Breaking up blackwater in the Broken Creek

By Tyler Maher

Jan 16, 2024

Blackwater: The Broken Creek near Katamatite on Friday. Photo by Gabriel Garcia

The Goulburn Broken Catchment Managment Authority is working to address blackwater in the Broken Creek following the recent storm and flood activity in the region.

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“Water is being fed into the lower Broken Creek via irrigation channels to address blackwater and provide critical refuge for native fish and other aquatic animals,” the GBCMA said in an update to social media.

“Low-oxygen blackwater is occurring due to the recent heavy rain and storms along with high summer temperatures.

“Floodwaters have carried large amounts of organic material such as leaves, twigs and grass into the creek, which turns the water a dark brown or black colour.

“As this material is broken down by bacteria, it can reduce oxygen levels in the water which can stress and possibly kill fish and other aquatic fauna.

“The channel water is high in dissolved oxygen which helps improve oxygen levels in the creek as well as providing higher quality water for fish to move to.

“We have collaborated with Goulburn-Murray Water to provide the fresh water to improve the water quality in the lower Broken Creek.”