Australasian Hydrographer May 2001

Collingwood River above Alma River

AUSTRALASIAN HYDROGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION

Australasian Hydrographer

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Period 10/03/2001 @ 00:00:00 to 24/03/2001 @13:00:00

May 2001Volume 5, Number 3

In This Issue

Editorial20 Questions with Simon CruickshankOK until you get to the footballChairman's MessageThe Design of aData Logger forRiver GaugingRefreshing ArticleWater Resources Management inAustralia - a Thumbnail SketchOrganisation ofour IndustryPosition VacantUser Group MeetingsTimeStudio and HydsysSouth Coast WaterQuality Monitoring ProgramIs this our future role?The Barber's PoleIntroduction to HydrographyWhats Hydrography all about?What does it Mean?Bureau ofMeteorology terms

Australasian Hydrographer, May 2001

Editorial

Hello there, and welcome to the first Quarterlyedition of our revised Newsletter.

23 This edition is the result of much searching of

the web, and harassing people everywhere. Thesame system applies as in our previous

4 format..we need your input. Ifthe Association isto progress beyond where we were, and the feedback I've been getting since the launch of our

8 monthly issues seems to suggest it might, then13 we all need to make it happen.

Quote"It doesn't rain like it used to."

(Author Known)

The Australasian Hydrographer is the Journal ofthe Australasian Hydrographers' Association. The journal is distributed monthly, free ofcharge to Members.

Please visit our web site athttp://hydrographers.50megs.comto download a Membership Application Form,and to find Contact Details for your State Representative.

Editorial and Advertising enquiries should bedirected to the Association's Publicity Officer,Les Marshall.e-mail [email protected] PO Box 200, SNUG, Tasmania, 7054.

This Journal is produced by theAustralasian Hydrographers' Association.

ISSN 0812-5090

I think the focus now should be to develop ourown identity further. More and more ofour "traditional" hydrographers are gaining tertiary qualifications, and too, more of the new arrivals already have tertiary qualifications. So, in theory(I love that!), we have the expertise to publishsound technical material.

In this issue, I have listed our new members. Theyhave had the confidence to take up the challengeto make the Association theirs. We have lots ofnew things we need to pursue.

Top of the list is to sort out the suggestion toprogress towards an Institute. Your comments areeagerly sought. So far, we have only had two orthree suggestions following the March Newsletter. In the next quarterly issue, I hope that wecan put some concrete proposals to you.

In the meantime, why not have a look at some ofthe relevant Institutes similar to ours? See whatthey offer Hydrographers and people in our industry, and more particularly what theydon't...that's where we should fit!

Les Marshall


20 Questions With Simon Cruickshank

Simon has only recently taken up a position as the Senior Hydrographer with the Northern Territory'sDepartment of Lands Planning and Environment. His job is to coordinate the long term strategiesof the hydrographic unit based out ofDarwin. The unit currently consists of 11 other hydrographicstaff. He was previously with the NSW Department ofLand and Water Conservation, a product ofthe Hydrographic cadetship scheme before progressing to Hydrographer for the Lachlan Region inthe Central West.

What was your first job?My first full time job was as a yacht broker, attempting to make a living by selling sinking hulksto would be trans Atlantic dreamers in the middleofa recession. Prior to that I had numerous parttime jobs, pumping fuel (too much lead sniffing), dairyman (had to get up too early), stacking shelves at Grace Bros (car got stolen), phonesales (you gotta be desperate)

Why did you pick it?The vision oftaking girls out sailing and gettingpaid for it was very tempting, unfortunately thereality was quite different.

What drew you to your present position?I got into hydrographic because the cadetshipprogram allowed me to be trained and paid tostudy in a water based science that has a uniquecombination offield work and office based analysis. I took on my current position in the NT towork in a unique environment with pristine unregulated water, and they said I could go to workby helicopter.

What is the favourite part of your currentjob?Too early to tell yet, but it will probably be morning tea.

What is the strangest thing you have beenasked to do?Attend a firearms course.

Pastimes and hobbies?Windsurfing, sailing, whitewater kayaking andRugby (of the Union variety), Motorbike tourmg.

What are you reading?

Jacksons Track, and "Watch Spot Run" - newbaby in the house.

Favourite music?Blues, particularly Ben Harper, Tony Joe White,BB King, Howlin Wolf etc.

Favourite website?Rugby Heaven

Where do you see our industry in say 5 yearsfrom now?With a larger and more professional profile,bought about by an increased awareness of theindustry, as both private and professional datausers become more familiar with resource information availability. As web sites and other interactive data provision services become moreavailable the expectation is that demand for information at other locations will grow. Hydrographic will also become more accountable forits data quality and timeliness provision. Nodoubt new sensing and communication technologies will radically change the day to day operations of our work.

How can participation of younger membersbe encouraged in our association?Workshops and conferences incorporating socialfunctions. Many of the cadets or graduates inHydrographic perform a hydrographic basedproject as part of their studies. These membersshould be encouraged to publish their findingsin the magazine. This needs to be promoted byhydrographic management.

If you could achieve one thing in your lifetime what would it be?A year or 2 cruising around the Pacific in an indulgent yacht.

Name three people you would like to invite todinner?Nelson Mandela, Sean Fitzpatrick and GwynethPaltrow but not necessarily in that order.

Your favourite beverage?Stella Artois

Your ideal weekend consists of .....A good session of Blues at 'The Basement'Sydney, on Friday night, Wave sailing at Margaret River Saturday, watching the All Blacks flogAustralia at Eden Park Saturday night, [hang on,hang on Simon, I was just getting to like you,Ed], Skiing at Treble Cone on Sunday finishingoff with dinner at Le Kiosk (Manly). Where'sthat credit card ?

How do you balance your work and privatelife?With lots of holidays

Your greatest asset?My Triumph Sprint ST motorbike.

Your greatest liability?My bank account

What is the best thing about your job?A relatively free rein with which to hangmyselfwith.

What is the worst thing about your job?Bureaucracy, the time it takes to get things

done, and decisions to be made.

Sign Up Now!!!!

Our Membership has responded very well to there-envigoration of the Association, renewingtheir Membership, and sometimes bringing innew Members. For the last three issues of ourNewsletters, "everyone" has been getting them.

We cannot afford to keep doing this. And won't.Ifyou are ready to join the new adventure, download a Membership Application from our website (http://hydrographers.50megs.com)and sendit to Max.


Chairman's Message

Welcome to the first edition ofthe new look quarterly newsletter. I am sure that you are as pleasedas I am with the monthly newsletter that our editor has been producing. Now comes the firstmajor publication in the fonn of the quarterlynews magazine.

Both of these publications mark the beginningofa new era for the Australasian Hydrographers'Association and are indicative ofthe enthusiasmthat exists around this country and overseas forthe establishment of a rejuvenated and vibrantassociation. Support for the association has comefrom all states and territories and from our colleagues in New Zealand. This support and theaccompanying steady growth in members willallow the association to provide some ofthe services that the executive and members have discussed, such as a hydrographic workshop nextyear and development of an approved trainingprogram aimed specifically at people workingin this industry.

The success of any organisation such as ours isbased on a participative membership who willexpress their thoughts and needs openly. In ourassociation participation by members through thenewsletters, both monthly for short articles andthe quarterly issue for substantial documents isessential to our ongoing viability. Some criticalcomment on articles is also welcome. Pleasedon't leave it to our editor to be editor,newshound, reporter, typesetter and publisher. Itbecomes pretty demoralising if he has to chasearticles each month or quarter.

