Water quality modelling

AquaWatch employs an advanced water quality modelling approach that integrates data from water-based sensors, Earth observation and physical models to accurately depict the biogeochemical characteristics of water bodies and
coastal areas.

Forecasting water quality

One important feature of AquaWatch’s water quality system will be its early warning tool. This forecasting model combines hydrodynamic and biogeochemical modelling tools for more accurate forecasts of water quality in diverse aquatic systems including rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

With the capacity to ingest data from various sources, including third-party water-based sensors and CSIRO’s HydraSpectra, and integrate them with Earth observation data, the AquaWatch system can assimilate these diverse data streams and evaluate predictive accuracy and uncertainty.

AquaWatch’s water quality modelling uses remote sensing‑derived and in-situ sensor data streams to sequentially update model output. It has also developed hybrid models to improve forecasting skills and reduce uncertainties linking the AquaWatch system to different real-world sites it showcases tailored capabilities and delivers specialised data streams for specific use cases.