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Outraged Qantas flyer captures "absolutely unacceptable" act

Qantas staff have been condemned for leaving a pet crate abandoned on a Sydney tarmac in torrential rain. An outraged passenger captured the moment she saw the pet carrier, and a trolley full of suitcases, left in the rain at Sydney Airport on Friday, and shared it to social media. Sydney was hit with heavy rain on Friday, with some parts of New South Wales recording a month's worth of rainfall within a single day. After passengers had been loaded onto the Qantas aircraft, the concerned traveller noticed the animal had been abandoned in the rain. "Unfortunately the weather was unavoidable, but this luggage was left out in the open in Sydney for 30 mins and the animals for 15 minutes — one facing the rain," the furious passenger wrote on Facebook. Travellers on the same flight were quick to comment on the woman's post, saying their luggage had arrived soaking wet. "[I was on] on same flight, my luggage came home wet. Thinking a cover in these conditions would be nice," they wrote. Others expressed their concerns for the animal left in the crate in the rain, saying it was "animal abuse" to leave a furry friend in those conditions. "Those poor fur babies," one person wrote. "I'd report this if I saw it. Should have brought this to the attention of ground crew ASAP." A third added, "I'm unimpressed by the luggage but those pet carriers out there is absolutely unacceptable. I'd be fuming if my boy was stuck on the tarmac in a cage in torrential rain, making an already stressful situation even worse." "Disgusting to leave those fur babies out in the rain. Almost animal abuse," another said. A spokesperson from Qantas told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/qantas-photo-catches-airline-in-unacceptable-act-id-be-fuming-222149288.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a> that they are investigating the incident and that the airline "takes the safety and welfare of pets travelling with us very seriously". Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Bold idea sees hotel offer thousands in cash back if it rains

In a move that's making waves in the travel industry, a posh hotel in the heart of Singapore has rolled out a revolutionary offer: rain insurance. Yes, you heard it right – rain insurance! InterContinental Singapore, a sanctuary for jet-setters seeking respite from both the humidity and the occasional tropical deluge, has unleashed a game-changer for travellers. Dubbed the "Rain Resist Bliss Package", this offer promises to keep your spirits high even when the rain gods decide to throw a dampener on your plans. Picture this: you've booked your suite at this 5-star haven, eagerly anticipating your Singapore escapade. But lo and behold, the forecast takes a turn for the soggy, threatening to rain on your parade – quite literally. Fear not, dear traveller, for with the Rain Resist Bliss Package, you can breathe easy knowing that if your plans get drenched, your wallet won't. Now, you might be wondering, how does this rain insurance work? Well, it's as simple as Singapore Sling on a sunny day. If the heavens decide to open up and rain on your parade for a cumulative 120 minutes within any four-hour block of daylight hours (that's 8am to 7pm for those not on island time), you're entitled to a refund equivalent to your single-night room rate. The package is available exclusively for suite room bookings starting from $SGD850 per night – so that’s around $965 rain-soaked dollars back in your pocket, no questions asked. No need to jump through hoops or perform a rain dance – just sit back, relax, and let the rain do its thing. And fret not about having to keep an eye on the sky – the clever folks at InterContinental Singapore have got you covered. They're tapping into the data from the National Environmental Agency Weather Station to automatically trigger those rain refunds. It's like having your own personal meteorologist ensuring that your plans stay as dry as your martini. But hey, if the rain does decide to crash your party, fear not! The hotel has an array of dining options to keep your tastebuds entertained while you wait for the clouds to part. And let's not forget, Singapore isn't just about sunshine and rainbows – there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied, from feasting at Lau Pa Sat for an authentic hawker experience to retail therapy at Takashimaya. And here's a silver lining to those rain clouds: fewer tourists! That's right, while others might be scrambling for cover, you could be enjoying shorter lines, less crowded attractions, and even snagging better deals on accommodations. Plus, let's not overlook the fact that the rain brings a welcome respite from the tropical heat, making outdoor adventures all the more enjoyable once the showers subside. So, pack your umbrella and leave your worries behind. With InterContinental Singapore's Rain Resist Bliss Package, you can embrace the unpredictable and turn even the rainiest of days into a memorable adventure. After all, as they say, when life gives you lemons, make Singapore Slings and dance in the rain! Images: InterContinental Singapore / Getty Images

International Travel

10 driving tips to stay safe in wet weather

Driving in the rain? Follow these tips for safe driving in wet weather This should go without saying, but reducing your speed – as long as you continue to keep with the flow of traffic, of course – is imperative when driving in the rain. After all, between the downpour and spray from other vehicles, heavy rain reduces visibility in all directions, and you need more time to react. Keep your distance Driving in the rain can be hazardous, and if ever there is an incident that requires you – or the driver in front you – to brake unexpectedly, you’ll want to have ample stopping distance on wet roads. Avoid heavy breaking While driving in the rain, you may find yourself in situations – whether you’re hydroplaning or finding yourself in a skid – that will tempt you to hit the brakes abruptly. Do your best to curb that impulse. Brakes can be affected greatly by water, losing a bit of their power when wet, which can be disastrous in an emergency. Easing off the brakes, slowing down and maintaining control of your vehicle is your best bet. Keep both hands on the wheel Control is of utmost importance when driving in the rain. After all, you need to be in command of your vehicle should an incident occur, and having both hands on the wheel while driving in the rain (no snacking or fiddling with the radio!) will ensure you can get out of a sticky situation quickly and efficiently. Keep windows from fogging up When driving in rain, windows tend to fog up as a result of the difference in temperatures inside and outside the car and can lead to decreased visibility. To stay safe and avoid accidents, simply press your car’s defrost button to clear-up the window. Turn on your A/C or roll down the windows by a couple of centimetres to remove the humidity from the vehicle and lower the temperature inside the car. If the issue persists, you may want to purchase a windshield cleaner and defogger. Beware of hydroplaning Hydroplaning happens when your car travels above the water without touching the ground. Given that a driver is left with little-to-no grip with the road and, thus, less control, this can be a dangerous set of circumstances. If you find yourself in such a situation, stay calm, ease off the brakes and do not turn your steering wheel; let your car slow down and the tires reattach to the road surface. Avoid puddles Windshield wipers should always be in working condition. Be vigilant about replacing them once per year, or whenever they start to leave streaks on the glass. Having wipers blades in tip-top shape ensures the best possible visibility when driving in the rain. Stay home if you can If you have no choice but to head outside during a heavy downpour, be sure to follow these driving tips. However, if you don’t have anywhere pressing to be, consider staying home and waiting it out until the storm subsides. Keep your headlights on With wet weather often comes fog and overall gloominess. With your surroundings slightly darkened, turning on your headlights ensures that you can see the road in front of you, and that other drivers can see you. Ensure windshield wipers are in working order Windshield wipers should always be in working condition. Be vigilant about replacing them once per year, or whenever they start to leave streaks on the glass. Having wipers blades in tip-top shape ensures the best possible visibility when driving in the rain. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/10-driving-tips-to-stay-safe-in-wet-weather" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Travel Tips