There is so much happening in our industry thatneeds to be commented on. Management of thedata owned by 'customers', commercialisation- good or bad, what should hydrographers becalled these days, work experiences, good jokes- they are all suitable for our editors collection, to be used now or in the future.

Welcome to the AHA. I hope your involvementand membership will be enhanced by your participation.

Alex Miller

3

Australasian Hydrographer. May 2001

The Design of a Data Logger for River Gauging

By Owen Mooney

Introduction

River gauging consumes a significant amount ofthe field hydrologist's time. Technology hasmoved from stopwatch and earphones to electronic counters, but there has been a more difficult transition from simple counters to full electronic measurement of velocity and flow. Thedelay in development is probably due to relatively low production runs, and the difficulty indesigning suitable user interfaces.

Scott Technical Instruments started the development ofa gauging logger about November 1998.Its design was conceived after the author watchedthe resident hydrologist do a gauging in theWaitoa River. Initially a software program waswritten to do the gauging calculations, but thisprogressed to the design of a full gauging logger.

The price of the logger should be affordable.

The logic and calculations for gauging are verysimple, and presented no design challenges. Thedesign of the user interface, and meter interfacewas considerably more difficult. The logger wasdeveloped using conventional microprocessortechnology, and it would be fair to say that about60% ofthe program code is user interface code,and 20% deal with the meter.

Features and Innovations

According to accepted practice, the logger accepts velocity measurements at depth fractionsof 0.2, 0.6 and 0.8. It will calculate the velocitybased on one of the following schemes:

The product was also developed to a commer- Orcial standard. Or

Mean Velocity (MV) = V06

MY = (VoC + Vo H ) I 2MY=(Voc + 2xV

06+V

Og)/4

The criteria for the logger design were:

• A gauging could be carried out withoutpencil or paper, with the logger calculatingeverything.

• The logger could hold multiple gaugings.• The data could be uploaded to a computer

and subsequently manipulated and exported.• The interface should be obvious to use, with

the user manual barely needed.• The interface should be forgiving, allowing

for recovery from any incorrect entry.• The interface should be efficient, requiring

as few keystrokes to operate as possible.• The logger should provide good feedback to

the user during the logging process.• The logger should provide progress infor

mation such as velocities and discharges.• The loggers should be able to deal with

nearly any meter including wiping contactmeters.

4

The logger currently operates using mean section methodology, but a mid section version isplanned. This will just be a software change inthe logger.

While the discharge calculations are conventional, the logger introduces an innovative methodology for determining the duration of eachmeasurement. The operator specifies minimumand maximum counts and times. Within this envelope, the logger will measure until a specifiedaccuracy is achieved. This accuracy is measuredusing an estimate from the variations in timebetween successive contact closures.

This feature alone ensures faster gaugings.

Another innovation in the logger is the measurement of flow variation RMS. It remains to beseen how hydrologists use this feature in the future.

Potential uses are:• Improved gauging accuracy evaluation• Identification of sub surface turbulence• Identification of short term whole stream

surging

While every attempt has been made to make thelogger interface as simple as possible, mistakeswill inevitably be made in the field. To assistwith error recovery, the logger will accept vertical measurements made out of order, and automatically sort them. Once the logger results areloaded to a support program running in a PC,the results can be viewed graphically. Some errors in data entry become immediately obvious.Any mistakes can be corrected.

Logger use

Use of the logger is straight forward. A series ofmenus allows the use to select the function theyrequire. Once a new gauging has been started aseries ofdata input screens lead the user to enterthe expected information (site id, type of gauging etc.).

For each of the verticals, the user has to enteronly one data element - the depth. The loggeranticipates the position from the previous twovertical positions, but this ofcourse can be overwritten. The logger also calculates the verticalpositions ofthe 0.2, 0.6 and 0.8 readings, eitherfrom the top for bridge gaugings, or from thebottom for rod gaugings. Velocity measurementis by the press ofa key. Discharge values for eachsection show as they are measured.

In addition to normal verticals the loggers supports effective waters edge, soundings and ad hocreadings. Soundings are used for the waters edgereading.

Once the user has entered the last vertical thelogger immediately informs them if any of thesections have more than 10% of the flow. Thehydrologist can determine which section was toolarge and enter new verticals as required. A sorting function in the logger automatically placesall verticals in the correct order.


Dealing with metersThe range of current meters in use provides ainteresting challenge, and the meter interface ofloggers is traditionally a difficult area. Problemscan arise with both water conductivity and meterlead resistance. During development, a prototypelogger was tried in a dirty stream. The water conductivity defeated the "contact open" detection.The resistance thresholds were reduced. The unitwas later tried with a long lead on a bridge, andthe resistance defeated the "contact closed" detection!!! The logger now has an "auto-calibrate"function automatically adjusting for meter cableresistance and water conductivity.

Another difficult area is contact "bounce" causedby wiping contacts. An electrical filter first reduces the spurious closures caused by bounce.Initial tests showed good response with a wiping contact pygmy meter. A later test with a Gurlywiping contact logger made a fool ofthe logger.

DSP techniques were then brought to bear. Theunit now sports an adjustable digital filter. Thiscan be increased for difficult wiping contacts,and decreased when very fast closures are experienced. The effects of the combination of digital filtering and adjustable thresholds can beviewed on a special screen in the logger supportsoftware. This screen gives real time graph ofthe filtered voltages, together with the voltagethresholds.

Complaints about Gurly meters have stopped,so the nut must have yielded to the sledgehammer.

The logger also supports meter test modes. Oneof these outputs a stream of data to the serialport. This feature can be used for computer basedtank calibration ofmeters, or for other computerbased velocity profiling.

The support softwareThe loggers comes with a support package calledgLog. This can be used to set up the logger andalso extracts the completed gaugings from thelogger.Once the gaugings are extracted, they can bestored to disk, retrieved at a later stage, editedand plotted.

5


The plotting has proved very popular and a sample plot is shown below:

" " " ,

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~",

"".' ."

,"

" ~ " ,

Left S"nk

10:'.;

2

Section Velocity M ,,,,mumKO. 595 mJsec. Aver"ge VelocllyKO 449 mJsec

R";lhl S"nk

In addition to working with gaugings from thelogger, the support software makes a good gauging calculatoL The editing screen has beenoptimised for rapid data entry, proving muchmore efficient than spreadsheets or older programs. The software supports multiple methodologies (mid section, mean section) and wet anddry line correction.

Scott Technical Instruments has decided to makethe software freely available for use with conventional gauging cards.

Market Acceptance

Within 12 months of release the logger hasgained wide ac~ept~.nce with the Hydrology departments of the Regional Councils in NZ. OneCouncil purchased miO loggers initially, and thencame back with an order for two more. The feedback has been that a single person with a loggeris nearly as efficient as a two-person team.

Our own hydrologist has indicated that he spendsthe same time at each site but does a more thorough gauging, taking more measurements.

6

Gaugings can be directly transferred into other

database systems. Horizons MW (previously

Manawatu Regional Council) use four loggersand directly transfer the logger data into theirhydrological data base system.

Hydsys Engineer, Peter Heweston viewed anearly version of the product displayed at a Hydrological conference in Napier, New Zealandand was enthusiastic (it recently featured in oneof their newsletters). GLog files can be directlyimported into their new HYGAUGE program,this will enable results to be easily stored intothe HYDSYS gauging database.

The product seems set to become well known inthis part ofthe world. At Scott Technical Instruments we have always called it a Gauging LoggeL The Regional Councils have called it aGlogger. This appears to becoming its new name.What ever its called it's will provide a usefuladdition to the field hydrologist's tool kit.

