Water is being fed into the lower Broken Creek via irrigation channels to address blackwater and provide critical refuge for native fish and other aquatic animals
Low-oxygen blackwater is occurring due to the recent heavy rain and storms along with high summer temperatures.
Floodwaters have carried large amounts of organic material such as leaves, twigs and grass into the creek, which turns the water a dark brown or black colour.
As this material is broken down by bacteria, it can reduce oxygen levels in the water which can stress and possibly kill fish and other aquatic fauna.
The channel water is high in dissolved oxygen which helps improve oxygen levels in the creek as well as providing higher quality water for fish to move to.
We have collaborated with Goulburn-Murray Water to provide the fresh water to improve the water quality in the lower Broken Creek.
We are continuing to monitor waterways throughout the catchment. More info: Water Quality and Dissolved Oxygen - GB CMA - Goulburn Broken CMA
Blackwater in the lower Broken Creek near Katamatite.
Water flowing into the lower Broken Creek near Numurkah via an irrigation channel.