Streamwatch FAQs

Streamwatch groups can be amongst the first to detect pollution events in local waterways.

If a preliminary inspection of a site reveals obvious water contamination such as raw sewage, blue-green algae, or a chemical spill, do not conduct Streamwatch testing.

Write down as much detail as you can about the location and event. If possible, take photos and collect a Google Maps pin drop

Contact the relevant authorities such as your local council, Sydney Water, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as soon as possible.

Contacts for Water Pollution

To get started, connect with an existing Streamwatch group in your area by emailing us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org. We’ll help you find the closest group that matches your location and interests.

Once you’ve selected a group, you’ll receive Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and induction documents to review and sign off. This ensures you’re prepared and informed before beginning any fieldwork.

After completing the induction process, you’ll be ready to join your group in monitoring and protecting your local waterways.

Yes. Individuals and community members interested in starting their own Streamwatch group are encouraged to first attend a Streamwatch event. This will give you a clear understanding of the responsibilities and requirements involved in running a group.

Please note that the availability of water quality kits is funding-dependent, so the process may take some time.

If you’re ready to take the next step, fill out our enquiry form. We’ll guide you through the process of creating your own group and contributing to the health of our waterways.

Yes, Streamwatch kits are available for purchase. The ALERT kit is priced at $1,000 (excluding GST), while the SMART 3 kit is available for $5,000 (excluding GST).

If you’re interested in purchasing a kit, please fill out our enquiry form, and we will provide you with more details on how to proceed.

The ALERT Kit and the SMART 3 Colorimeter Kit are both tools for testing water quality but differ in their complexity and precision.

The ALERT Kit is a simple, cost-effective tool designed for community groups, schools, and volunteers. It uses visual color comparison and electronic probes to measure basic parameters like pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and phosphates, providing semi-quantitative results suitable for educational purposes and general water health assessments.

The SMART 3 Colorimeter Kit, historically was the main kit used in the Streamwatch program before the ALERT Kit was designed. It previously was referred to as the “Standard Kit”. The SMART 3 Colorimeter Kit is an advanced, digital device that measures light absorbance to deliver accurate, numerical data for Dissolved Oxygen, Phosphates and Turbidity. It utilizes Hazardous chemicals and is not suitable for Children under 18 years of age. It is ideal for scientific research, professional monitoring, and projects requiring high precision.

To order Streamwatch consumables, please fill out the Reagent Order Form. This form allows you to request the necessary supplies for your water quality testing, ensuring you have everything you need to continue monitoring and protecting local waterways. Cost will vary. 

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org.

Streamwatch Group Data is uploaded by Team Leaders onto the Streamwatch Data Portal on the Atlas of living Australia.

All instructions and links can be found on our Streamwatch Resource Page.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org.