Water quality can be impacted by a number of factors, including:

  • Temperature, salinity and pH
  • The levels of dissolved oxygen
  • Clarity, colour and suspended particulate matter
  • Nutrients and organic matter from stormwater and landscape erosion
  • Phytoplankton, chorophyll a and 'nuisance' plant growth
  • Pathogens and faecal bacteria from sewage, livestock in waterways, and stormwater
  • Heavy metals

Water clarity is generally good in the Derwent, and suspended particulate levels are low, except after heavy rain. Faecal bacterial levels are also typically low at most sites, with the majority of beaches and bays receiving a good rating for recreational use.

Nutrient levels vary throughout the year, with the highest values measured in winter months when nutrient-rich, sub-Antarctic waters extend north to southeastern Tasmania. Currents along the Australian and Tasmanian east coast effect levels also.  Nutrient levels are generally highest in the upper and mid-estuary, reflecting inputs from sewage treatment plants, industry and the catchment. Until recently, nuisance algal blooms were rare, however algal blooms have occurred in the upper estuary, together with native seagrass loss.  Drinking water taste and odour issues in the Hobart water supply, are indicative of increasing nutrient loads to the river and estuary.

The Derwent Estuary Program coordinates a number of initiatives to monitor and improve water quality including recreational and ambient water quality monitoring programs, dissolved oxygen and seagrass surveys, sediment and seafood surveys, and heavy metal and nutrient investigations. We also support our partner Councils to improve their management of stormwater water quality.

  • River sand patterns. Image: iStock.
    Beach Watch

    Beach Watch involves weekly water sampling over the summer months at popular beaches and bays to check if they are safe for swimming.

  • Heavy metals. Image: Derwent Estuary Program.
    Heavy metals

    The Derwent Estuary has a legacy of heavy metal contamination

  • Litter, Bedlam Walls Track. Image: Derwent Estuary Program.
    Litter

    The accumulation of  litter along the Derwent foreshore has been identified as one of the community’s biggest concerns.

  • Litter trap, Kingston Tasmania. Image: Derwent Estuary Program.
    Stormwater

    Stormwater is delivered to the Derwent estuary via 13 major rivulets and over 270 pipes in the Derwent estuary catchment.

  • Waves. Image:  Luis Deliz.
    Catchment

    Agriculture, forestry, hydropower generation and fish hatcheries dominate catchment land use.