See Scott Technical Instruments Advertisement

on the opposite page.


STIL GAUGING LOGGER

I I• Measures Velocity Directly

• Records and Stores Whole Gaugings

• No Paper, Pencils, Calculators needed

• Improved Gauging Quality

• Instant Discharge Results

• Computer Software Included

'.1

I.l~~~.=='

• Operates with Reed Switch and Wiping Contact Meters.

Quote:"The Taranaki Regional Council has recently purchased a second GaugingLogger (known affectionately as a Glogger) to add to its arsenal ofgaugingequipment. We have found, after the initial and almost inevitable teething problems with new products and software, the Glogger has made the I-person gaugingexercise very efficient and due to the enhancements ofthe latest sofnvare versionarguably more accurate. The on-board software is plain and user-friendZv and theend results can be easily transferred into most hydrological databases. eliminating the needfor double handling The Glogger beingfully water-proof (we haverecently done deep wade gaugings with the Glogger under about 400mm ofwater I) we have no hesitation in recommending it as another item for theHydrologist's field tool box." Grant Best, Hydrologist

For Full Technical Details See: www.scottech.net

Free Gauging SoftwareAs a service to the profession, Scott Technical Instruments is supplying its gaugingcalculation software free. See our web page.

Australian Agent: Hydrological Services Pty Ltd, 48-50 Scrivener Street, Warwick Farm,2170

PO Box 332, Liverpool 2170Ph 02 96012022 Fax 02 9602 6971

7


WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA A THUMBNAIL SKETCH

This article was taken from the Australian Water Association's web site. It is approximately twoyears old, and many Departmental responsibilities have changed, then changed back! However, itis still verv relevant, and it does give an excellent overview ofAustralia's water resources and

industrv. Thanks to Chris Davis ofAWAfor permission to re-print this article.

Australia is not the driest continent in the world,since Antarctica has lower precipitation; however, it is the driest inhabited continent, with rainfall averaging only 455 mm. High evapotranspiration rates result in runoff and groundwater recharge equal to only 12% of average rainfall.Although Australia has approximately 5% oftheworlds land area. it has only 1% of the globalriver runoff.

Three factors are central to any discussion ofAustralian water resources:

• the population is concentrated where rainfalland runoff are generally plentiful;

• population density is very low and the percapita water resources are sufficient; and

• rainfall is extremely variable - so averagesare poor indicators.

It is the last feature that makes water resourcemanagement problematic. Typically, dams toprovide reliable yields have to be double theequivalent for world average climatic conditions,and six times the capacity of European dams.

WATER SUPPLY

A 1970s classification scheme by the Water Resources Council divides Australia into 13 drainage divisions, one of which covers the area outside continental AustraliaiTasmania. The drainage divisions are further divided into 245 riverbasins for reporting rainfall and runoff. A different scheme consisting of 61 groundwater provinces allows classification of sub-surface resources. Hydrological data for all of these areasis provided in the Department ofPrimary Industries and Energy 1985 Review of Australia'sWater Resources and Water Use.

8

Of the 455 mm average annual precipitation,evapotranspiration accounts for 88%; river runofffor 11 % and groundwater recharge makes uponly 1%. Averages are, however, river runoff is52 mm, the Tasmania division averages 776 mmwith a rainfall of 1352 mm and the Western Plateau division averages only 1 mm with a rainfallof262 mm. Similarly. while average groundwater recharge for Australia is 8% of combinedannual surface-groundwater resources, groundwater is only 1% of the total in Tasmania and50% of the total in the Western Plateau. Thesedifferences are all the more startling when oneconsiders that Tasmania represents only 1% ofthe total land area while the Western Plateau accounts for approximately one-third of the total.Averages are deceptive from a standpoint oftemporal variations, as well as the geographic differentiation discussed above.

A team of Australian hydrologists present ananalysis of this issue in the 1992 study GlobalRunoff - Continental Comparisons of AnnualFlows and Peak Discharges. The team comparedlong-term precipitation and runoff data forcatchments across the globe and demonstratedthat temporal variability in rainfall is greater inAustralia than any other continent. Their assessment ofrunoffvariability yielded similar results.

WATER USE

The agricultural sector accounts for approximately 79% oftotal consumption. Domestic useis the second largest component, accounting forabout 12%. Average daily domestic consumption is 320 liters, about one-half the U.S. average and 2.3 times the global average. Domestic

use varies considerably geographically, from near600 litres in Darwin (NT), to less than 200 inHobart (TAS). The industrial sector accounts foronly 9%, significantly lower than the world average of23%. To deliver reliable water suppliesfor both urban and irrigation use, as well as hydroelectric power generation, many dams havebeen constructed, effectively regulating most ofthe major rivers in the country.

Irrigation farming plays a vital role in Australian agriculture, and is also responsible for mostof the agricultural water use. There is tensionover the need to maintain and improve both agricultural production and river health, while stillsatisfying other consumptive uses. Estimatessuggest that irrigation efficiency averages about50%. While some operations may have high efficiencies, the low average, combined with thelarge proportion of total water use, suggest thatthere are substantial opportunities to use lesswater for irrigation, or to produce more from thesame amount ofwater. Much of the inefficiencyis probably attributable to over-watering or watering sooner than necessary. There may also beopportunities to boost the economic returns onagricultural water use by shifting towards highervalue crops.

National policy now demands an explicit allocation of water to the environment in recognition of a growing understanding of the need tomaintain ecological processes. The practicalramifications of this policy are still being testedand debated, amidst tensions between urban,agricultural, power generation and the environmental uses. Historical patterns of extractionsfrom regulated rivers and the imposition oftransport flows in those rivers make it very difficultto try and manage for natural environmental regimes. Also, understanding ofhow to best regulate flow variations for environmental outcomesis poorly developed. At this stage, efforts arebasically focused on implementing a "bestguess" flow pattern, followed by monitoring andthen refinement. The Murray-Darling BasinCommission introduced a cap on extractions in1985. Despite controversy over the cap, it hasbeen maintained.


INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTSAustralia is a commonwealth consisting of sixstates and two territories, with a total populationof just under 19 million people. The Commonwealth Government has jurisdiction over foreignaffairs, defence and treasury; the states are autonomous in the areas of natural resources andenvironmental management. This has created asituation in which the administration of waterand the environment varies quite markedly fromstate to state.

Commonwealth GovernmentThe Commonwealth Government has three departments which are concerned about water andenvironment issues: the Department of PrimaryIndustries and Energy (OPIE) which includessections devoted to water; Environment Australia, which is part of the Department ofthe Environment, Sport and Territories; and the Department of Health and Family Services, which hasan Environmental Health unit All of these departments operate to coordinate the efforts ofequivalent state agencies and work through ministerial councils that link the Federal Ministersto their state and territory counterparts.

Overall, the Council ofAustralian Governments(COAG) brings the state premiers and territorychief ministers together with the Prime Minister, to forge policy. Two such policies which affect water are the water reform agenda, agreedto in 1994 and being implemented progressively,and the national competition policy, which isshaping the way organisations conduct their operations.

Australian Capital TerritoryACT surrounds the national capital, Canberra,and has a population of a little over 300,000.Water services are provided by ACT Electricityand Water, ACTEW, which is ajoint power andwater utility. Late in 1998, the Territory Assembly is due to consider a resolution to sell ACTEW,while retaining ownership ofdams and treatmentplants, and to franchise the operations ofthe water system.

