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Connecting People & Waterways

Streamwatch is a citizen science water monitoring program that enables community groups to monitor the quality and health of local waterways.

Groups across Greater Sydney can access Streamwatch training, resources, & loan kits, enabling you to understand & address the unique challenges facing waterways in your area.

Whether you’re part of a school, community group, or an individual passionate about protecting the environment, Streamwatch equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

A Local Community Citizen Science Water Program

Monitors the health of waterways and riparian areas

Provides pollution and biosecurity alerts to authorities

Supplies long term environmental data for planning

Connects people and nature with a practical purpose

Eyes and ears on our water

About Streamwatch

Streamwatch empowers community groups to monitor and care for local waterways. Through regular water quality testing and water bug surveys, participants contribute valuable data to the Atlas of Living Australia so researchers and authorities can track environmental changes and support waterway conservation efforts.

The program began in 1990 as an initiative of Sydney Water and the Sydney Catchment Authority. This successful trial of 15 schools led to the establishment of the Waterwatch program across Australia. In 2019, Streamwatch relocated from the Australian Museum to Greater Sydney Landcare, continuing its mission to engage communities in protecting waterways.

Beyond monitoring, Streamwatch fosters community engagement through waterway talks, hands-on workshops, and tailored education sessions.

Our Projects

Southeast Schools

The Southeast Schools Program enables schools in the Georges River Catchment area to investigate local waterway health while directly supporting the NSW curriculum. With access to the Streamwatch ALERT Kit, eligible schools are equipped with the tools and support to engage in this hands-on citizen science program. Suitable for stages 2-6 and designed with a flexible delivery, Streamwatch brings contemporary experiential learning to any classroom.

Waterwatch Citizen Science

This Project brings communities together to care for their waterways by providing training and resources to monitor water quality across Greater Sydney. Local community groups, schools and businesses are welcome to enquire about access to a Streamwatch Water Quality Kit. . This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through funding from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

South Creek

The South Creek Project focuses on preserving the health of this important waterway, which supports rich biodiversity and local communities. Combining water quality monitoring with community engagement, this project highlights the unique ecological significance of South Creek and encourages collaborative action to protect its future. 

Get Involved

Joining Streamwatch is easy and rewarding.

  • Join a Local Group: Connect with an existing Streamwatch group in your area by reaching out to us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org.
  • Start Your Own Group: Gather a couple of friends who share your passion for the environment and fill out our enquiry form. Please note that starting a new group is dependent on available funding and can take some time. We’ll work with you to support the process.
  • Volunteer for a Day: Keep an eye on our socials and Eventbrite page for upcoming events. From water quality testing to waterway cleanup and educational workshops, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand and make a difference.

Join us in protecting our local waterways and creating a resilient environment for future generations.

Find Out More
Project Supporters
NSW Landcare Enabling Program

This initiative is supported by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW government.

Waterwatch Citizens Science Program

This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through funding from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Stay up-to-date with Streamwatch

Connect with the Streamwatch – join the community on Instagram, read the latest news, or sign up for the Streamwatch newsletter.

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