Monitoring
The Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) monitors water quality in catchment streams, rivers, reservoirs, the bulk water distribution system, and inlets to water filtration plants. The SCA conducts routine, targeted, investigative and event-based monitoring of key water quality parameters at various locations.
The SCA's annual water quality monitoring report describes sampling locations and water quality testing results.
Potential pathogen contamination is monitored across the entire water supply system in accordance with the multi-barrier approach to protecting water quality. Water samples are routinely taken from Lake Burragorang (Sydney's largest water storage formed behind Warragamba Dam) and testing is conducted across a wide range of parameters. Pathogens are tested six days out of seven at Lake Burragorang.
Water samples are frequently collected from a number of water testing sites. The water samples are tested using standard water testing procedures by trained operators.
You can watch this water quality monitoring video showing the monitoring routine in Sydney’s drinking water catchments.
Research task
A research task on water quality monitoring is provided to improve your understanding.
