Water Management is critically important for Local Governments, as it incorporates varied issues such as managing the watering needs in public open space, maintaining water quality in local waterways, managing stormwater and drainage assets, and adopting water sensitive urban design.
Wetland Algal Bloom Management: Sharing Treatment Outcomes
WALGA and New WAter Ways have created an interactive map with case studies from Local Governments on the outcomes of wetland algal bloom treatments. The aim of the initiative is to assist Local Governments to identify and adopt effective treatments, optimise use of scarce resources and increase our collective understanding of options for wetland management. While the key to managing wetland water quality is to prevent the causes of high nutrient levels at the catchment scale, it is recognised that intervention at the local scale to address symptoms is part of an integrated approach being adopted by Local Government.
Case studies detailing algal bloom treatments are available from the Local Governments of Busselton, Canning, Mandurah, Perth, Rockingham and Subiaco. The information can be accessed under the ‘Wetland Algae Management’ category on the New WAter Ways Interactive Map.
Treatments are to manage algae or cyanobacteria blooms, which generally occur as water levels drop and temperatures increase. Case studies of the following treatments are provided:
- enzymes
- phoslock
- HT-clay, and
- barley straw bales.
Positive results have been reported for all treatments trialled, ranging from rapid improvements in visual water clarity, through to reductions in total phosphorus concentration by over 90%.
Sites include natural wetlands and constructed lakes in urban environments, and regional river systems. Information includes details of the treatment applied, before and after treatment photos, and whether corresponding water parameters have been measured.
The interactive map will continue to be updated with new case studies.
Resources
The following resources are provided to help Local Governments manage their water management needs, and water resources:
WALGA has produced guidelines for Local Governments to control erosion and sediment.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation supports Western Australia’s growth and development by managing the availability and quality of water – now and for the future.
New WAter Ways aims to improve urban water management by building the water sensitive urban design capacity of government and industry.
This program is delivered by the Water Corporation and recognises Local Governments who have taken action to improve their water management.
This brochure was developed as part of the Urban Users Fertiliser Action Plan Working Group.
This plan was developed by WALGA’s Swan Canning Policy Forum to deliver an efficient, equitable and realistic solution that demonstrates a commitment to protecting Perth’s most iconic asset.
The Swan River Trust is an advisory body that provides independent, high-level strategic advice on the protection of the Swan and Canning rivers and related developments.
