33 Mars Creek
Water Quality Ranking: 22 / 43
Data Reliability Ranking: 7/ 43
Constituent Council(s):Ryde City Council
Constituent stream(s):Mars Creek
Rainfall Station(s):R05
Sewerage Overflows: 3
Stormwater outlets: 9
Water Quality sampling points: WQ031, WQ045, WQ047, WQ049
Pollution Control Device Numbers: none
Overview:
Landuse:
|
Landuse |
Area (ha) |
% sub-catchment |
% LCR catchment |
|
Open space |
49 |
17 |
2.5 |
|
Residential |
82 |
29 |
1.7 |
|
Business |
6 |
2 |
4.6 |
|
Industrial |
1.5 |
1 |
0.7 |
|
Special Uses |
122 |
43 |
14.5 |
|
Special Zones |
22 |
8 |
10.2 |
|
Total |
283 |
100 |
3.5 |
Period of sampling records: August 1989 - March 1998 % wet days:17
Number of sampling occasions (N):6
Compliance of key indicators to ANZECC guidelines
|
Parameter |
|||||||
|
pH |
Faecal Coliforms |
% Diss. Oxygen |
Diss. Solids |
Total P |
Total N |
Ammonia |
Chl. - A |
|
83 |
50 |
50 |
60 |
17 |
67 |
0 |
0 |
Summary: The water quality of this sub-catchment is poor. Evidence of high nutrient and sewage pollution loadings exist. Dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll - A levels indicate stagnant water and eutrophic conditions and when combined with levels of nutrients (especially phosphorus) provide ideal conditions for algal blooms.
Issues: Conditions suitable for algal blooms exist in Mars creek. The condition of the stream should be carefully monitored to assess the likelihood of this occurring. Macquarie university is within this sub-catchment and the runoff from playing fields may be a possible source of pollution for the creek.
Knowledge Gaps: Further sewerage and stormwater information may be able to be gathered for this sub-catchment.
Recommendations: Macquarie University Lake (Lake Yerbury) should be monitored since water quality data suggests that it may become eutrophic. The condition of the sewerage system and nutrients loads should be followed.