Surface Water Quality
Water quality refers to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water. It is a key indicator of waterway health and determines the suitability of water for a particular purpose, such as irrigation, human consumption or for the environment.
Water quality monitoring is often undertaken as part of a surveillance monitoring program, to understand the impact of a particular activity on a waterway, or to ensure that water is safe for drinking or recreation. Several organisations undertake water quality monitoring across Tasmania, including NRE Tas, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), TasWater, Tasmanian Irrigation, Hydro Tasmania and Local Councils.
The Water Quality Australia website provides information on the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality and provides links to the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS).
Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Program (BWQMP)
Tasmania's Baseline Water Quality Monitoring Program (BWQMP) operated between 2004 – 2008 and provided baseline information for many catchments across Tasmania. Information from the BWQMP was reported on an annual basis in NRE Tas Annual Waterways Report (2004 - 2008). Data from the BWQMP is available through the Water Information Tasmania Web Portal.
Tasmania’s New Water Quality Monitoring Program
In support of the Rural Water Use Strategy (RWUS), a new collaborative water quality monitoring program is being established by NRE Tas. The program is focused on understanding diffuse pollution in rivers, using water quality as a key indicator of pollutant sources and of overall waterway health. In partnership with technical representatives from Tasmania’s key water management agencies, NRE Tas has developed a collaborative design and resourcing model that incorporates all relevant existing monitoring and uses a risk-based assessment process to identify and fill gaps in the monitoring network.
The program will complement the River Health Monitoring Program (RHMP) and allow the Department to more comprehensively report on the condition of Tasmania’s waterways, better manage risks to water resources, and meet the State’s obligations under the Water Management Act 1999. NRE Tas is currently working with partner organisations to finalise the network design and resourcing model, and is aiming to begin implementing the program in 2026.
Water Quality Strategy Committee (WQSC)
The National Water Reform Committee (NWC) advises on, oversees, and coordinates the implementation of water policy reforms at the national level. The Water Quality Strategy Committee (WQSC) informs and advises the NWC on water quality strategy and policy matters having national interest, risks or implications. NRE Tas represents Tasmania on the WQSC to provide local context and input into strategic decision making for water quality management.