Inland Waters
Page 143
Torrens River & Dry Creek
The Torrens River stretches along Council’s eastern boundary through the
suburbs of Klemzig and Windsor Gardens. The land area of Port Adelaide
Enfield that contributes to the Torrens River catchment is 13 km
2
(featured as
‘Torrens River part of’ in the catchment plan at map 12 (page 193).
Dry Creek is largely in the City of Salisbury Council area, but stretches through
the Port Adelaide Enfield suburb of Valley View. It is a fresh water stream that
flows through the northern suburbs before discharging to the Barker Inlet. Dry
Creek water quality within the Council boundary is generally good, however
nutrient levels are poor. Predominantly exotic grasses and a few gum trees line
the banks of the creek. Dry Creek has been threatened by encroaching
commercial and residential development in some sections.
Both rivers are a minor part of the Mt. Lofty Ranges Riverina system but are
important areas for recreation and biodiversity. These systems are subject to a
highly variable climate, with mean rainfall ranges between as high as 1600mm
at the highest point to less than 400mm near the coast at Port Adelaide
(Department of Environment and Heritage, 2003).
KESAB Waterwatch Community Monitoring program
Community monitoring is coordinated by the KESAB Waterwatch groups
through the ‘Snapshots’ program. The Waterwatch groups provide data relating
to stormwater quality of the Torrens River, Dry Creek and Barker Inlet
Wetlands. The other Waterwatch sites are located along the Port Adelaide River
- these results are discussed in the chapter on Coasts and Estuaries.
Condition indicator:
Dry Creek and River Torrens river health according to
KESAB Community monitoring water quality assessment indicators.
