On behalf of the basin state governments, the MDBA has commissioned La Trobe University to analyse water quality data from 28 monitoring sites along the Murray and the lower Darling.
This data has been collected by basin states since 1978 and is routinely assessed to detect sudden changes in water quality that could indicate a source of pollution or quickly emerging problems including algal booms.
This new study will focus on analysing the data to detect longer-term trends that impact water quality, which was last analysed in detail in 2013.
MDBA senior director of environmental management Janet Pritchard said being able to scientifically analyse such an extensive and continuous dataset would help shed light on what drove water quality issues and highlight emerging risks and watchpoints.
“In recent months we’ve been hearing feedback from a range of River Murray stakeholders who are concerned about the apparent increases and severity of a range of water quality issues, including algal blooms,” Dr Pritchard said.
“This study will allow us to take a close look into water quality parameters like temperature, salinity, metals and nutrients and look at how they are changing over time.”
The quality of river water is essential for environmental, social, cultural and economic reasons.
The findings of this study will be provided to basin states to assist them with their shared responsibility for managing water quality for all Murray River communities.
“Using physical and chemical data will also help us investigate changes in water quality risks, such as the link between any nutrient and temperature trends and the potential for blue-green algal blooms,” Dr Pritchard said.
“We anticipate the findings from this study will be useful for water managers and researchers, as it will allow them to understand what parameters are impacting the frequency and severity of water quality issues.”
Analysis of water quality data has started, and findings are expected to be available in mid-2022.
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