Water quality refers to the condition of water, including its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. Water quality is usually described by its suitability for a particular purpose or as an environmental condition.
The information below refers to water quality of inland waters.
In Western Australia, our unique ecosystems and the benefits they provide to our communities depend on having good quality water. The quality of water also determines its suitability for various human uses, such as:
- drinking water and water for household use
- commercial use including for agriculture and industry
- municipal use such as maintaining sports grounds and parks
- recreation such as swimming, boating and fishing
- safety of fish and shellfish for human consumption.
What we do
We provide leadership, direction and on-ground action to support water quality management in Western Australia.
Our responsibilities for maintaining and improving water quality are mandated by legislation and our decisions are underpinned by science and data. We have a stewardship role to guide water quality outcomes in collaboration with government agencies and trading enterprises, service providers, industry, natural resource management groups, research institutions and the community.
Our key objectives for managing water quality are to:
- protect aquatic environments, water resources and their associated ecological, social and cultural values
- safeguard drinking water sources to protect public health
- facilitate the provision of fit-for-purpose water for other uses including agriculture and other industries.
Read more about water quality topics on the pages below.