New South Wales

NSW, the most populous state, has over 6 mil-

9


lion people. Water and natural resources are administered by the Department of Land and Water Conservation, environmental protection fallsto the Environment Protection Authority and thepricing of water services is adjudicated by theIndependent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.

The metropolitan area of Sydney (3.7 millionpeople) is serviced by Sydney Water Corporation; the area around Newcastle, some 160 kmnorth of Sydney, is served by the Hunter WaterCorporation (400,000 people); there is a smallwater board which services the inland town ofBroken Hill; and the rest of the state's urbanwater systems are delivered by 128 separate local councils. Several local councils collaborateto deliver bulk water supplies to their residents.

Northern TerritoryThe Northern Territory covers a vast area, buthas a population of only 190,000. However, NTis also the area with the highest projected rate ofgrowth (84-154% between 1997 and 2051).Water services to the whole population are delivered by the Power and Water Authority.

QueenslandThe state of Queensland is very large in area,but has a relatively small population of 3.4 million. The Department ofNatural Resources manages the water of the state and the Departmentof the Environment deals with environmentalcontrols. Throughout the state, urban water services are delivered by a total of 133 local councils. With over 1 million people, Brisbane is thelargest city.

South AustraliaSA Water manages the water systems for thewhole of the state of South Australia and itsnearly 1.5 million residents. Environmental control is exercised by the Environment ProtectionAuthority and management of water resourcesis the responsibility of the Department of Primary Industries & Resources. The water systemofmetropolitan Adelaide is now operated undera long-term contract by United Water, a consortium between CGE Australia and Thames Water. This is the most comprehensive such contract let in Australia to date.

10

TasmaniaThe island state of Tasmania, with a populationof 471,000, has the most varied set of arrangements for water management. The Departmentof Primary Industries, Water and Environmenthas oversight of water management and the Department ofEnvironment and Land Managementcontrols environmental issues. The Hydroelectric Authority manages many ofthe state's dams.Urban water services are delivered by a combination of individual and regional authorities.

VictoriaVictoria occupies a relatively small part of thetotal continental area, but at 4.7 million it hasthe second highest population. Water resourcesoversight has been consolidated over recent yearsso that water and wastewater management services are now overseen by five corporate businesses in the metropolitan Melbourne area, and15 independent regional water authorities thatsupply the rest of the state. There are also fourautonomous rural water authorities.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the Environment Protection Authority are the primary state regulatory agencies,with the Department of Human Services havingan involvement in potable water issues.

Western AustraliaWA is a very large state with a modest population, of 1.8 million. The State Rivers and WaterSupply agency manages water resources; theEnvironment Protection Authority oversees environmental management and the Office ofWater Regulation governs the operation of watersystems. A single state corporation, the WaterCorporation, delivers almost all the state's community water services, with the exception of thetowns of Busselton and Bunbury, south of thecapital, Perth.

URBAN WATER SYSTEMS

With a total population ofjust under 19 millionpeople, Australia is a small country, on a relatively large continent, slightly smaller than thecontinental United States. While the overallpopulation density is quite low, the population

is also strongly urbanised. Most large cities areclustered on a narrow coastal strip from Brisbaneon the east coast, down to Adelaide on the southeast.

These demographics makes urban water systemsin Australia very variable, with some water supplies and wastewater systems serving populations in excess of a million people, but most.numerically, looking after a few thousand. Over60% ofthe population are serviced by the 191argest urban water systems (members of the WaterServices Association ofAustralia). Across Australia, there are over 750 wastewater treatmentplants and at least 200(?) water treatment plants.

WATER QUALITY

A National Water Quality Management Strategyis in place to supervise aspects of water qualityin Australia. The Commonwealth DPIE has thelead role, with major work done under the natural resources ministerial council, ARMCANZ,and critical links to the environmental ministerial council, ANZECC, and the National Healthand Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The quality of drinking water supplied in Australia is covered by the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (NHMRC & ARMCANZ), thelatest issue being 1996. These guidelines set outthe attributes of 'good' drinking water, togetherwith explanations ofthe reasons for each aspectcovered. In principle, each water supplier is expected to strive to achieve at least that quality,but local circumstances (ie natural water qualityor financial constraints) may force the supplier,in consultation with its customers, to adopt a different goal which is acceptable and economicallyachievable.

Regulation of water quality resides with thestates, however, the guidelines provide a basicframework that is largely representative.

The quality of natural waters is covered by theAustralian Water Quality Guidelines for Freshand Marine Waters (ARMCANZ & ANZECC),which were published in 1992. A revision isscheduled for publication in 1999.


A suite ofNational Water Quality ManagementStrategy documents, which have been publishedprogressively since 1992, covers discharges ofused water to the environment. They address effluent discharges, implementation, industrialwaste acceptance to sewer, specific industries,effluent reuse and others.

All the above documents (except the ANZECC/ARMCANZ ambient water quality guidelines)are available from the AWA Bookshop.

RIVER HEALTH

Heavy regulation of rivers and diversion of runoff, via both large in-stream dams and shallowoff-stream farm ponds, has stressed Australianriver systems. Urban and rural runoff, carry sediments, nutrients and other pollutants, adding tothe stress, as has the loss of vegetation withinthe catchment and along riparian corridors.

Much research is now under way to develop scientific methods for evaluating river health. Oneofthe main methods is biological monitoring ofmacro-invertebrates. The size, diversity and actual make-up of the population ofsmall animalson the bottom of a stream provide a good, integrative indication of the overall health of thatstream.

BUSINESS

The water industry in Australia is not coded instatistical collections, however it is estimated togenerate aIlliual revenues in excess of$5 billion.An AWA survey ofcapital expenditure on waterand wastewater treatment plants, conducted inMay 1998, suggested that the national capitaloutlay on water treatment plants would be about$182M in 1997/98, increasing to $347M in 98/99. For wastewater treatment plants, the corresponding figures are $493M and $565M, respectively.

Most of the expenditure is by a combination ofstate water authorities and local government,which number slightly over 300 altogether, butthere is a growing proportion of private companies providing services. Privatisation ofgovern-

11


ment services has been receiving attention worldwide, and Australia is no exception. Most of theprivate contracts for water services in Australiahave gone to companies from France and England. Local firms have been competitively disadvantaged due to the very quick move towardsprivate involvement by Australian states and thelong history of privately provided services in

England and France.

From the mid-70s until the mid-90s, a long program ofconstruction was under way all over Australia, to complete urban water infrastructure thathad got behind after the Second World War.

Recently, there has been a lot of effort to implement total asset management systems. As thewater distribution and wastewater collection systems age, there will be an ongoing need for capital replacement and refurbishment. Populationincrease may also lead to capacity constraints,accelerating the need for work on the reticulation system.

A recent report by WSAA provides extensivestatistical information, revealing insights on annumber of issues. Water use per property hasdecreased over the 1991-97 period, concurrentwith pricing reforms and demand managementinitiatives.

On the water reuse side, 2.7%) oftreated effluentor 4.7% of raw effluent was being reused/recycled, with the biggest constraints to increasebeing transport costs and the limited market. Onthe other hand, 47% of biosolids were reused!recycled.

While overall capital investment is projected todecline from current peak levels, increases areprojected in reticulation systems for water andtreatment infrastructure for wastewater, the laterpresumably to meet increasing environmentaldemands.

RESEARCHTotal expenditure on water research in Australiais about $60 million per year; the exact value ishard to determine because there are numeroussources of funding and a variety of research establishments. The major players are: the CSIRO,which is Australia's national research establishment; Cooperative Research Centres; universities; and water authorities.