"I have to protect my property": Neighbours at war go viral

In Sydney's western suburbs, a war has broken out between two neighbours over something neither of them can control: the rain. Valentina lives in Edensor Park, and is sick of her neighbour Connie's rainwater flooding her property. Connie's house sits higher than her neighbour's, meaning as Australia endures yet another year of heavy rain, Valentina's property has been "flooded" from all sides. Valentina said, "She is sending her water onto ours and flooding our property." Connie, however, insists, "It is surface water from the sky, not stormwater and I can't control it." During every downpour, the neighbours have been filming each other and their properties to get to the bottom of the issue, which has resulted in Valentina opting to build a retaining wall. However, when tradies arrives at the house to begin construction, all hell broke loose. <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 619px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7154780121252105473&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40tinnnkerrr%2Fvideo%2F7154780121252105473%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26q%3Dtinnnkerrr%26t%3D1667254770444&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2F4857bc7856be4b3ca3649e65d365a66a_1665852081%3Fx-expires%3D1667275200%26x-signature%3DKt58vf2CjTbrAe%252BhhlapesHYRI8%253D&key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <div>"She thinks our house is supposed to collect all of her rainwater," Valentina said.</div> So during construction of "the great wall" of Edensor Park, the iPhone videos were running hot. On one side, Connie and her husband are trying to stop the construction, on the other Valentina and her parents are shouting to stop. "The council policy says the water flow must not be obstructed by kerbing, fencing, retaining walls," Connie said. The stoush was posted online and has generated more than seven million views, with neither neighbour backing down. "I won't give up, the police can arrest me," Connie said. "But I have to protect my land." Image credits: A Current Affair

Real Estate

Garden fixes after heavy rain

Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his advice for tending to the garden after heavy rain. When it comes to the garden and heavy rain, you need to be prepared. Where does water sit? What gets washed away? How are your drains working or failing? All things you can repair and get working for the future success of your garden. The heavy rain has saturated our soil, and strong winds have toppled over trees all week, but long-term, the saturated soil can hurt all plants in the garden. When the soil is water-logged the root system can drown from lack of oxygen. The first thing I would do is rake some mulch away allowing for some evaporation, either with a garden fork or even something like a cricket stump. Make some holes to allow air in and for the water to fill and again evaporate. Snails and slugs are opportunists and thrive and reproduce when times are good – they love the rain and the wet conditions afterwards. To control them I like to use a take-away container with a splash of beer in it. Placed level with the garden bed the snails go in and never leave. If your garden was flooded don’t be too quick to think the water’s gone down and everything’s fine. If they’re in the garden, avoid eating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach. They may have been contaminated by the flood water. Fruit trees such as citrus should be fine within a short period of time. Now that it has stopped raining it’s never too late to clean the gutters. Overflowing gutters can damage gardens and undermine the footings of your house. When you’re up a ladder either doing the gutters or any other job in the garden I recommend you have a second person with you, an extra set of hands to hold the ladder, spot problems and just pass you tools. It makes the process a lot safer and quicker. Look out for mould, moss and mildew that might grow on shady, damp paths over the next few weeks. A blast with a pressure washer will be a quick fix and a lot more enjoyable than slipping A over Z. A weak solution of vinegar and water will kill mould and mildew if you don’t have a pressure washer. Look for branches that may have been damaged but are still hanging in the tree. They will become more obvious as the foliage browns off and dies. Cleaning up the tear and damage will give the tree a better chance of recovery. If you have a watering system, override it and turn it off for a couple of weeks. The last thing the garden needs is a drink. If your pots were full of water remove the saucers and allow them to drain. It’s a hard time to garden after heavy rain, but let’s be thankful for it and hope we can enjoy the long-term benefits of having moisture deep down in our soil. Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain.com.au.</a> Image: Getty

Home & Garden

Meteors seem to be raining down on New Zealand, but why are some bright green?

