About the program

Waterwatch is a national community water monitoring program funded by the Commonwealth Government's Natural Heritage Trust. Waterwatch enables Australians to become involved in the monitoring and management of waterways in their catchment. The program aims to build community understanding of water quality issues, and to encourage monitoring groups to undertake constructive actions to rectify water quality problems.

Participants include primary and secondary schools and community groups who either monitor their waterways regularly throughout the year, or limit their activity to participation in the twice yearly "Snapshot" of water quality held in April and October (National Water Week). There are approximately 100 groups involved in regular monitoring in the Melbourne region. The Merri and Moonee Ponds Creek Waterwatch Coordinator assists schools and community groups to use water quality monitoring equipment and standard procedures to assess the water quality of their local waterways. If transport and time are a problem for schools we arrange an in schools program looking at water quality issues.

Waterwatch is regionally sponsored by seven local Councils, Melbourne Water and the National Heritage Trust. The National Heritage Trust contributes $13,300 towards the Merri and Moonee Ponds Creek Waterwatch Program. The Merri Creek Management Committee facilitates Melbourne Waterwatch in Merri and Moonee Ponds Creek. If you would like to get involved in monitoring in the Merri and Moonee Ponds catchments as a school group, community group, library, or individual contact Merri Creek Management Committee on 9380 8199 and ask for the Waterwatch Coordinator.

What do groups measure?

Testing parameters for schools include pH, Conductivity, Temperature, Turbidity, Flow Rate, Visual Habitat assessment, Litter surveys and Macroinvertebrate surveys (water bugs). Additional parameters for secondary schools, individuals and interest groups include Phosphate, Ammonia and Dissolved Oxygen.

Getting Schools Involved

Many school groups all along the Merri and Moonee Ponds Creeks and its tributaries are involved in the Waterwatch program. Our activites integrate the Victorian Essential Learning guidelines into our activities. We cater for all age groups from prep to tertiary. Find out more about how your school can become involved in their local Waterwatch program.

What support is available?

• Monitoring kits designed, tested and commercially available
• Monitoring manual includes sections on: CSF links, Habitat surveys, biological surveys, physical and chemical tests, from results to
  actions and resources
• Fundraising advice for groups who need to raise money for the
  purchase of monitoring equipment
• Newsletter
• Training opportunities and teacher professional development.

Visit the Waterwatch website for training sessions and other events.

If you have any further queries don't hesitate to contact MCMC on 9380 8199 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it