Saltwatch Snapshot

Saltwatch Fortnight

Schools and community groups are able to get a better understanding of Western Australia's salinity issues through a Statewide Saltwatch 'Snapshot'. Participants learn about the effects of salinity on water quality by monitoring electrical conductivity at significant sites.

The Saltwatch Snapshot for 2008 is from June 1st - June 12th.

What is Salinity?

Dryland salinity occurs when the concentration of soluble salts near the soil surface is sufficient to reduce plant growth. Problems resulting from surface salinity include the loss of agricultural productivity, natural bush habitat and biodiversity; increased salt levels in streams and wetlands; rising damp in buildings; and damage to roads, culverts and bridges. The fundamental cause of salinity is the replacement of perennial, deep-rooted native vegetation with shallow-rooted annual crops and pastures used in agriculture.

If you would like to find out more information on Salinity, visit the following Websites:

Why become involved?

Rising salinity levels in water resources and dryland salinity are the greatest environmental threats facing Western Australia. In the South West, about 1.8 million hectares are now salt-affected to some degree. Salinity has significantly affected over 80% of waterways in the South West (State Salinity Council).

The objectives of Saltwatch are to:

Increase communities' awareness of salinity issues in Western Australia;
Provide monitoring data that will help to create a 'snapshot' of the current state of water salinity levels at that time.

To register your interest for future Saltwatch events, contact your Regional Coordinator.

Visit our educational resources page for curriculum materials.