<h1 class="legacy">Meteors seem to be raining down on New Zealand, but why are some bright green?</h1> <figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476788/original/file-20220731-19335-76trxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=5%2C304%2C3828%2C1851&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" /><figcaption>Greg Price, Author provided</figcaption></figure> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jack-baggaley-1366298">Jack Baggaley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canterbury-1004">University of Canterbury</a> New Zealand may seem to be under meteor bombardment at the moment. After a <a href="https://theconversation.com/equivalent-to-1-800-tonnes-of-tnt-what-we-now-know-about-the-meteor-that-lit-up-the-daytime-sky-above-new-zealand-186636">huge meteor exploded</a> above the sea near Wellington on July 7, creating a sonic boom that could be heard across the bottom of the South Island, a smaller fireball was captured two weeks later above Canterbury. <a href="https://fireballs.nz/">Fireballs Aotearoa</a>, a collaboration between astronomers and citizen scientists which aims to recover freshly fallen meteorites, has received a lot of questions about these events. One of the most frequent is about the bright green colour, and whether it is the same green produced by auroras. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476789/original/file-20220731-20-zrewrz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="An image of an aurora australis" /><figcaption>An aurora australis observed from the international space station. Wikimedia Commons, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></figcaption></figure> Green fireballs have been reported and filmed in New Zealand regularly. Bright meteors often signal the arrival of a chunk of asteroid, which can be anywhere between a few centimetres to a metre in diameter when it comes crashing through the atmosphere. Some of these asteroids contain nickel and iron and they hit the atmosphere at speeds of up to 60km per second. This releases an enormous amount of heat very quickly, and the vapourised iron and nickel radiate green light. But is this the same as the bright green of an aurora? For the most recent meteor, the answer is mainly no, but it’s actually not that simple. <h2>The colours of a meteor trail</h2> The green glow of the aurora is caused by oxygen ions in the upper atmosphere, created by collisions between atmospheric oxygen molecules and particles ejected by the sun. These oxygen ions recombine with electrons to produce oxygen atoms, but the electrons can persist in an excited state for several seconds. In an energy transition known as “forbidden” because it does not obey the usual quantum rules, they then radiate the auroral green light at 557nm wavelength. A meteor can also shine by this route, but only if it’s extremely fast. Very fast meteors heat up in the thin atmosphere above 100km where auroras form. If you want to see a green auroral wake from a meteor, watch out for the Perseid meteor shower, which has now started and will peak on August 13 in the southern hemisphere. Also arriving at about 60km per second, the Perseids are extremely fast bits of the <a href="https://www.space.com/33677-comet-swift-tuttle-perseid-meteor-shower-source.html">comet Swift-Tuttle</a>. Some Perseids trail a beautiful, glowing and distinctly green wake behind them, particularly at the start of their path. Once the Canterbury meteor hit on July 22, the capricious winds of the upper atmosphere twisted the gently glowing trail, resulting in a pale yellow glow towards the end (as seen in the GIF below, also recorded by Greg Price for an earlier meteor). This is caused by sodium atoms being continually excited in a catalytic reaction involving ozone. <img src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/static_files/files/2231/The_22_July_meteor_-_persistent_train_-_credit_Greg_Price.gif?1659310010" width="100%" /> <h2>Are we being bombarded by meteors?</h2> Yes and no. The arrival of big, booming green meteors and the dropping of meteorites isn’t rare in New Zealand, but it is rare to recover the rock. Fireballs Aotearoa is working to improve the recovery rate. In an average year, perhaps four meteorites hit New Zealand. We’re encouraging citizen scientists to build their own meteor camera systems so they can catch these events. By comparing the meteor against the starry background and triangulating images caught by multiple cameras, we can pin down the meteor’s position in the atmosphere to within tens of metres. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476790/original/file-20220731-43929-h2dp31.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="The July 22 meteor as seen by a specialised meteor camera near Ashburton." /><figcaption>The July 22 meteor as seen by a specialised meteor camera near Ashburton. Campbell Duncan/NASA/CAMS NZ, Author provided</figcaption></figure> Not only does that help us find the rock, but it tells us what the pre-impact orbit of the meteoroid was, which in turn tells us which part of the solar system it came from. This is a rather efficient way of sampling the solar system without ever having to launch a space mission. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=440&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=553&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=553&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/476791/original/file-20220731-31484-7i4x0t.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=553&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Map of witness reports and cameras." /><figcaption>Witness reports and high-resolution meteor cameras help to calculate a meteor’s trajectory. This map shows the approximate trajectory of the July 22 meteor at the top of the red shape in the centre. Fireballs Aotearoa and International Meteor Association, Author provided</figcaption></figure> Fireballs Aotearoa is rapidly populating Otago with meteor cameras and there are half a dozen more in other parts of the South Island. The North Island isn’t well covered yet, and we’re keen for more people (in either island) to build or buy a meteor camera and keep it pointed at the sky. Then next time a bright meteor explodes with a boom above New Zealand, we may be able to pick up the meteorite and do some good science with it. <hr /> Many thanks for the input from Jim Rowe of the UK Fireball Alliance, and Greg Price who photographed the July 22 meteor and the persistent train.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/187836/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jack-baggaley-1366298">Jack Baggaley</a>, Professor Emeritus Physics and Astronomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-canterbury-1004">University of Canterbury</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/meteors-seem-to-be-raining-down-on-new-zealand-but-why-are-some-bright-green-187836">original article</a>.

Domestic Travel

Natural disaster declared for NSW

The Australian Government has declared a natural disaster for parts of New South Wales. Torrential rain has continued to batter the state as tens of thousands of residents have evacuated flood prone areas, others have been left stranded waiting to be rescued by the SES, and 21 people are stuck in a cargo ship following an engine failure. The SES said there were 5,300 calls for help, 252 people were rescued overnight and a further 45,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. Despite the rain expecting to ease today, SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns there’s concern for certain areas. "Our biggest concern today is ongoing riverine flooding along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and the Georges rivers, with our focus areas being McGraths Hill, Pitt Town, Woronora, Liverpool and Milperra," he said. A natural disaster has been declared in 23 Local Government Areas which have been left submerged by rising waters. The residents in the 23 LGAs affected by the severe storms and flooding since June 27, will now be eligible for disaster relief payments funded by the NSW government and the Commonwealth. The LGAs include Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong. “We have seen some of these impacted communities being hit by floods for a third and fourth time in 18 months, which is extremely distressing to the residents of these communities,” Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Watt said. “The Australian and New South Wales governments have worked very cooperatively through this latest flood emergency, to ensure defence and other resources were deployed early and fast. “Similarly, we’re now working hard together to make sure that impacted communities get the financial and other assistance they need as soon as possible.” It comes as a delicate rescue operation continues for bulk carrier ship Portland Bay after it lost power on Monday leaving 21 crew members stranded. The ship then began drifting towards the coast of the Royal National Park, south of Sydney but the crew managed to drop two anchors in the wild 5.5m swells. John Finch, chief operating officer at Port Authority, said the main objective was to move the ship to deeper waters. "The priority is getting this vessel and its crew into safer waters and away from land and the potential of grounding," he said. "All tugs have now arrived and connected to the ship so the operation has commenced to raise its anchors and move this ship safely out to sea in a slow and controlled manner. "The conditions make the towage operation quite difficult. In eight-metre swell, the vessel is going to be rising and falling and rolling. That's going to put a lot of stress on the equipment and the tug lines." The port authority has managed to move the ship about 20 nautical miles offshore and out of immediate danger. Images: SES/Nine News

News

Man drowns in Sydney flood waters amid fears "the worst is yet to come"

A man has drowned and tens of thousands of New South Wales residents have been warned to stay alert and ready to evacuate amid fears “the worst is yet to come”. Horrific torrential rain is hammering the east coast of Australia with the wild weather expected to continue throughout the week. Warragamba Dam has begun to spill at an extreme rate compared to the floods in March and April which has prompted the SES to order almost 32,000 people to evacuate their homes. Overall, that is a total of 41 evacuation orders and 44 evacuation warnings issued to communities in the Illawarra, Western Sydney and Hawkesbury-Nepean areas. Since the freaky weather hit, heroic SES members have responded to 3,111 requests for help and have rescued 137 people. It comes as a man has died after being pulled unresponsive from the Parramatta River on Sunday afternoon. Emergency services attempted to revive the man but were unsuccessful. “We saw a helicopter out there with essentially a team of police jumping into the water, trying to save someone,” witness Luke Touma told 7NEWS. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the weather event is once again testing the resilience of NSW. “It’s hard to put into words what some communities across NSW are going through, again," he said. “We’re seeing distressing scenes from the flood zones across our state. “Times like these are difficult. It will test our resilience. But it is also in these times that we see the best in people and the best in our communities. “We have mobilised significant resources and all relevant agencies to get help to those in need. And we will pull together, as we always do, to get through this.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that 100 ADF personnel are on standby to help. “Our government is monitoring the NSW floods carefully and has already made ADF support available. If you live in an affected area, please follow the @NSWSES advice and make safe decisions.” Images: 7News

