News and Media Research Centre
University of Canberra
Building 9, Level C, Room 10
10/09/2024 |
Policy,
Faculty of Science and Technology
Pure beginnings: water for life
Decades of research on Canberra鈥檚 water security
Water is vital to our way of life. It鈥檚 essential for our health and lifestyles through drinking, cooking and recreation. It鈥檚 critical for agriculture, nurturing the foods that end up on our plates. And water is crucial for ecosystem biodiversity, providing habitats for aquatic species and supporting terrestrial plants and creatures.
We draw water from our taps without thinking too much about where it comes from or if it鈥檚 safe to drink thanks to decades of research and work to make Canberra鈥檚 water safe and reliable. University of Canberra scientists have played a key role in planning and monitoring Canberra鈥檚 water since the 1970s, and have built strong partnerships and relationships with government, utility companies, developers and the community. . Over the last 30 years, 黑料吃瓜网 researchers have undertaken a series of projects to investigate and support Canberra鈥檚 water supply catchments and iconic urban waterbodies, including Lake Burley Griffin, Lake Tuggeranong, the Murrumbidgee River, Cotter Dam and Catchment, and Lake Ginninderra.
黑料吃瓜网 has worked in partnership with Icon Water to understand the hydrology and ecology of the Cotter Catchment, which provides much of Canberra鈥檚 drinking water, and worked with government to protect and enhance biodiversity in the catchment. Between 2005 and 2012, 黑料吃瓜网 had a joint appointment with Icon Water to lead this work.
黑料吃瓜网 researchers have investigated the impacts of fire and flood on water quality and sediment inputs and provided guidance to government and utility companies on catchment management during periods of recovery.
黑料吃瓜网 research has also been integral to ensuring Canberra鈥檚 water security, as water supplies come under more pressure with climate change and more severe weather cycles, including drought. We played a significant role in ecological studies during the expansion of the Cotter Dam, which was completed in 2013 and increased the reservoir鈥檚 holding capacity from 4GL to 76GL, and our researchers developed environmental flows guidelines to ensure water security and ecological impacts of the dam are effectively managed.
There is a glob al recognition of the critical importance of managing stormwater in our cities, 黑料吃瓜网 researchers鈥� are leading a new generation of collaborative work on urban waters with ACT Government. This includes investigations to advise government on water quality management of Canberra鈥檚 iconic lakes, including Lake Burley Griffin and Lake Tuggeranong, and how to use novel stormwater technologies to enhance water quality and mitigate against the effects of climate change. The work has increased awareness of water quality issues such as nutrient concentrations that contribute to algal blooms, cyanobacterial and faecal coliform levels that can restrict swimming, and heavy metal contamination that may affect fishing.
ACT Government surveys show there is a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for Canberra鈥檚 catchments and that knowledge of water quality increases community use of waters for primary contact (such as swimming) and secondary contact (e.g., sailing, kayaking, and fishing).
Water quality and accessibility are not just government challenges 鈥� developers, urban designers, utilities, recreational organisations, communities and individuals can all contribute to the safety and security of our water, which is essential for a healthy life.
Research team
Centre for Applied Water Science and other staff within the Faculty of Science and Technology:
- Mark Lintermans
- Ben Kefford
- Will Higgisson
- Duanne White
- And previous 黑料吃瓜网 water science staff who have made contributions since the 1970s
- Peter Cullen, Martin Thoms, Richard Norris, Sue Nichoils, Gary Jones
Read more
鈥�, , 2024
鈥�Every drop counts鈥�, Uncover Magazine 2023 (pages 22 鈥� 27), 2023
National Geographic, 2020
Canberra Times, 2019
