AquaWatch pilot sites

Pilot sites are being established to help CSIRO and partners test the AquaWatch system across a number of applications. This is an essential part of ensuring the national and global water quality monitoring service we aim to deliver works as intended. It also gives us the chance to collect data, conduct research, work with partners, connect with local communities and continuously improve the system.

AquaWatch already has pilot sites set up in different locations around the country to test the system for several uses such as monitoring toxic blue-green algae blooms at Lake Tuggeranong in Canberra, a popular spot for recreation.

It is also being tested around our coasts, with another pilot focused on how sediment flow from the Fitzroy River out to the Great Barrier Reef affects water quality.

Additional pilots currently being established overseas will demonstrate how AquaWatch can be used to inform management of drinking water, sanitation, species conservation, hydroelectricity and carbon sequestration in mangrove forests.

Australian pilot sites

Lake Tuggeranong, Australian Capital Territory

Based in the ACT, this pilot is focused on blue-green algal blooms and their impacts on recreation and environment

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Based in QLD, this pilot is focused on sediment flows from rivers to the ocean and their impacts on coral reef environments

Circular fish farm pen seen from a drone in the Spencer Gulf.

Spencer Gulf, South Australia

Based in SA, this pilot is focused on algal blooms and their impacts on local seafood production

Grahamstown Dam, New South Wales

Based in NSW, this pilot is focused on blue-green algal blooms and their impacts on water used for drinking, sanitation and other utilities

Lake Hume, New South Wales/Victoria

Based on the border of NSW and VIC, this pilot is focused on algal blooms and disaster impacts on water used for utilities

Cockburn Sound, Western Australia

Based in WA, this pilot is focused on sediment and dissolved carbon monitoring during port development

Global pilot sites

Kuching Sarawak Malaysia AquaWatch blue carbon capture

Kuching Mangrove Forest, Malaysia

Based in the Sarawak region of Malaysia, this pilot is focused on dissolved carbon loss from mangrove forests

Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, United States

This pilot is in development with partners in the United States, more information to come soon.

Hai Phong, Vietnam

This pilot site is in development with partners in Vietnam, more information to come soon.

Plymouth Sound, United Kingdom

Based in Plymouth in the UK, this pilot is focused on impacts of flooding on water quality, mud flats and sea grass beds.

Venice, Italy

Based in Italy, this pilot site is focused on testing AquaWatch for waterways in Venice.