News

Sydney thrown into chaos by extreme floods

In just 24 hours, Sydney has been thrown into chaos by bouts of heavy rain, leading to extreme flooding all through the city. Residents woke up to road closures, flooding homes and rising water levels, with an extreme weather warning continuing to linger. Suburbs in Sydney's southwest were ordered to evacuate overnight, with public transport delays and cancellations affecting the whole city. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts another day of heavy rainfall and damaging winds, with severe weather warnings issued for parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan Sydney, Illawarra, south coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and parts of Mid North Coast, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory. The damage has been widespread, with the M5 Citybound tunnel flooding and closing as a result. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Sydney M5 tunnel has become Venice. Travel safe everyone <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sydneyflood?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sydneyflood</a> <a href="https://t.co/yWq871iA9k">pic.twitter.com/yWq871iA9k</a> — Shan (@shanshanw) <a href="https://twitter.com/shanshanw/status/1501053311902183426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote> Meanwhile in the eastern suburbs, a portion of the ceiling at Bondi Junction Westfield collapsed, narrowly missing unsuspecting shoppers. Footage shared by ABC journalist James Valentine showed chunks of the ceiling on the escalators however no shoppers appeared to be hurt or injured. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This collapsing ceiling at Westfield Bondi Junction, missed me by two metres! <a href="https://t.co/pyxBF1YXIS">pic.twitter.com/pyxBF1YXIS</a> — James Valentine (@Valentine702) <a href="https://twitter.com/Valentine702/status/1501025638089592837?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote> In Sydney's south, entire roads near Bankstown were underwater, preventing travellers from getting home and out of the wild weather. The water from Georges River spread quickly, inundating parked cars with water. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Western Sydney Floods ( very rare that floods happen in this part ) <a href="https://t.co/IB42cFz6Nb">pic.twitter.com/IB42cFz6Nb</a> — @Georgebakhos1 (@GeorgeBakhos1) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeorgeBakhos1/status/1500818701859553290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a></blockquote> In the inner west suburb of Rhodes, flood waters tore through homes and wrecked furniture, while firefighters were called to help. They turned off the power supply to the homes, removed compromised power boards and helped residents to bail out as much water as they could. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We are flooding in Condell Park <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSW</a> and SES are not picking up and the water is inside now all over the house!<a href="https://twitter.com/NSWSES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSWSES</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsSydney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7NewsSydney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@9NewsAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BOM_NSW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SBSNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SBSNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSWFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSWFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/floods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#floods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sydneyfloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sydneyfloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sydney?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sydney</a> <a href="https://t.co/OM1mco0lXn">pic.twitter.com/OM1mco0lXn</a> — Nasem Allam (@nasemallam) <a href="https://twitter.com/nasemallam/status/1500761403472617480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is about a 7 minute drive from my place. Taken from a FB group. I’ve never seen flooding like this near me in Sydney. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sydneyflood?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sydneyflood</a> <a href="https://t.co/WlFRO5ljM3">pic.twitter.com/WlFRO5ljM3</a> — Claudia Zappia 🩰🎭🎧🎤❤️‍🩹 (@Claudia_Zappia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Claudia_Zappia/status/1500983335761235969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a></blockquote> Tragically, two lives have been lost from the floods, as police located two bodies in a stormwater canal in Sydney's western suburb of Wentworthville. The flood warnings remain in place, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with authorities warning residents not to make any non-essential trips, and to stay out of dangerous flood waters. Image credits: Facebook / Twitter

News

Small town receives "one in a thousand year" flood warning

With water levels continuing to rise during a "one-in-a-1000-year" flooding event on the NSW far-north coast, locals are being warned not to be complacent. Ballina Lord Mayor Sharon Cadwallader told Today she had a sleepless night at a local evacuation centre, fielding calls from her anxious community about what the freak weather event would do next. "Water is unpredictable - you really don't know what it's going to do today," said Mayor Cadwallader "It is an evolving situation so we're monitoring it very closely. We've got some excellent staff working on this as we speak. We really don't know." Ms Cadwallader warns with the volume of water coming down the Wilsons and Richmond rivers, evacuations were a necessary precaution. "We can't rest on our laurels or become complacent about this - Sometimes in Ballina we do see high tides and water build-up in some of our streets," she said. "But not like this. We don't want people to think this is a normal event - It is far from a normal event, it's a one-in-1000-year flood, in fact." Authorities remain fearful the Richmond River will break its banks, with water continuing to spill over and flood the streets of Ballina. Emergency crews have been sandbagging and water could reach up to one metre at street-level. The SES is warning of life-threatening flooding over the next 24 hours with the Ballina Hospital already evacuated overnight. Images: Getty

Travel Trouble

"A first for me”: QLD snake catcher’s deadly find during heavy rains

A prolonged heatwave followed by a downpour of heavy rain has created ideal conditions for snakes, with catchers in Southeast Queensland scrambling to relocate reptiles from homes and backyards. Noosa-based catcher Luke Huntley said “wildlife is thriving” compared to last summer when conditions were drier and destructive bushfires provided less water for snakes. Mr Huntley spoke to NCA Newswire and said he’s currently busy retrieving snakes from different hiding spots across the region, even spotting his first ever brown snake - one of the world’s most deadly - in the popular beachside town. “In the suburb of Noosaville, bang in the middle of Noosa,” he said. “I thought it was going to be a tree snake and I rocked up and I saw quite a big head and little neck poking out of a fence near a pool and I thought ‘wow, that is a big brown snake right in the middle of Noosa’. “That was a first for me. “Brown snakes are the second most venomous land animal, so they’re definitely one to show respect and keep away from or call a professional.” Mr Huntley said the perfect conditions for snakes had him relocating five reptiles by mid-afternoon on Monday, as Queensland was met with heavy rain for four consecutive days. “For the first couple of days of heavy rain, it’s quiet,” the operator of Snake Catcher Noosa said. “And the reason for that is all the snakes are sheltering — in holes underground, little caves, sometimes they go into roofs. Basically anywhere that’s dry. “As the water level increases as it rains and rains more, a lot of those underground little places get flooded so then snakes then come out the ground, out of their little holes and that’s when they come into houses.” The snake catcher has issued a warning to residents, saying it’s important to keep screens, garages and doors closed to make sure your home isn’t inviting to snakes. “Having screens and keeping everything closed, is going to absolutely ensure there is a very small chance of anything getting in,” he said. “If you do have it in the house — if it’s in a room, close the door and put a towel under the door and call a snake catcher. “If it’s in a big open area, remove any pets or kids and keep an eye on it from a very safe distance, like well over six metres away. “Same with if it’s in the garden — either wait for the snake to go away by itself, take any pets or kids out of the area so there’s no risk, and just let it do its thing. “Or if you don’t feel comfortable with that and you want it gone, just call your local snake catcher and they’ll come out and relocate it.”