Funding sources include: the CSIRO; The Australian Research Council, the Land & Water Resources Research and Development Corporation(LWRRDC); Federal Government and partnercontributions to CRCs; and the Urban WaterResearch Association (UWRAA, owned byWSAA).

Details for most ofthe key research organisationslisted and publications produced by most ofthemare available through the AWA Bookshop. A listof research establishments is also available fromthe AWA office.

TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAustralia has three parallel systems for education:• the school system (10 and 12 years of

education)• the vocational education and training sys

tem, dominated by TAFE (technical andfurther education) colleges, and

• the tertiary education system, dominated byuniversities.

Policy on training and education in the waterindustry is guided by the Water Industry Education and Training Association of Australia(WIETAA), which has representatives from providers and users ofeducation. Aggregated policyand advice is then the responsibility of the National Utilities and Electrotechnology IndustryTraining and Advisory Body (NUEITAB) whichmanages projects to develop competencies andcurricula, as well as promoting the merits oftraining.

Thanks again to AWA. Chris Davis has expressed a desire for both our organizations to exploreareas where we might collaborate, and has offered us some administrative support. Take thetime to visit their web site at http://www.awa.asn.auIt 's worth your while.

12


HYDROGRAPHER I FIELD HYDROLOGISTEcowise Environmental Ltd performs environmental monitoring and water resources management for avariety of clients in the public, private and mining sectors. We are seeking applications from suitably qualifiedand experienced persons to assist with our operations in Old, NSW, WA and ACT.Company details at lNWvV.ecowise.com.au

Responsibilities• Install and operate environmental, water resource. and groundwater monitoring systems.

comprise data loggers, various sensors and telemetry.• Data management and reporting of informationQualifications & Experience• Formal qualifications in a related environmental field (essential).

[Hydrography, Hydrology, Water Science, or Instrumentation)• Minimum 5 years relevant fieldwork experience (essential)• Instrumentation or radio telemetry expertise (highly desirable)• Proven ability to liaise with clients, meet deadlines and produce reports• Proven ability with HYDSYS, Excel, WordRemuneration• Salary package commensurate with skills and experience.Additional Information contact John Skinner as below or E-mail [email protected]

These systems typically

ECOWISE

Applications To: P.O. Box 1834 Fyshwick, ACT, 2609 or via E-mail [email protected]

For selection criteria contact Angela McLean +61 262707650 or (Fax) +61 262707631

TimeStudio User Group MeetingAs recipients ofthe TimeStudio Newsletter willhave read, a User group meeting will be held inHobart later this year.

Dates:Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th September.

Venue:Salamanca Inn, Gladstone Street, Hobart.

Cost:$330 (inc GST), Discounted rate $220 per person for academic registration or second and subsequent persons from the one organisation.

Abstracts oflast years papers are on the web sitewww.timestudio.com.

Further [email protected]

HYDSYS User Group Meeting 2001Planning for the next series of HYDSYS UserGroup meetings in Australia, New Zealand andthe USA is well under way.This is your chance to show the HYDSYS community what you are doing. The HUG meetingprovides a unique opportunity to contribute yourideas to the development of the product and tosee what other data collectors are doing.Last year's HUG tour was a great success, thankslargely to the quality ofthe user presentations. Ifyou would like to present a session at this year'smeeting then please contact Damian Skinner.The proposed dates are:· Australia - 29/30 August 2001· New Zealand - 3 September 2001· USA - 6/7 September 2001

(Editor sNote: At some time during the two daysof the meeting, there will be a meeting of ourMembers, primarily to discuss details ofthe 2002

Conference).

13

Australasian Hydrographer, May 200 1

South Coast Water Quality Monitoring Program

This article was assembledfrom articles on the New South ~Vales South Coast Water Quality Monitoringweb site. No doubt some ofour Members are quitefamiliar with the project. Thanks to SuzzanneGray, a Project Officer 'with the program, for permission to use their material. Visit their web siteat http://H'ww.esc.nsw.gov.au/wq/index.htm.

The South Coast Water Quality Monitoring Program is an example of a Natural Heritage Trustproject partnership developed locally via the processes and philosophies of Total CatchmentManagement. A partnership was developed between the various stakeholders and ftmded byWaterwatch Australia via the Natural HeritageTrust (NHT).

The Project was set up in an attempt to addresssome ofthe shortfalls identified by stakeholdersin water quality monitoring activities on theSouth Coast which were outlined in the 'GippelReport' of 1996, ('Design of a Water QualityMonitoring Program for the Far South CoastCatchment Area NSW').

The report highlighted the fact that there waslittle useful information available on the state ofwater quality on the South Coast, and further,that there was little coordination between thevarious monitoring programs in existence. Despite the fact that Government, Industry andCommunity groups were investing time, effortand money in a range of monitoring programs,there was no comprehensive, coordinated viewof water quality information available.

A meeting held in Moruya in 1995, brought together for the first time the managers of some14 different active monitoring programs for thepurposes ofexchanging information and improving the level ofcoordination between programs.At the time, many were not aware of the otherprograms existence.

The need for actions to improve this situationwas recognised by the Bega Valley andEurobodalla Shire Councils, the Far and LowerSouth Coast Catchment Management Committees and the Department ofLand and Water Conservation (DLWC). These organisations supported the development of the South Coast Water Quality Monitoring Project from its concep-

14

tion, with substantial financial contributions andan integral directional presence on the project'sSteering Committee.

The program is intended to provide an integrative mechanism or link which allows a coordination and concentration of Community. Industry and Government attentions/efforts to genuinely address the lack of available informationfor this area and have a real targeted impact indefining the state of water quality for the SouthCoast. The project also seeks to set up community monitoring programs, which have levels ofquality assurance to enable the data to be usedby other organisations and scientific bodies.Waterwatch Australia and Streamwatch NSWarevery keen to have the value ofcommunity groupwater quality data recognised and fully utilised.

In summary the key objectives ofthe project are:

• To develop and service a comprehensive andcoordinated Water Quality Monitoringnetwork for the South Coast

• The coordination of Water Quality Monitoring activities by Agencies, Shire Councils,Industry organisations, Universities, Schoolsand Community groups.

• The implementation of comprehensivewater quality monitoring programs

• Coordination in the collation and reportingof Water Quality information

• The provision of technical support forindustry and Community groups, Schools,Shire Councils and Catchment ManagementCommittees

• The promotion of community awareness andunderstanding of Water Quality issues

• The identification of key actions necessaryto maintain or improve water quality

The project is the only Waterwatch Program forthe NSW South Coast that provides assistanceto the community and other stakeholders in

water quality monitoring, analysis, reporting,awareness raising and development of actionsto minimise water quality problems.

As we know, water is essential to human life andto the health of the environment. As a valuablenatural resource, it comprises marine, estuarine,freshwater (river and lakes) and groundwater environments, across coastal and inland areas. Water has two dimensions that are closely linked quantity and quality. Water quality is commonlydefined by its physical, chemical, biological andaesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics.A healthy environment is one in which the waterquality supports a rich and varied community oforganisms and protects public health.

Water quality in a body of water influences theway in which communities use the water for activities such as drinking, swimming or commercial purposes. More specifically, the water oftheSouth Coast is used by the community for thepurposes of:

supplying drinking waterrecreation (swimming, boating)irrigating crops and watering stockindustrial processesnavigation and shippingproduction of edible fish, shellfish andcrustaceansprotection of aquatic ecosystemswildlife habitatsscientific study and education

Our water resources are of major environmental, social and economic value to NSW, and ifwater quality becomes degraded this resourcewill lose its value. Water quality is important notonly to protect public health - water providesecosystem habitats, is used for farming, fishingand mining, and contributes to recreation andtourism.

