Desktop review — Impact of bushfires on water quality

​​​Publication details

Hugh Smith, Jane Cawson, Gary Sheridan and Patrick Lane, The University of Melbourne, 2011

Outcomes of the review of existing literature relating to bushfires and their effect on water quality in Australia, conducted in late 2009 by the University of Melbourne.

Various water uses and values affected by bushfires were considered as part of the review, including:

• agriculture
• aquatic ecosystems
• drinking water
• industrial water
• recreation and aesthetics
• water resource infrastructure.

Substantial knowledge gaps and recommendations for management actions to minimise effects on water quality before, during and after a bushfire were identified in this report.

The report was peer reviewed by a number of independent experts to confirm that the findings were consistent with contemporary science, policy and practice.​​

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