Travel Trouble

How bushfires and rain turned our waterways into ‘cake mix’, and what we can do about it

As the world watched the Black Summer bushfires in horror, we warned that when it did finally rain, our aquatic ecosystems would be <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-sweet-relief-of-rain-after-bushfires-threatens-disaster-for-our-rivers-129449">devastated</a>. Following bushfires, rainfall can wash huge volumes of ash and debris from burnt vegetation and exposed soil into <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13241583.2020.1717694?journalCode=twar20">rivers</a>. Fires can also lead to soil “hydrophobia”, where soil refuses to absorb water, which can generate more runoff at higher intensity. Ash and contaminants from the fire, including toxic metals, carbon and fire retardants, can also threaten biodiversity in streams. As expected, when heavy rains eventually extinguished many fires, it turned high quality water in our rivers to sludge with the consistency of <a href="https://theconversation.com/before-and-after-see-how-bushfire-and-rain-turned-the-macquarie-perchs-home-to-sludge-139919">cake mix</a>. Join 130,000 people who subscribe to free evidence-based news. Get newsletter In the weeks following the first rains, we sampled from these rivers. <a href="https://publications.csiro.au/publications/#publication/PIcsiro:EP206535">This is what we saw</a>. Sampling the upper Murray River Of particular concern was the <a href="https://www.visituppermurray.com.au/self-drive-touring/">upper Murray</a> River on the border between Victoria and NSW, which is critical for water supply. There, the bushfires were particularly intense. When long-awaited rain eventually came to the upper Murray River catchment, it was in the form of large localised storms. Tonnes of ash, sediment and debris were washed into creeks and the Murray River. Steep terrain within burnt regions of the upper Murray catchment generated a large volume of fast flowing runoff that carried with it sediment and pollutants. We collected water samples in the upper Murray River in January and February 2020 to assess impacts to riverine plants and animals. Our water samples were up to 30 times more turbid (cloudy) than normal, with total suspended solids as high as 765 milligrams per litre. Heavy metals such as zinc, arsenic, chromium, nickel, copper and lead were recorded in concentrations well above guideline values for healthy waterways. We took the water collected from the Murray River to the laboratory, where we conducted a number of toxicological experiments on duckweed (a floating water plant), water fleas (small aquatic invertebrates) and juvenile freshwater snails. What we found During a seven-day exposure to the bushfire affected river water, the growth rate of <a href="https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Duckweed">duckweed</a> was reduced by 30-60%. The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/water-flea">water fleas</a> ingested large amounts of suspended sediments when they were exposed to the affected water for 48 hours. Following the exposure, water flea reproduction was significantly impaired. And <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/freshwater-snail">freshwater snail</a> egg sacs were smothered. The ash resulted in complete deaths of snail larvae after 14 days. These sad impacts to growth, reproduction and death rates were primarily a result of the combined effects of the ash and contaminants, according to our preliminary investigations. But they can have longer-term knock-on effects to larger animals like birds and fish that rely on biota like snail eggs, water fleas and duckweed for food. What happened to the fish? Immediately following the first pulse of sediment, dead fish (mostly introduced <a href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/european-carp-cyprinus-carpio/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhb36BRCfARIsAKcXh6FgK-8QaDVfHBgGRa_sUuqssocPb-i-0QBxs_JG98YNMek7AHgl-u8aAmRwEALw_wcB">European carp</a> and native <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/fish-species/species-list/murray-cod">Murray Cod</a>) were observed on the bank of River Murray at Burrowye Reserve, Victoria. But what, exactly, was their cause of death? Our first assumption was that they died from a lack of oxygen in the water. This is because ash and nutrients combined with high summer water temperatures can trigger increased activity of microbes, such as bacteria. This, in turn can deplete the dissolved oxygen concentration in the water (also known as <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/water/cewo/publications/factsheet-hypoxic-blackwater-events-and-water-quality">hypoxia</a>) as the microbes consume oxygen. And wide-spread hypoxia can lead to large scale fish kills. But to our surprise, although dissolved oxygen in the Murray River was lower than usual, we did not record it at levels low enough for hypoxia. Instead, we saw the dead fish had large quantities of sediment trapped in their gills. The fish deaths were also quite localised. In this case, we think fish death was simply caused by the extremely high sediment and ash load in the river that physically clogged their gills, not a lack of dissolved oxygen in the water. These findings are not unusual, and following the 2003 bushfires in Victoria fish kills were attributed to a combination of <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2008.01851.x?casa_token=Anjq4f3ZTWoAAAAA%3AM_B988ns0XYPpiKIDh38yznV8YK-JjB-i-wVNxzs90goAS4tc0TwfNCEQ4Iao5UTgwwKCO9_t4tq4W4p">low dissolved oxygen and high turbidity</a>. So how can we prepare for future bushfires? Preventing sediment being washed into rivers following fires is difficult. Installing sediment barriers and other erosion control measures can protect specific areas. However, at the catchment scale, a more holistic approach is required. One way is to increase efforts to re-vegetate stream banks (called riparian zones) to help buffer the runoff. A step further is to consider re-vegetating these zones with native plants that don’t burn easily, such as <a href="https://apsvic.org.au/fire-resistant-and-retardant-plants/">Blackwood</a> (Acacia melanoxylin). Streams known to host rare or endangered aquatic species should form the focus of any fire preparation activities. Some species exist only in highly localised areas, such as the endangered native <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/national-recovery-plan-barred-galaxias-galaxias-fuscus">barred galaxias</a> (Galaxias fuscus) in central Victoria. This means an extreme fire event there can lead to the extinction of the whole species. That’s why reintroducing endangered species to their former ranges in multiple catchments to broaden their distribution is important. Increasing the connectivity within our streams would also allow animals like fish to evade poor water quality — dams and weirs can prevent this. The removal of such barriers, or installing “<a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/habitat/rehabilitating/fishways">fish-ways</a>” may be important to protecting fish populations from bushfire impacts. However, dams can also be used to benefit animal and plant life (biota). When sediment is washed into large rivers, as we saw in the Murray River after the Black Summer fires, the release of good quality water from dams can be used to dilute poor quality water washed in from fire affected tributaries. Citizen scientists can help, too. It can be difficult for researchers to monitor aquatic ecosystems during and immediately following bushfires and unmanned monitoring stations are often damaged or destroyed. CSIRO is working closely with state authorities and the public to improve citizen science apps such as <a href="https://www.eyeonwater.org/apps/eyeonwater-australia">EyeOnWater</a> to collect water quality data. With more eyes in more areas, these data can improve our understanding of aquatic ecosystem responses to fire and to inform strategic planning for future fires. These are some simple first steps that can be taken now. Recent investment in bushfire research has largely centred on how the previous fires have influenced species’ distribution and health. But if we want to avoid wildlife catastrophes, we must also look forward to the mitigation of future bushfire impacts. Written by Paul McInerney, Anu Kumar, Gavin Rees, Klaus Joehnk and Tapas Kumar Biswas. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-bushfires-and-rain-turned-our-waterways-into-cake-mix-and-what-we-can-do-about-it-144504">The Conversation.</a>

