The coastal volunteer network monitors water quality at 24 sites throughout Noosa, Peregian and Boreen Point. The hinterland volunteer network monitors water quality at 21 sites throughout Cooroy, Pomona and Kin Kin. In total, there are 40 volunteers collecting data on 45 sites across the Noosa River and Six Mile Creek catchments.

Water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity and turbidity) at each site are monitored on a monthly basis and compared to the recommended guidelines for healthy waterways. Chemical parameters (nitrate-nitrogen and filterable reactive phosphorus) are monitored on a quarterly basis at selected sites. Aquatic weeds and aquatic macroinvertebrate surveys are also conducted at selected sites.

Platypus surveys are conducted as part of the PlatypusWatch program in collaboration with Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society and the Australian Platypus Conservancy. The aim is to monitor platypus and water rat distribution and abundance throughout the northern Sunshine Coast region, identify threats to their habitat and any changes in population dynamics over time. For more information, go to http://www.wildlife.org.au/projects/platypus

If you have a special interest in the quality of our water resources and would like to join the Noosa Waterwatch network, please contact Anita Russell on 5485 2155 or by email waterwatch@noosalandcare.org