How we measure water quality

Summary

Jodi, an EPA officer in Victoria, demonstrates the process of water quality testing in response to pollution reports. Using a sample pole and bottle, water samples are collected without disturbing the creek bed, then sent to a lab for analysis of pollutants like oils, metals, and pesticides. On-site, a field meter measures dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH levels, providing immediate insights into the water's health. The lab results, when combined with field data, help identify any pollution issues requiring further investigation, showcasing EPA's commitment to a healthy environment for Victorians.

Takeaways

• 📍 The speaker is Jodi, an authorised officer with the Environmental Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA).
• 🚨 EPA responds to public reports of water pollution by sending officers like Jodi to investigate.
• 🔬 EPA conducts ongoing environmental monitoring programs, including water quality testing by environmental scientists.
• 💧 Water sampling is performed using a sample pole and bottle to avoid disturbing the creek bed.
• ❄️ Samples are chilled and sent to an independent lab for various pollutant tests.
• 🧪 Lab tests include checking for oils, metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides in the water.
• 📊 EPA assesses lab results against guideline values to determine if any pollutants exceed safe levels.
• 🔍 Jodi uses a field meter to measure parameters like dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH directly in the waterway.
• 🌡️ Dissolved oxygen levels can indicate water quality issues, with very low levels suggesting pollution or other environmental stressors.
• 🧠 Salinity levels are expected to be below 1,500, and the current reading of 400 is favorable for a freshwater creek.
• 🌡️ pH levels between six and eight are normal, with the current reading at seven indicating a healthy waterway.
• 🔍 Field results are preliminary; final assessment awaits lab results to identify any pollution requiring further investigation.
• 🌿 EPA's efforts in water sampling across Victoria contribute to a healthy environment for all Victorians.

Q & A

What is the role of an authorised officer with the Environmental Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA)?

An authorised officer with the EPA is responsible for investigating reports of water pollution, collecting water samples, and ensuring the quality of the environment in Victoria.

How does the EPA respond to reports of water pollution?

Upon receiving a report of water pollution, the EPA may send an authorised officer to the site to investigate further and collect water samples for testing.

What tools does an authorised officer use to collect water samples without disturbing the creek bed?

An authorised officer uses a sample pole and a sample bottle to collect water samples without disturbing the creek bed.

What happens to the collected water samples after they are taken from the creek?

The collected samples are placed on ice in an esky and sent to an independent laboratory for various tests to check for different types of pollutants.

What types of pollutants might be tested for in the water samples?

The laboratory tests for pollutants such as oils, metals, hydrocarbons, and pesticides, depending on the creek or the environmental problem.

How are the laboratory results assessed by the EPA?

The EPA assesses the laboratory results against various guideline values to determine if any of the results are above levels considered safe.

What is a field meter and how is it used in the water quality assessment?

A field meter is a device used to measure various water parameters directly in the waterway. It provides real-time readings of parameters such as dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH.

Why is dissolved oxygen an important parameter to measure in water quality assessments?

Dissolved oxygen is crucial as very low levels can indicate poor water quality, which may be a result of pollutants, algal blooms, or droughts.

What does salinity measure in the water and what is the expected range for a freshwater creek?

Salinity measures the amount of salt in the water. For a freshwater creek like the one in the script, the expected range is below 1,500, with the current reading being around 400.

What is the significance of pH in water quality and what is the normal range for a waterway?

pH measures the acidity or basicity of the water. A normal range for a waterway is between about six and eight, with a reading of seven being ideal.

How does the EPA use the results from both field meters and laboratory tests to identify pollution?

The EPA uses the field results for immediate assessment and the laboratory results for a more detailed analysis. If any of the results indicate pollution above safe levels, further investigation is warranted.

What is the broader goal of the EPA's water sampling efforts across Victoria?

The broader goal of the EPA's water sampling efforts is to strive for a healthy environment for all Victorians by monitoring and maintaining water quality.