Water Management
Turbidity
Turbidity is a common water quality problem in NSW, particularly in the inland areas. Turbidity refers to how clear the water is – the greater the amount of total suspended solids in the water, the murkier or muddier it appears and the higher the measured turbidity. In most rivers turbidity increases after rainfall and flooding because of soil erosion. This can cause sedimentation of rivers and dams which can smother water plants. The suspended sediments can also absorb and transport nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals. Turbid water is a problem for country town water supplies – it is difficult and costly to remedy and may create heath problems.