Cruising

Before and after: see how bushfire and rain turned the Macquarie perch’s home to sludge

The unprecedented intensity and scale of Australia’s recent bushfires left a trail of destruction across Australia. Millions of hectares burned and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-09/nsw-bushfires-kill-over-a-billion-animals-experts-say/11854836">more than a billion animals were affected or died</a>. When the rains finally arrived, the situation for many fish species went from dangerous to catastrophic. A slurry of ash and mud washed into waterways, turning freshwater systems brown and sludgy. Oxygen levels plummeted and <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/01/australian-fires-threaten-to-pollute-water/">water quality</a> deteriorated rapidly. Hundreds of thousands of fish <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-sweet-relief-of-rain-after-bushfires-threatens-disaster-for-our-rivers-129449">suffocated</a>. It was akin to filling your fish tank with mud and expecting your goldfish to survive. Get your news from people who know what they’re talking about. Hear from them Take, for example, the plight of the endangered <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/threatened-species/what-current/endangered-species2/macquarie-perch">Macquarie perch</a> (Macquaria australasica), an Australian native freshwater fish of the Murray-Darling river system. A special fish Macquarie perch were once <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/8e9c5e38-7b7f-4b91-9f8d-66fd90eca1c2/files/draft-recovery-plan-macquarie-perch.pdf">one of the most abundant fish</a> in the Murray-Darling Basin. Revered by the community and once responsible for supporting extensive <a href="https://finterest.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/True_tales_of_the_trout_cod_book.pdf">Indigenous, recreational, commercial and subsistence fisheries</a>, they are an iconic species found nowhere else in the world. However, they have very specific needs. Macquarie perch like rocky river sections with clear, fast-flowing water, shaded by trees and bushes on the banks. Massive change wrought on our rivers over the past century means Macquarie perch are now only found at a handful of locations <a href="http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=66632">in the Murray-Darling Basin</a>. One habitat - Mannus Creek near the NSW Snowy Mountains - is particularly special because it was relatively pristine before the fires. In fact, this creek contained the last population of the threatened Macquarie perch in the NSW Murray catchment. A <a href="https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/publications/maccas-in-the-mannus-macquarie-perch-refuge-in-the-upper-murray">study in 2017</a> found a Macquarie perch population that was restricted to a 9km section of the creek but was doing quite well. That was until bushfire rapidly swept through the catchment <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/15/last-population-macquarie-perch-nsw-river-carnage-bushfire-ash-fish-species">in January</a> this year. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837783/sludge.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/53445f550027403b8fae8ba65c7f664d" /> Some of us visited the creek three weeks after the fires. The intensity, ferocity and speed of the fires meant nothing was spared. The former forest floor was literally a trail of death and destruction – <a href="https://e360.yale.edu/features/fire-fallout-how-ash-and-debris-are-choking-australias-rivers">dead and charred kangaroos, wallabies, deer, possums and birds</a> were everywhere. All that remained of Mannus Creek was green pools in a blackened landscape, still smouldering days after the fire front passed. We immediately feared for the Macquarie perch we’d sampled, which were quite healthy less than a year before. To our surprise, some Macquarie perch had survived. But with most of the catchment fully burnt, and no vegetation to stop runoff, we knew it was a ticking time bomb. A desperate rescue attempt With little time, researchers had to remove as many fish as possible from Mannus Creek before the rains arrived. The plan was to create an “insurance population” in case rain caused the water conditions to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-12/native-fish-rescued-from-bushfires-in-kosciuszko-national-park/11953776">deteriorate</a>. They rescued ten fish. Days later, rain washed ash and silt into the channel. Within hours, the once-pristine creek became flowing mud with the consistency of cake mix. A government rescue team arrived a few days later to rescue more fish, and despaired at the “<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/wall-of-mud-and-ash-fish-disaster-moves-across-murray-darling-basin-20200123-p53u6i.html">wall of ash and mud</a>”. An ark across Australia Those ten individual Macquarie perch now live in an “ark” of at-risk species, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/15/last-population-macquarie-perch-nsw-river-carnage-bushfire-ash-fish-species">spanning government and private hatchery facilities</a>. The ark is housing not only the Macquarie perch <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/05/freshwater-hell-scientists-race-save-endangered-fish--bushfire-ash-stocky-galaxias">but other threatened species</a> too. The rescued individuals, and perhaps their entire species, would have almost certainly perished during runoff events without these interventions. Now a waiting game begins. What next for the Macquarie perch? Nobody knows for sure how many fish survived in Mannus Creek, nor how long it will take for the creek to recover. It could be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/12/triple-whammy-hits-push-australian-rivers-crisis">years</a>. The challenge now is to support the rescued fish until it’s safe to either return them to the creek, or breed offspring and introduce them to their natural habitat. Fish must be kept healthy and disease-free in captivity, and enough genetic diversity must be maintained for the population to remain viable. If these rescued fish are held in captivity for too long, they might die. But equally worrying is that affected waterways may not recover in time to allow reintroduction. While maintaining the rescued populations, we must redouble our efforts to improve their <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229658153_Smoke_on_the_water_Can_riverine_fish_populations_recover_following_a_catastrophic_fire-related_sediment_slug">natural habitats</a>. Burnt areas can allow pest plant and animal species to take hold and change habitats, so these threats need to be controlled. Finding similar, unburnt refuge areas is also crucial to prepare for future events and protect ecosystem resilience. Working through these considerations - and quickly - is essential to giving these species the best hope of survival. Funding, equipment and human resources are desperately needed to help our rivers recover. But we know that without an effective on-ground intervention, recovery could take decades. For the iconic Macquarie perch, that would be too late. Images: Luke Pearce. Written by Lee Baumgartner, Katie Doyle, Luiz G M Silva, Luka Pearce and Nathan Ning. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/before-and-after-see-how-bushfire-and-rain-turned-the-macquarie-perchs-home-to-sludge-139919">The Conversation.</a>

