Event-based Water Quality Monitoring
Implemented a rapid water sampling program across remote Yorke Peninsula locations, coordinating logistics and sample delivery to support the South Australian EPA’s harmful algal bloom monitoring and management response.
Location: Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Client/Sector: South Australian Environment Protection Authority (Government environmental monitoring)
Challenge:
During a regional harmful algal bloom response, the South Australian EPA required rapid implementation of a water sampling program across multiple remote coastal locations. The program involved collecting preserved phytoplankton samples multiple times a week and delivering them to interstate laboratories within strict same-day logistics deadlines. The dynamic nature of the Harmful Algal Bloom presence meant that sample site selection was altered during the project. Sample sites were widely dispersed across the metropolitan region and Yorke Peninsula, with daily travel distances exceeding 700 km and limited transport infrastructure available in the region.
Aquatic Assessments Role:
Aquatic Assessments designed and implemented practical sampling logistics to meet government monitoring requirements. This included planning efficient field routes across remote coastal locations, conducting time-critical sampling and preservation of water samples where safety around water was paramount, coordinating sample packaging and submission, and identifying reliable overnight transport solutions to deliver samples to laboratories in Victoria. The program required careful coordination to ensure samples were collected, preserved, and lodged with transport providers before daily courier cut-off times.
Outcome:
Aquatic Assessments successfully delivered the monitoring program under challenging logistical conditions, enabling timely laboratory analysis of phytoplankton samples to support the EPA’s regional harmful algal bloom monitoring and management response.