Part 3Water Quality and River Flow Objectives

# Part 3 Water Quality and River Flow Objectives Part 3 Water Quality and River Flow Objectives In 1999, as part of its Water Reform package, the NSW Government worked closely with the community to develop Interim Environmental Objectives for Water Quality (WQOs), and River Flow (RFOs) for each catchment in New South Wales. Longer term objectives have been set for some individual catchments through Healthy Rivers Commission inquiries. The Interim Environmental Objectives identify the broad goals to achieve long-term river health, maintain biodiversity and secure sustainable water sources for communities and industries dependent on water of a certain quality. Water quality objectives are based on measurable environmental values that provide the appropriate water quality for environmental and human-related needs. River flow objectives aim to improve and maintain river health by recognising the importance of natural river flow patterns in managing the riverine water sources. The Interim Environmental Objectives are designed to support a range of values identified by the community, including: Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) | WQO 1 | Aquatic ecosystems | | WQO 2 | Visual amenity | | WQO 3 | Secondary contact recreation | | WQO 4 | Primary contact recreation | | WQO 5 | Livestock water supply | | WQO 6 | Irrigation water supply | | WQO 7 | Homestead water supply | | WQO 8 | Drinking water at point of supply—Disinfection only | | WQO 9 | Drinking water at point of supply—Clarification and disinfection | | WQO 10 | Drinking water at point of supply—Groundwater | | WQO 11 | Aquatic foods (cooked) | River Flow Objectives (RFOs) | RFO 1 | Protect pools in dry times | | RFO 2 | Protect natural low flows | | RFO 3 | Protect important rises in water levels | | RFO 4 | Maintain wetland and floodplain inundation | | RFO 5 | Mimic natural drying in temporary waterways | | RFO 6 | Maintain natural flow variability | | RFO 7 | Maintain natural rates of change in water levels | | RFO 8 | Manage groundwater for ecosystems | | RFO 9 | Minimise effects of weirs and other structures | | RFO 10 | Minimise effects of dams on water quality | | RFO 11 | Make water available for unforeseen events | | RFO 12 | Maintain or rehabilitate estuarine processes and habitats | The [Water Management Act 2000](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2000-092) requires the SWMOP to be consistent with these Objectives, and states that all management plans developed under the Act should be consistent with government policy in relation to environmental objectives for water quality and river flow. The Interim Environmental Objectives for Water Quality and River Flows should therefore be considered when assessing progress against the long term objectives and 5 year management targets set in the SWMOP. In cases where longer term objectives have been set through the Healthy Rivers Commission, these individual objectives should be considered.