Cruising

Why the heavy rain is great news for Sydney's dams

Throughout summer, Sydney’s water storage level <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-drought-is-affecting-water-supply-in-australias-capital-cities-127909">fell alarmingly</a>. <a href="https://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/what-we-re-doing/water-restrictions/index.htm">Level 2 water restrictions</a> were imposed and the New South Wales government prepared to <a href="https://www.afr.com/politics/rain-could-delay-plans-to-double-sydney-s-desal-plant-capacity-20200209-p53z3p">double the capacity</a> of its desalination plant. But then it began to rain, and rain. Sydney water storages jumped from 41% in early February <a href="https://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/Greater-Sydney/greater-sydneys-dam-levels/weekly-verified-storage-reports">to 75% now</a> – the <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/dashboards/#/water-storages/summary/state">highest of any capital city</a> in Australia. This is great news for the city, but it comes with a big caveat. Floodwaters will undoubtedly wash bushfire debris into reservoirs – possibly overwhelming water treatment systems. We must prepare now for that worst-case pollution scenario. Reservoirs filled with rain The water level of Sydney’s massive Lake Burragorang – the reservoir behind Warragamba Dam – rose by more than 11 meters this week. Warragamba supplies more than 80% of Sydney’s water. Other Sydney water storages, including Nepean and Tallowa dams, are now at 100%. WaterNSW report that 865,078 megalitres of extra water has been captured this week <a href="https://www.waternsw.com.au/supply/Greater-Sydney/greater-sydneys-dam-levels">across all Greater Sydney’s dams</a>. This dwarfs the volume of water produced by Sydney’s desalination plant, which produces 250 megalitres a day when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/aug/11/sydneys-desalination-plant-set-to-expand-as-drought-continues">operating at full capacity</a>. Even at this rate, it would take more than 3,400 days (or nine years) to match the volume of water to added to Sydney’s supply this week. <iframe frameborder="0" class="juxtapose" width="100%" height="770" src="https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/juxtapose/latest/embed/index.html?uid=49d7abb0-4df8-11ea-b9b8-0edaf8f81e27"></iframe> The Warragamba Dam before the drought and after the recent heavy rains. But then comes the pollution Thankfully, the rain appears to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/feb/10/rain-deluge-in-eastern-australia-set-to-extinguish-nsw-bushfires-this-week">have extinguished</a> bushfires burning in the Warragamba catchment for months. But the water will also pick up bushfire debris and wash it into dams. Over the summer, bushfires burnt <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-15/warragamba-dam-installs-booms-to-catch-bushfire-debris/11866838">about 30% of Warragamba Dam’s massive 905,000 hectare water catchment</a>, reducing protective ground cover vegetation. This increases the risk of soil erosion. Rain will wash ash and sediment loads into waterways – adding more nitrogen, phosphorous and organic carbon into water storages. Waterways and ecosystems require nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen, but excess nutrients aren’t a good thing. They bring contamination risks, such as the rapid growth of toxic blue-green algae. Drinking water catchments will always have some degree of contamination and water treatment consistently provides high quality drinking water. But poor water quality after catchment floods is not without precedent. We’ve seen this before In August 1998, extreme wet weather and flooding rivers filled the drought-affected Warragamba Dam in just a few days. This triggered the <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/phb/Documents/1998-8-9.pdf">Cryptosporidium crisis</a>, when the <a href="https://www.safewater.org/fact-sheets-1/2017/1/23/protozoan-parasites">protozoan parasite</a> and the pathogen <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/giardia">Giardia</a> were detected in Sydney’s water supplies. It triggered health warnings, and Sydneysiders were instructed to boil water before drinking it. This event did not involve a bushfire. The Canberra bushfires in January 2003 triggered multiple <a href="http://www.bom.gov.au/water/about/waterResearch/document/Daniell_and_White_Montpellier_2005.pdf">water quality problems</a>. Most of the region’s Cotter River catchments, which hold three dams, were burned. Intense thunderstorms in the months after the bushfire <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13241583.2006.11465291?needAccess=true">washed enormous loads</a> of ash, soil and debris into catchment rivers and water reservoirs. This led to turbidity (murkiness), as well as iron, manganese, nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon in reservoir waters. The inflow of organic material also depleted dissolved oxygen which triggered the release of metals from reservoir sediment. At times, water quality was so poor it couldn’t be treated and supplied to consumers. The ACT Government was forced to impose water restrictions, and built a A$38 million water treatment plant. Have we come far enough? Technology in water treatment plants has developed over the past 20 years, and water supply systems operates according to Australian <a href="https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-drinking-water-guidelines">drinking water guidelines</a>. Unlike the 1998 Sydney water crisis, WaterNSW, Sydney Water and NSW Health now have <a href="http://www.sydneywater.com.au/SW/water-the-environment/how-we-manage-sydney-s-water/safe-drinking-water/our-drinking-water-management-system/index.htm">advanced tests and procedures</a> to detect and manage water quality problems. In December last year, WaterNSW said it was aware of the risk bushfires posed to water supplies, and it had a number of measures at its disposal, including using booms and curtains to isolate affected flows. However at the time, bushfire ash had already <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/15/sydneys-drinking-water-could-be-polluted-by-bushfire-ash-in-warragamba-dam-catchment-expert-says">reportedly entered the Warragamba system</a>. Look to recycled water Sydney’s water storages may have filled, but residents should not stop saving water. We recommend <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/level-2-water-restrictions-to-start-across-sydney/">Level 2 water restrictions</a>, which ban the use of garden hoses, be relaxed to <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/water-restrictions-to-start-across-sydney/">Level 1 restrictions</a> which ban most sprinklers and watering systems, and the hosing of hard surfaces. While this measure is in place, longer term solutions can be explored. Expanding desalination is <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-water-is-scarce-we-cant-afford-to-neglect-the-alternatives-to-desalination-111249">a popular but expensive option</a>, however greater use of recycled wastewater is also needed. <a href="https://theconversation.com/more-of-us-are-drinking-recycled-sewage-water-than-most-people-realise-92420">Highly treated recycled water</a> including urban stormwater and even treated sewage should be purified and incorporated into the water supply. Singapore is a world leader and has proven the measure can <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/singapores-toilet-to-tap-concept/a-16904636">gain community acceptance</a>. It’s too early to tell what impact the combination of bushfires and floods will have on water storages. But as extreme weather events increase in frequency and severity, all options should be on the table to shore up drinking water supplies.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131668/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-wright-5162">Ian Wright</a>, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jason-reynolds-398576">Jason Reynolds</a>, Senior Lecturer in Geochemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/heavy-rains-are-great-news-for-sydneys-dams-but-they-come-with-a-big-caveat-131668">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

