This component of the Improving Water Quality in the Vasse-Wonnerup system will focus on water quality monitoring and modelling to identify sources and movement of nutrients within the Vasse Wonnerup catchment. This monitoring and modelling is interlinked with the Coastal Catchment Initiative project.
Monitoring will take place at 15 sites across the catchment on a fortnightly basis while flows continue. There will also be 5 coastal sites monitored. The data collected will include total suspended solids, nutrients and physical parameter. This information is then fed into the model.
The model will help in making strategic decisions as to the most appropriate action to achieve a reduction in pollutants entering the drainage system and ultimately the Vasse Wonnerup Wetlands. It will be able to show where nutrient are originating from, where they are being transported to, and the means by which they are carried. It will also be able to look at the contribution of different land uses to nutrient loads and also determine the types of management practices needed to achieve the target nutrient levels for receiving waterbodies.
The Department of Water is a key partner in this project and will be producing the model.
