Water quantity and quality monitoring networks

The department operates and maintains four networks across the state to monitor surface and groundwater quantity and quality. These programs operate under an ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System (which is audited and re-assessed every three years) to ensure public confidence in the data underpinning the department's water planning and management activities.

Streamflow monitoring

The department has an extensive network of around 400 stream gauging station sites  across the state where river height and stream flow information is collected. A subset of some 170 of these gauging stations collect time series water quality data (i.e. continuous conductivity and temperature data). Streamflow data from the Stream Gauging Station Network (PDF, 872K)* is used for a number of purposes, including:

Further water resource monitoring information, and access to groundwater data, is available online via the interactive Water monitoring data portal.

Fact sheet - Stream gauging stations (PDF, 218K)*.

Surfacewater quality monitoring

The purpose of the Queensland Surfacewater Ambient Network, Water Quality (PDF, 336K)* is to collect ambient, long term water quality data at selected gauging station sites across the state. Water quality samples for a number of different parameters are taken at around 190 gauging stations with the frequency varying depending on operational conditions. This information is then used to assess and report on the condition and trend of Queensland's water resources. For more information please download the ambient surface water quality summary reports. 

For a list of other water quality monitoring programs, including estuarine and marine related data collection, please see the Queensland Waterway Monitoring Portal.

Sub-artesian groundwater level monitoring

The department is responsible for the management of Queensland's groundwater resources, its protection and sustainable use. The Groundwater Level Network consists of around 5,500 groundwater bores and fulfils a departmental obligation under the Water Act 2000. The collected data is used for water resource planning and water management programs and is available to the public, water service providers, local governments and community groups. In addition, 150 bores are continuously collecting time series water level data.

The number, location and monitoring frequency of all bores on the Groundwater Water Level Network can be accessed using the following links:

Groundwater quality monitoring

The sub-artesian Groundwater Ambient Network, Water Quality (PDF, 327K)* was established to gather water quality data across the state. The data is used for a variety of other purposes, including:

Further information is available also online via the interactive Water monitoring data portal.

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Last updated 6 May 2013

Water monitoring