If water quality is not maintained, it is not justthe environment that will suffer - the commercial and recreational value ofour water resourceswill also diminish.

Australasian Hydrographer, May 200 I

State of Water Quality in the Catchments

There is an assumption that the overall waterquality of the South Coast is high. This is probably based on the general physical appearanceof most of the water bodies of the area and thefact of relatively low levels of industrial and urban development in their catchments. The relatively sparse objective measures of water quality available for the area are generally consistentwith this view, but problems have been highlighted in some localised areas.

Ofthe streams monitored throughout the region,few have experienced problems with parametermeasures of health falling outside the acceptedrange. It must be noted though, that relativelyfew locations and few parameters have been wellcharacterised.

To quote Gippel (1996) who can speak with authority, having done the only comprehensivestudy of water quality data for the South Coastto date:

"Over the past 30 years water quality may haveimproved or declined in response to changes incatchment condition, but it is unlikely that thiscould be detected, let alone explained, usingavailable data."

It is for these reasons, among others, that theSouth Coast Water Quality Monitoring Programwas established.

What is Water Quality Monitoring?

Water Quality Monitoring refers to the examination of the physical, chemical and biologicalcharacteristics of water - observing how thesefactors change over time and over different positions along a water body. Monitoring exerciseswill generally employ some or all ofthe following tests:

Faecal Colliforms - these bacteria are non-pathogenic organisms which occur naturally in the intestines of warm blooded animals. The numberofcolliform bacteria present in a sample, servesas a reliable indication ofsewerage or faecal con-

15


tamination in water. Colliforms are measured byincubating a sample on a nutrient pad and counting the number of colonies present.

Dissolved Oxygen - is the amount of oxygen inthe water, which is essential for the survival ofmost organisms. Water temperature can affectdissolved oxygen levels so that the higher thewater temperature, the lower the potential dissolved oxygen level.

pH - is the acidity or alkalinity of the water. pHis important as most organisms can only survivewithin a narrow pH band. The solubility of manyother chemicals varies with pH. A pH test is conducted with paper test strips or measured with ameter.

Total Dissolved Solids - a measure of dissolved

minerals in solution. High levels of total solidscause lower water quality and water dwellers cansuffer osmotic stress. A meter is used to measure total dissolved solids.

Turbidity - refers to clarity of the water, or theamount ofsuspended particles in the waterbody.In addition to blocking out the light required byaquatic plants and animals, suspended sedimentcan carry nutrients and pesticides throughout thesystem. Turbidity is measured with a meter, turbidity tube or Colorimetrically.

Nitrates - The amount of nitrates in the waterindicate organic enrichment and consequenthealth of a waterway. High levels can lead toincreased algal growth.

Phosphates - phosphorous in the water primarily comes from human and animal faeces runoff from rural and urban areas. This parameterindicates the nutrient status and consequenthealth of the waterbody. High levels may stimulate algal blooms, large swings in DO and imbalances in aquatic communities.

Temperature - indicates the approximate temperature of the water which varies with depthseason and time of day. Many of the physical,chemical and biological characteristics of astream are directly affected by this parameter.

16

Temperature is measured with a probe or thermometer.

Biological Survey - abundance and diversity ofaquatic macroinvertebrate communities servesas a reliable indicator of stream health. Nets orartificial substrates are used to collect aquaticmacroinvertebrates, which are identified andcompared with records from other sites.

Measurements of these indicators can be usedto determine, and monitor changes in, water quality, and determine whether the quality of thewater is suitable for the health of the natural environment and the uses for which the water isrequired.

The design ofwater quality monitoring programsis a complex and specialised field. The range ofindicators that can be measured is wide and otherindicators may be adopted in the future. The costofa monitoring program to assess them all wouldbe prohibitive, so resources are usually directedtowards assessing contaminants that are important for the local environment or for a specificuse of the water.

This water quality information can then be usedto develop management programs and actionplans to ensure that water quality is protected.

What affects the quality of our water?

Water quality is closely linked to the surrounding environment and land use. Other than in itsvapour form, water is never pure and is affected by community uses such as agriculture,urban and industrial use, and recreation.

Generally the water quality of rivers is best inthe headwaters, where rainfall is often abundant.Water quality often declines as rivers flowthrough regions where land use and water useare intense and pollution from intensive agriculture, large towns, industry and recreation areasincreases. There are of course exceptions to thisrule and water quality may improve downstream,behind dams and weirs, at points where tributaries or better quality groundwater enter the main-

stream, and in wetlands. Continued Page 18

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The condition ofNSW rivers and estuaries hasdeteriorated since European settlement. This isa result of major changes in their catchments,instream conditions and estuary entrance characteristics. Catchment changes may vary fromdeforestation and soil erosion in the inland rivers to extensive urbanisation in coastal regions.In the NSW South Coast Region, the rivers, lakesand estuaries are some of the healithiest in thecountry. Only lO% are regarded as significantlychanged. Of this 10%, the most degraded system is the Bega River, but even this is only regarded as "stressed" for 10% of the time.

Rivers frequently act as conduits for pollutantsby collecting and carrying wastewater fromcatchments and. ultimately, discharging it intothe ocean. Stormwater. which can also be rich innutrients, organic matter and pollutants, finds itsway into rivers and oceans mostly via thestormwater drain network. Beach water quality

in NSW may also be affected by bacteria fromsewer overflows (mainly after heavy rainfall) orother runoff into stormwater drains. Both Councils on the NSW South Coast regularly monitorbeach waters over summer and sporadicallythroughout the year. The data collected, coupledwith Council pollution control measures and effluent treatment, suggests that the NSW beachesare some of the best in the world; in terms ofwater quality and intact native vegetation.

For some rivers frequent heavy demand for forwater is causing major changes in flow patternsand flooding characteristics with subsequentimpacts on aquatic ecosystems. At the same timethe development of riverine plains (which ofteninvolves the clearing of riverside and banksidevegetation) has reduced channel stability, biological diversity and the capacity of the streamsto cycle nutrients.

The Barber's PoleWell, it had to happen. The newsletter has lackedsome levity since the days ofAndy Keep and hisstrange tales and true ofhome made equipment,true works of art that the bearded bare footedbrigade would charge thousands for. Then therewere the snake tales, the practical jokes, and apretty good pianist to boot.

Anyway, there was only one Andy, and he hadall the fun. The rest was left to us workers.

Over the next few issues, we'll try to extract somestories from The Barber. Ofcourse, because thisis almost a family type publication, we'll haveto stick to a little bit of tittilation and ticklingyour fancy.

So who is this guy. This legend in his own lunchbox? Not many know him, and fewer know thelegend. After much to-ing and fro-ing with him,I've learned what follows.

Apparently the story started in a little town inNew South Wales, very close to Lock 10 Hencethe other part of his name, not mentioned here.The scene is a little house, and picture ifyou canTWO peeping toms. One was a bit of a Walter,

18

and the other was named after Tom's mate ..as inTom and..Have to be careful here. What drovetwo otherwise upstanding hydrographic types tobecome peeping toms, one can only imagine.Maybe it was too much sauce at the Club.

