Whittlesea College Students do WaterWatchA small but enthusiastic group of Year 12 Geography students from Whittlesea Secondary College joined MCMC at Merri Creek in Donnybrook to conduct WaterWatch physical chemical testing of parameters such as salinity (EC), pH, turbidity, temperature and nutrients (phosphate and ammonium). 

This testing site is downstream of new housing developments and just upstream of the confluence of Kalkallo Creek. Both creeks and nearby dams and wetlands support an important population of endangered Growling Grass Frogs (Litoria raniformis). The students were studying the ecological impacts of urban development on waterways.

Whittlesea College Student in the creekThis site on Merri Creek has been monitored a number of times in the last few years by MCMC WaterWatch and some patterns are emerging. Salinity varies from 700-1200 EC, relatively high for an average outer urban stream but not uncharacteristic for Merri Creek. Turbidity (muddiness) is often high (over 30 NTUs) and the water has looked muddy on each visit. Creek flow has been slow on each of the sampling occasions. Dissolved oxygen has only been measured on the most recent occasion but it's something we want to keep an eye on in the future because of its importance for aquatic life. Slow flow and warm temperatures in summer may lead to depleted levels levels of oxygen. Phosphate results have been over 0.05 mg/L and are usually higher when turbidity is higher. 

These results and other Merri Creek site results can be viewed on the WaterWatch data portal.

Teacher, Erin Waller, reported that: “The students had an amazing time and could only say great things about you [Julia] and the creek, other than it was freezing cold! They were a bit disheartened but not surprised by the [possible] impact of the construction on the health of the creek. They also loved using their chemistry skills to test the water and making those connections, gave them inspiration for future possible careers! Which is very exciting!” 

Thank you to teacher, Erin Waller, for organising this event and to the City of Whittlesea for funding the MCMC WaterWatch program.