Links
Waterwatch Australia National Technical Manual - Physical and Chemical Parameters
This site outlines some water quality characteristics, where they are from, the impacts they can have and how they behave in a range of conditions. There are descriptions of sampling methods, safety considerations and hints for interpreting your results. This document is available in PDF format.
http://www.waterwatch.org.au/library/module-4/index.html
Department for Environment and Heritage - State of the Environment Reporting
Covering inland waters, coasts and the sea, land resources, biodiversity, heritage, human settlements and the atmosphere, this comprehensive web site has student fact sheets, case studies, research ideas, information for teachers, and links to community based resources in SA. There is also a fantastic online resources page.
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/education/
More advanced information about the findings of the 2003 State of the Environment Report into inland waters, the issues, water quality characteristics, what is being done and how you can help.
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/reporting/inland/water_quality.html
Murray Darling Basin Commission
This web site includes information on salinity, dams and weirs, environmental issues, weekly reports and tips on how to search the site for a school assignment.
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/
Water Quality Targets Online
This site allows you to choose the state, type of water body and a parameter to find out what the acceptable level is for that area of Australia.
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/quality/targets-online/index.php
River Murray Urban Users Committee
This web site has some great fact sheets about the Murray, including how the river was formed, aboriginal occupation, recreation, irrigation, river flows, floodplains, birds and animals of the River Murray and blue green algae. There is also a photo gallery and the Murray Ripples newsletter.
http://www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au/
Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000)
Part of the National Water Quality Management Strategy, this technical document is available as a PDF. It includes information on water quality guidelines for aquatic ecosystems, primary industries such as irrigated crops, livestock and aquaculture, and recreational water quality and aesthetics.
http://www.ea.gov.au/water/quality/nwqms/index.html
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (1996)
A technical document available as a PDF. It includes fact sheets on bacteria, protozoa, toxic algae, viruses, organic and inorganic chemicals and pesticides found in water and their effects on humans, animals and plants, as well as guidelines for water treatment.
http://www.waterquality.crc.org.au/aboutdw_adwg.htm
Environment Australia - Inland Waters
This web site aims to promote, support and implement conservation and ecologically sustainable use of Australia's inland waters. It is divided into sections such as groundwater, river basins, rivers, wetlands, water policy, State of the Environment Report 2001 and coasts and oceans, with a range of publications such as fact sheets and reports available as PDF documents. Most information is technical in nature.
http://www.ea.gov.au/water/index.html