Inside was an equally upstanding hydrographictype, later to become known as The Barber. Thestory goes that The Barber was doing somemoonlighting. There was this little old grandmother, so poor that she couldn't afford clothes,and so lacking in energy that she had to lay inbed. The Barber, ever happy to please, was armedwith a razor, the only hair-cutting implement hecould fmd. This bloke was well ahead ofhis time,too, because this was in the time before bald isbeautiful. He was doing it all for free, too apparently.

Now these peeping toms had seen it all. Theynearly fell over each other trying to get back toAdelaide to launch the legend.

Do you believe all this? The Barber didn't. Infact it took ten years of listening to all thesniggers, innuendos, and lost jokes before heactually found out what he did!


Bureau of Meteorology

ACCESS THE BUREAU WEB SITE AT: www.bom.gov.au

A wide range of climate related data, information and products are available.Of particular interest to people in the water industry are:

• Real time rainfall and river height data• Climate averages in map and graph form• National catalogue of river stations• Drainage divisions and river basin boundaries

Features currently under development include:

• National catalogue of rainfall stations• National evapotranspiration maps

The Bureau of Meteorology's Hydrology Program would like to thank thehydrographic and data management groups in all State and Territory wateragencies for their support over the years. Data and information have beenprovided for many projects, including:

• Global Runoff Data Centre sponsored by WMO• UNESCO Asian Pacific Friend Project• Stream Gauging Information, Australia• Flood warning system development and operation• Rainman Streamflow Project

19


Introduction to Hydrography

By Paul Webb. Paul is an Hydrographer lvith DNR in Queensland. and wrote the IntroductoryModulefor the Diploma ofHydrology and Environmental Management. This article is drawnfromthat material and his web site at http://geocities.com/q9823679/Hydrography.htm

Hydrography is the discipline related to the measurement and recording ofparameters associatedwith the hydrologic cycle, both historic and realtime.

Material on this site is drawn from contents ofthe Introductory module in the Diploma of Hydrology and Environmental Management. Thiscourse is offered by OTEN of NSW TAFE asthe design training course for Hydrographers inAustralia.

DefinitionsThe Australasian Hydrographers Associationuses the following definitions. These could bemodified in the manner of the words of squarebrackets.

Who or What is an HydrographerAn Hydrographer is a qualified paraprofessionalwho collects [processes and manages] [hydrological] data from sites. either on a long term orproject basis. Key components of this work involve the measurement of streamflows over thewhole range, operation of sophisticated loggingand sensing equipment and the validation of thecollected data for archive.

HydrologyHydrology is the science that deals with the processes governing the depletion and replenishment of the water resources of the land areas ofthe earth. IE deals with the various aspects ofthe hydrologic cycle.

HydrographyHydrography is the discipline related to the measurement and recording ofparameters associatedwith the hydrologic cycle, both historic and realtime.

[Hydrological] DataAny water related data. Those data related to

20

the hydrologic cycle, including surface waterquantity and quality, meteorological parametersand groundwater. [Hydrological] data also includes urban runoff quality and quantity, pipeflows, sewer flows and tidal movement.(Australasian Hydrographer Journal, November1997, page 2).

An alternate definition drawn directly from theroots of the word hydrography:

Hydro - waterGraphus - 1 writeHydrographers record information pertaining to water.

Marine Hydrography is not addressed in this article.

Purpose of Hydrography

Monitoring and AssessmentEach state in Australia has an obligation to makeand keep (ie collect and store) a description ofits water resources, both surface water andgroundwater. Such a description should defineboth the quantity and the quality of the resource

Monitoring also is required beyond statutoryobligations for purposes of flood warning, flowmanagement and water and land use efficiency.

Beyond this monitoring requirement is the needfor assessment oftrends in catchment conditions.These trends require continuous data over longperiods of time. Streamflow monitoring networks were expanded significantly in the 1960sin all states. Data from sites established in thisexpansion is only now becoming (statistically)useful in analysis of trends in catchment conditions. Correlation of this data with longer termmeteorological data (modelling) can now be usedto indicate trends caused by land use and thosemore in line with climatic cycles.

Resource ManagementAligned with monitoring requirements is theneed to manage our water resources. Hydrographers provide the data that underpins many resource management decisions.

In line with stakeholder requirements, hydrographers are required to provide data and interpretive advice to facilitate or enhance management decisions relating to:• Water use efficiency by industry enhancing

productivity and promoting sustainable landuse practices;

• Urban planning:• Enhance research projects;• Environmental impact of present and future

activities;• Environmental flow requirements to sustain

riverine ecosystems.

Whilst the role of the Hydrographer is primarilyto collect and collate data. the management andpresentation of the data can also require considerable time and expertise. Hydrographers gainconsiderable experience in data managementsoftware through the process of collecting andstoring the data. Such experience is invaluableto data users leading to extension of thehydrographer's role to data management, presentation. analysis and interpretation.

Duties and Activities of HydrographersHydrographers are required to collect Hydrological data to defined standards at cost efficientrates. Incorporated with this is a growing demand to provide an audit trail for data collectedin line with quality assurance requirements, Inline with advances in technology and withchanges in land use, environmental considerations and funding issues, the duties of an Hydrographer are continually evolving. Consequently, the list of duties outlined below is onlya nominal list of hydrographic duties.

• Select and design [hydrological monitoringstations] appropriate to the data required

• Construct or supervise construction of [hydrological monitoring stations]

• Install instrumentation at [hydrological monitoring stations]

• Operate and maintain [hydrological monitor-


ing stations]• Measure streamflows during all flow condi

tions• Collect water samples for both chemical and

biological analysis• Produce rating curves for gauging stations• Process data into a suitable format for

storage onto databases• Store and retrieve data on databases• Prepare reports for management, confer

ences, clients and the general public• Communicate effectively with community,

clients, supervisors and employees• Perform hydrologic analyses• Undertake engineering surveys necessary for

operating [hydrological monitoring stations]• Adhere to OH&S• Contribute to Total Quality Management• Measure water quaiity parameters using

hand held instruments• Calibrate, operate and maintain field instrumentation• Use specialist software• Produce cost estimates for Hydrological

data gathering• Provide a [hydrological] consultancy service• Monitor budgets• Perform extension duties• Explain legislation to clients

To this nominal list can be added:• Measuring Pipe and Channel Flows• Groundwater Monitoring• ater Quality• Rainfall and other Meteorological Data• Data ManagementHydrographers' Role in Water ResourceManagement

Responsible resource management is only feasible if knowledge of the resource is first established. As with any management practice a number of issues are considered before a decision ismade. Items considered may include:

a statement of current statusrecent inputs and outputseffects of recent inputs and outputsgeneral trend of major indices

In water resource management at a catchmentlevel, it is primarily the Hydrographer who provides all four items. In this context it is imperative that data is accurate and credible.

21


The Hydrographers' role enhances the variousState Governments' abilities to manage our water resources. In addition many Hydrographersare employed or contracted by other stakeholders to enhance water use efficiency and to provide audit trails for water use.

A thorough understanding of the operational requirements is required by Hydrographers to ensure quality data is available at reasonable costto the stakeholders. Such an understanding requires specific study (as in the Diploma of Hydrology and Environmental Management) andoperational experience (usually under supervision of an experienced Hydrographer.

Integration of Hydrographers with theirStakeholders

The primary role ofan Hydrographer lies in collecting, storing and managing Hydrological data.Provision ofaccess to this data by an assortmentof mediums is a progression from this role. Although it is a derivative of the primary role, it isno less important. The key to integration between Hydrographers and other professions iscommunication.

