Executive Summary
Page 6
Inland Waters
‘Inland and surface water’ includes rivers and streams, which are flowing water
habitats that may be dry in the summer periods, and also freshwater wetlands
which can be swamps and marshes (areas of standing water) found along rivers
or constructed in the form of stormwater retention areas.
Rivers, streams, wetlands and groundwater resources are inter-connected
systems which support unique plant and animal ecosystems. These water
bodies are also used to provide a source of water for domestic, recreation, and
industrial purposes, and are the receiving water bodies for urban stormwater
and waste water from these activities.
The Inland Waters chapter discusses the following environmental priorities:
•
The implementation of an ongoing and documented water quality
monitoring program for water quantity and quality (inlets and outlets) in the
Barker Inlet, Range and Magazine Creek Wetlands.
•
Combating nitrates in Dry Creek and Torrens River waters, which result
from fertilisers, sewage pollution and stormwater discharges. At high levels
these can cause blue-green algae blooms.
•
Full implementation of the joint Council, State Govt, and Natural
Resources Management Board program to develop Stormwater
Management Plans for all major catchments in the City, which identify
water harvesting and water quality improvement opportunities along with
flood management requirements.
•
The expansion via both the private and public sectors of rainwater and
stormwater capture and reuse schemes within the City, wherever practical
•
Increasing the use by developers and agencies of Water Sensitive Urban
Design (WSUD) infrastructure and design to improve the City’s stormwater
quality.
•
A complete survey of bore sites and groundwater use remains an
important need, in order to gauge an accurate estimate of the volume of
groundwater extraction. Also investigate where bores are located adjacent
to potentially contaminating sites or septic tank systems.
•
Management of the use and overuse of groundwater to meet industrial
demand, which can also contribute to land subsidence
