Altered water temperature
Impact
Water temperature refers to how hot or cold the water is. It depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to: depth and flow, shade levels, air temperature, turbidity, stratification, aquatic vegetation and water source (i.e. rainfall, ground water inflows, discharges of warmed water from industrial activities or release of cold water from dams). Water temperature affects the physical, biological and chemical properties of the water body. Sudden water temperature change can result in fish and other aquatic animal deaths. Warmer water can be higher in dissolved salts, lower in dissolved oxygen and is more susceptible to eutrophication. Temperature also affects the metabolic rate of plants and animals. Long-term changes in temperature can cause a shift in species present in the ecosystem.
Suggested indicator: Temperature of water+
Altered water temperature may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators+ |
| Changed dissolved oxygen levels |
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Changed salinity of water |
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| Changed pH of water |
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Changed dissolved nutrients |
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| Altered susceptibility to algal blooms |
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| Changed in-steam habitat structure |
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| Changed composition, condition and diversity of animal species |
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+ Descriptions of indicators (PDF, 76K)* provides a brief description of each indicator including techniques and purpose.
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Last updated 7 September 2010