First the Hydrographer needs to be sure of hisobjectives before collecting data. This requiresclose liaison with the stakeholder/s who have avested interest in the recording station. To coina phrase:

"If you don't know why you're doin' it, it ain'tworth doin' "(source unknown)

When measuring flow, the range of flow to bemeasured, accuracy required and whether or notreal time access is required are prime considerations. These issues must be clarified early inthe negotiation process to ensure the aptness ofthe monitoring exercise.

At the other end of the exercise, the Hydrographer must ensure the data user/s understand thedata and are comfortable with the medium ofdatastorage and delivery.

22

Summary

Hydrographers are qualified paraprofessionalswho collect and manage Hydrological data fromsites, either on a long term or project basis. Keycomponents of this work involve the measurement ofstreamflows, water sampling, operationof sophisticated logging and sensing equipmentand the validation of the collected data forarchive.

Hydrographers collect a range of data that enhance research and management of the WaterResources in Australia. Data allows informeddecisions by industry, regulatory authorities andthe Public on a range ofenvironmental management issues.

"In Australia, environmental management industries are estimated to generate an annual turnover of $3.5 billion and employ more than100,000 people."(http://insite.dnr.qld.gov.au/resourcenet/aboutus/minister.html downloaded 29.12.99)

Many ofthe research and development programsrely heavily on Hydrological data provided byHydrographers. With the huge expense involvedand the implications, it is imperative that Hydrographers provide the most accurate and up todate information possible within the scope ofstaff and funding limitations.

To provide timely, appropriate and reliable dataHydrographers are required to perform a rangeof duties which include:

• Monitoring Streamflow• Monitoring pipe and channel flows• Groundwater monitoring• Water quality monitoring and sampling• Collection ofRainfall and other Meteorologi

cal Data• Validation and storage of data• Presentation of data

Hydrographers must therefore become competent in a range of skills and must apply knowledge of hydrology and of Hydrological data col

Australasian Hydrographer, May 200;

And yet, constantly working with llahr, w provide a platform for sustainable resource llklagement can be very fulfilling. The knowleut':' :hatsome of the $3.5 billion spent on the enviwnment will be spent wisely is reward in itselt. Anassurance that some of the 100,000 people employed in environmental management are wellinformed is also very gratifying. In this contextHydrographers will always play an essential rolein catchment management and in water industrydevelopment.

samples to be collected at an automatic pumpsampler site. Maintenance to be done before theOctober storms. There are times when it seemsevents only happen on weekends or on finals day.Hydrographers will not get front page coveragefor their efforts in timely provisiof' of data.Stakeholders will rarely be aware of tile: amountoftime, effort and skill that is bet 1r:nea.::h dataset.

lection techniques. Knowledge and skills canbe acquired by numerous means. The most efficient means ofacquiring both the knowledge andthe skills is by workplace training combined withrelated studies. The Diploma of Hydrology andEnvironmental Management has been developedfor Hydrographers with input from leading Water Resource Management agencies in Australia. It has been designed to provide the knowledge base required to develop competencies inareas required by Hydrographers.

Hydrography, A Way of LifeAt a personal level, Hydrography is more than ajob. It is a way oflife. An enthusiastic Hydrographer doesn't look at the weather report to decide on household maintenance or weekendsaway. Weather reports let us know what's happening in the catchments monitored by Hydrographers. With every event there is data to beacquired. Flow measurements at heights requiredto complete a discharge rating curve. Water

Thanks again to Paul Webb. I hope I haven't edited his text too heavi~v. Please have a look at hisweb site. Paul is willing to have his original files placed on our site, andfor that I'm very appreciative. With no (strong) objections from our Members, I'd like to do that. Ifyou would like toprovide some feedback on Paul s site, please send an e-mail to Paul. [email protected] Ed.

New MembersThese are our new Members. As I said previously, they have put their hands up and expressedconfidence in the future of the Association. We welcome them as Members, and look forward totheir contributions.

Arran Corbett, DNR, QueenslandDavid Vile, Snowy Mountains HEC, N.S.W.David Smith, Richard Foot Pty Ltd, N.S.W.Andrew Skinner, MEA (Aust), SAPaul Webb, DNR, QueenslandScott Walker, AWTPL, N.S.W.Pat Betham, Water Data Services, SAMike Blackwood, Water Data Services, SA

Noel Finlayson, Water Data Services. SASean Murphy, Snowy Mountains HEC, N.S.W.

We also welcome aboard ourCorporate Members:Hydrological Services Pty Ltd, N.S.W.Bureau of Meteorology, AustraliaWater EcoScience Pty Ltd, VictoriaWater Data Services, South Australia

Last Chance

As I mentioned previously, this is the last chance to sign up. I've almost got to the end of the roadwith this Newsletter. The rough cost to send this issue to you is $6.50, and we can't afford to sendour Publications as "freebies". To sign up, download a Membership Form.

Our web site http://hydrographers.50megs.com

23


What Does It Mean?

A "back to basics" collection ofterms we hear on the media every day. Look at these. and seehow the real forecast stacks up. These terms have been taken from Bureau ofMeteorology.

Check out their site at http://www.bom.gov.au

Precipitation

Any or all of the forms of water particles,whether liquid (e.g. rain, drizzle) or solid (e.g.hail, snow), that fall from a cloud or group ofclouds and reach the ground.

Duration ofprecipitation

o Brief: Short duration.o Intermittent: Precipitation which ceases at

times.o Occasional: Precipitation which while not

frequent, is recurrent.o Frequent: Showers occurring regularly and

often.o Continuous: Precipitation which does not

cease, or ceases only briefly.o Periods ofrain: Rain is expected to fall most

of the time, but there will be breaks.

Intensity ofprecipitation

Slight or light:o Rain: Individual drops easily identified,

puddles form slowly, small streams may flowin gutters.

o Drizzle: Can be felt on the face but is notvisible. Produces little runoff from roads orroofs. Generally visibility is reduced, but notless than 1000m.

o Snow: Small sparse flakes. Generally visibility is reduced, but not less than 1000m.

o Hail: Sparse hailstones of small size, oftenmixed with rain.

Moderate:o Rain: Rapidly forming puddles, down pipes

flowing freely, some spray visible over hardsurface.

o Drizzle: Window and road surfaces streaming with moisture. Visibility generally between 400 and 1000 m.

o Snow: Large numerous flakes and visiblity

24

generally between 400-1 OOOm.o Hail: particles numerous enough to whiten the

ground.

Heavy:o Rain: falls in sheets, misty spray over hard sur

faces, may cause roaring noise on roof.Drizzle: Visibility reduced to less than 400 m.

o Snow: Numerous flakes of all sizes. Visiblitygenerally reduced below 400 m.

o Hail: A proportion of the hailstones exceed 6mm diameter.

Distribution ofshowers and precipitation

o Few: Indicating timing not an area.o Isolated: Showers which are well separated in

space during a given period.o Local: Restricted to relatively small areas.o Patchy: Occurring irregularly over an area.o Scattered: Irregularly distributed over an area.

Showers which while not widespread, canoccur anywhere in an area. Implies a slightlygreater incidence than isolated.

o Sporadic: scattered or dispersed in respect oflocality or local distribution. Charaterised byoccasional or isolated occurrence.

o Widespread: Occurring extensively throughout an area.

Advection

The sideways movement of air in the lower atmosphere due to the differences in air pressure(commonly called wind). Process of transfer ofair mass properties by the velocity field of theatmosphere.

Convection

The process generally associated with warm rising air and the formation ofcloud. Local breezes,wind and thunderstorms are a result of convection in the atmosphere.

Australasian Hydrographer May 2001

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Transcript of Australasian Hydrographer May 2001