Monitoring our waterways
The quality of the water flowing through our creeks, rivers, estuaries, constructed lakes, and canals and into our oceans affects the habitat of a range of aquatic species, and the health and amenity of waterways and beaches for swimming and recreation.
Monitoring and evaluating the Gold Coast's waterways is essential for their health and sustainability. Improved surface and groundwater monitoring inform the way we manage waterways and their use. It was one of the key actions identified in our Gold Coast Water Strategy needed for us to transition to a water-sensitive city.
Approximately 230 water quality sample sites are included in our monitoring program. These include ocean beaches, the Broadwater, rivers, creeks, canals, fresh and tidal lakes.
The water quality information is used for a range of purposes including:
- providing information on the ecological health of our waterways
- providing information to compare with national water quality standards
- identifying trends in water quality
- monitoring the effectiveness of waterway management strategies and community rehabilitation efforts
- assessing changes in water quality in association with landscape modification
- providing general water quality information for student and public enquiries.
Use the following interactive map for the latest monitoring results.
Navigate the map above by clicking on the blue marks to display the data collected at the site. For information on terms of use of the data displayed in the map above please refer to 'Use of interactive maps' in our Terms of use.
To learn more about the different ways we monitor surface water quality, go to Water quality monitoring program.
To learn more about the parameters we use to test and manage water quality, go to Water quality monitoring parameters.
Waterway data request online form
Use this form to request water-quality data available through our monitoring program.
Submit online form