(This is an outline prepared for the course delivered at Riversymposium 2008.)
Water-quality data management and analysis package
Millions of dollars have been invested in water monitoring activities, and now a variety of organisations, groups and individuals are responsible for design, data-collection and assessment of water-management and water-quality improvement programs.
eWater CRC has developed a set of software utilities to assist a wide range of stakeholders in water-quality monitoring and assessment.
These tools:
- help users get the best out of the data collected from monitoring programs.
- support users in their data analysis and interpretation,
- facilitate defensible decision making.
The tools have been designed using contemporary science and state of the art decision-science technology. They include interactive tools, databases, knowledge bases, statistical tools, decision-making processes, and a comprehensive collection of relevant information and help materials.
This course provides ...
...an introduction to eWater's
- monitoring design tools,
- data management and analysis kit, comprising:
- eGuides,
- water-quality guidelines tool,
- pollutant load estimation tool,
- trend analysis tool, and
- time series data management utility;
- assessment and reporting aids.
The course includes demonstrations and training in these utilities, using sample data sets.
What benefits will you gain from attending?
This workshop has been designed to provide basic understanding and knowledge of water-quality monitoring activities. It will discuss some specific water-quality data-analysis techniques and tools:
- Water-quality guidelines tool - the training demonstrates:
- setting water-quality guidelines for various environmental values and ecosystem protections for different water types,
- how to calculate guidelines using referential sites,
- how to set guidelines using biologically assessed data,
- how to compare current status of water quality using a range of guidelines stored in a database, and
- how to set water-quality targets using proportional improvements.
- Loads tool - the training demonstrates:
- basic load-estimation concepts in rivers and streams using time-series data. This version of the loads tool presents nine different methods for load calculation, based on different quantities and qualities of available flow and concentration data. It also provides assistance for selecting appropriate load calculation methods for various pollutants and catchment types.
- Trend analysis tool - the training presents:
- several trend analysis techniques for water quality and flow. Time-series data manager will assist users to prepare time-series data sets to input into tools or catchment models.
In other words, the course offers:
- Introduction to eWater's monitoring tools
- Understanding of eWater's water-quality data management and analysis package
- Increased capacity to use integrated monitoring and assessment software utilities
- Enhanced quality control and quality assurance in water-quality monitoring and assessment programs.
Should you attend?
Yes, if you are directly or indirectly involved in water-quality monitoring, management and improvement plans. For example, you may be on the staff of a water-management agency or pollutant regulator, consulting group, local council, catchment group, community group, Waterwatch group, or other natural resources management or science organisation.
Prerequisites and equipment needed for the course
- Basic computer literacy,
- Knowledge of water-quality monitoring and assessment activities,
- Basic knowledge of time-series data preparation and handling,
- A laptop computer for which you have local administrator rights for installing and uninstalling software.