areas for management actions and educating the community on how to reduce the impact they may be having on their environment. In 2022, the Bellingen Riverwatch steering committee published a 5-Year WQM Data Report. Our data supports the recovery of the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.

88%

of participants feel they have developed environmental stewardship from being a part of Bellingen Riverwatch.

94%

of participants feel more connected with their environment as a result of their participation with Bellingen Riverwatch.

  • "I love seeing a healthy river expressed by our collective data. Seeing new parts of the river when I test for absent volunteers."

    - Pauline, volunteer

  • "I love feeling like what we are doing is making an impact to support our river, and especially the turtles, to be healthy. I also enjoy the testing and being outside in nature with my son testing together."

    - Tom, volunteer

Outputs and Outcomes

  • 7812 tests over 6 years

  • 34 current active volunteers

  • 15 current active students

  • 25 current testing sites

  • Connections amongst Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers, community members and partners strengthened.

Partners

  • North Coast Local Land Services

  • NSW Waterwatch

  • Orama Public School

  • Raleigh Public School

  • Repton Public School

  • Affirmations

  • Bellingen High School

  • Bellinger Landcare

  • Chrysalis Steiner School

  • EnviroComm Connections

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Workshops at Open Street Festival, Nov 2024