Quality assurance
Quality assurance is an important part of Streamwatch and its water monitoring data. Streamwatch has many quality assurance elements including:
- training all participants in water quality sampling and monitoring techniques and interpreting data
- using standardised equipment, methods and reporting
- regularly maintaining and calibrating monitoring equipment
- implementing a system to identify data faults and equipment failures
- verifying all data by qualified staff before making it available through the Streamwatch database
- an annual state-wide Quality Assurance event to measure accuracy and reliability of data against NATA-accredited laboratories.
A focus on quality assurance allows local councils and other agencies to use Streamwatch data with confidence. It is also satisfying opportunity groups to receive feedback on their testing.
Specialised training
Sydney Water and SCA staff with science and/or education qualifications train Streamwatch groups. This includes instruction on safe, accurate and reliable Streamwatch sampling, testing and analysis and data interpretation.
A comprehensive Streamwatch Training Manual and other reference resources support group training.
Standardised equipment, methods and reporting
Streamwatch data is collected using standardised and approved equipment and methods. Reporting on results is done as soon as possible after monitoring is complete. This is done electronically through the Streamwatch website and its database.
Equipment and methods are reviewed and approved by the NSW Best Practices Committee, which is made up of representatives from Sydney Water, the SCA and NSW Waterwatch.
Quality assurance (QA) event
Streamwatch and Waterwatch groups from across NSW participate in an annual QA event held during August. This event involves over 180 groups testing an identical laboratory-prepared mystery water sample. The water sample is also sent to three National Association of Testing Authority (NATA) accredited laboratories for testing. Results are analysed and available online soon after all results have been received. A Quality Assurance report is sent to all participating groups.
The QA event assesses the accuracy and reliability of Streamwatch and Waterwatch data in comparison to professional laboratories. Issues are identified that may affect data quality such as faulty equipment. Training needs and strategies are also developed to improve the quality of Streamwatch and Waterwatch data.
Click here to view the 2008 QA report.