The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has warned water quality has deteriorated after recent heavy rain in the upper part of the catchment.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has warned water quality has deteriorated after recent heavy rain in the upper part of the catchment.
GB CMA Strategic River Health Manager Wayne Tennant said agencies and landowners need to be aware of poor water quality in rivers and streams.
"Rivers in areas worst affected by fire appear to have the poorest water quality including the Delatite, Jamieson, Howqua and Goulburn rivers," Mr Tennant said.
"This has been caused by heavy rainfall following the summer fires which removed large amounts of sediment.
"Factors influencing water quality include intensity of fires, ash remaining in the area, soil exposure, vegetation recovery and strength of the rainfall.
"But considering all the circumstances, overall water quality remains surprisingly good.
"Poor water quality is expected in times of heavy rainfall where ground cover is poor.
"Whereas smaller rainfall events, over time will help the vegetation recover and improve water quality."
Goulburn-Murray Water staff will continue to monitor water quality during the next few weeks.
Community members are encouraged to continue to report major water quality changes to the Environmental Protection Authority, local water authority or the GB CMA.
Waterwatch has established a community sampling program to monitor water quality following the fires. For more information visit www.waterwatch.org.au.
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For more information contact:
Anna at Impress Publicity 58 212 651 or
Wayne Tennant at GB CMA 58 201 100