Education – Secondary

Information Pages

Potentially Harmfull Cyanobacteria in Australia (jpg 483kb)

Toxic Microalgae (jpg 536kb)

Red Tide Microalgae (jpg 566kb)

Water Word Search

New Word Search! (27 Dec '01) (pdf 17kb)

1. Sweep paths and driveways with a BROOM instead of using a hose
2. We should all PROTECT our waterways from pollution
3. PHOSPHORUS in household detergants contributes to blue-green algae in rivers
4. NUTRIENTS from fertilisers can cause blue-green algae in rivers
5. PESTICIDES are a POLLUTANT which should not enter our waterways
6. A LEAKING tap wastes water
7. Tap AERATORS reduce water flow
8. When peeling or cleaning vegetables, rinse them in a PLUGGED sink
9. Operating a fully LOADED dishwasher is more water efficient
10. A layer of MULCH on garden beds can prevent water evaporation by up to 75%
11. AAA rated appliances are more water EFFICIENT
12. National Water Week is a time to protect, CONSERVE and get involved
13. WATER is our most PRECIOUS natural resource
14. Water is a limited but RENEWABLE resource
15. RECYCLING household waste is environmentally sound
16. The toilet should not be used as a GARBAGE bin
17. Only water should enter the STORMWATER system
18. It's easy to be WATERWISE at home
19. It's better to water the GARDEN in the COOLER parts of the day
20. Turning the TAP off while brushing teeth saves water
21. Using the HALF flush button on the toilet can save up to 6 litres of water
22. When washing the car, its better to use a BUCKET and sponge

Water Bugs

A stream is usually home to a variety of animals. These include insects, crustaceans, molluscs and worms. They are commonly referred to as ‘water bugs’. These water bugs utilise many different parts of the stream or ‘microhabitats’. Some live on the water surface, some on or in the bottom of the creek, in the surrounding vegetation, or amongst the rocks.

Scientists have found that the number and variety of water bugs found in a stream can give an indication of the relative levels of water pollution. In other words, by sampling the water bugs in your local stream, you can get an idea about the quality of the water!

The following pictures and descriptions are of the more common water bugs that are found in most streams. Very sensitive water bugs would generally only be found in healthy streams. Leeches, mozzies and bloodworms are more tolerant to a polluted home and habitat changes.

Visit the Bugwatch site http://www.streamwatch.org.au/bugs/bugs.htm to access information on how to collect waterbugs, make some basic identifications and based on what you find calculate a stream pollution index for a stream in your area.

Adapted from the Streamwatch Water Bug Detective Guide