How to conserve and utilise stormwater by creating a rain garden

Ever seen the amount of rain that goes into your garden that flows off and think “what a waste?”. There are ways of capturing and utilising rain before it gets lost in stormwater drains and adds to pollution in waterways, such as a rain garden. “A significant amount of precious storm water is lost to us and adds pollution to our waterways as unfiltered rain runs straight into rivers and oceans,” says co-founder and creative director of <a href="http://www.landart.com.au/">Landart Landscapes</a>, Matt Leacy. “Creating a rain garden or storm water-smart garden is something property owners can do to make good use of rainfall,” Matt advises. “Rain gardens are self-watering and low maintenance, and help to reduce use of water in the garden, as well as filtering and purifying water so that it is then safe to be reused.” A rain garden is environmentally friendly, water efficient and can also help boost financial savings on water rates. There are also different types of rain gardens, including downpipe diversion, a green roof, a plantar box as well as a vegetable rain garden. Here are some tips for creating a simple rain garden. Choose where you’re going to get the bulk of your storm water from. This can be from a downpipe, driveway or pathway or from a rainwater tank, according to Matt. Choose the right plantar box “Choose a planter box that fits your space, or excavate a trench that leads water to a lower lying point in your garden,” Matt explains. “You will need to layer your planter box with gravel, soil and sand, and then a bottom layer of gravel to aid with water filtration, and to allow the water to drain freely at the base into an exit pipe” Matt adds. “Make sure you have a waterproof liner for your planter box to ensure the storm water is captured for reuse.” Check with the local nursery for best advice on plants “Speak to your local nursery to check the best plants to use in your rain garden,” Matt suggests. “Some good options include some kangaroo paws, native grasses, native rushes and Dianella.” “The main thing is to ensure that whatever you choose is both drought-tolerant and able to withstand heavy rain and water. Native plants tend to be lower maintenance and more suitable than introduced species.” Cover your rain garden with mulch “Cover your rain garden with mulch to retain moisture (not bark or straw as these float into storm water drains). Gravel is a great option,” Matt says. Monitor your rain garden “While rain gardens are very low maintenance, you will need to weed until the plants have matured.” “You will also need to monitor your rain garden in the first heavy downpours to ensure the water is evenly distributed,” Matt says. You may need to also add plants or some rocks to help control erosion.” “If it doesn’t rain when you’re first setting up your rain garden, you will need to water your plants until they’re established,” says Matt. “Be sure to do so in compliance with local water restrictions.” You have officially set up your rain garden! Photo credits: Jason Busch

Home & Garden

Two months of rain in 48 hours

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Sydney has been thrown into chaos after a devastating storm saw two months worth of rain dumped onto the city. The rain forced mass evacuations, leaving 150,000 homes without power and prompted warnings not to drive to work. Residents in flood-affected areas from the city’s west to the Northern Beaches have been warned not to drive to work as rivers overflowed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> After a ludicrously dry and hot summer where we desperately dreamed of rain - Sydney has decided to flood over the last 36 hours. Here is my street an hour ago: <a href="https://t.co/Jg9vXn1O2O">pic.twitter.com/Jg9vXn1O2O</a> — Mark Tanner (@marketanner) <a href="https://twitter.com/marketanner/status/1226434743543009281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote> “We are trying to ask people to reconsider their travel, a number of roads are closed,” a State Emergency Service said on Monday morning, according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7983603/Sydney-cops-TWO-MONTHS-rain-48-hours-deluge-thats-turned-streets-rivers.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a>. “And we are still seeing people driving into flood water.” NSW Emergency Services Minister David Elliot urged motorists to stay off the roads if possible. “We have 400 SES volunteers trying to complete the backlog this morning and unfortunately this has included 150 flood rescues,” he said. “The message to the motorists of Sydney and indeed the wider metropolitan area is if you can avoid being on the roads do so.” Wild winds grew to speeds of 107km/h off the coast of Sydney damaged power lines and uprooted trees that left more than 150,000 homes without power on Sunday night and Monday morning. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XLcE6gzPF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XLcE6gzPF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Andrew Elia (@acemusings)</a> on Feb 9, 2020 at 2:02pm PST </div> </blockquote> Commuters have also been warned to expect major delays on Monday morning as public transport struggles to cope with the influx of extra passengers. The downpour in Sydney has marked the biggest the area has seen since 1998. The popular Blue Mountains destination of Katoomba was estimated to receive a quarter of the rainfall over the weekend that it normally receives in one year. Bureau of Meteorology state manager Jane Golding said that a king tide and 8m high waves are threatening to cause more damage this week. “Monday and Tuesday will be the main danger period because it is really the height of the waves, the power of the waves coming in from the East which erodes the land,” she said. </div> </div> </div>

News

Russell Crowe shows incredible impact of recent rain on his property

Hollywood star Russell Crowe has shown the incredible difference rain has made on his rural NSW property, only a few months after it was destroyed by a bushfire. Located 25km northwest of Coffs Harbour, Crowe resides in Nana Glen which was affected by the recent bushfires in November last year as it destroyed homes and land along the way. The actor owns 400 hectares of land around the area and said at the time that he was “overall very lucky” that his home was saved. At the time, the fire had left his property completely blackened, as everything from the trees to the grass was burnt to a crisp. But due to the heavy rain the state has seen in the last few days, his home has gone through an incredible transformation. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> My place 10 weeks ago after the fire had gone through, and this morning after a big weekend of rain. <a href="https://t.co/oOWz0gG5hp">pic.twitter.com/oOWz0gG5hp</a> — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1219031928071843840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 January 2020</a></blockquote> Taking to Twitter, Crowe posted photos of the before and after. “My place 10 weeks ago after the fire had gone through, and this morning after a big weekend of rain,” he wrote. The first photo which was taken 10 weeks ago shows the entire area completely burnt, a complete juxtaposition to the most recent photo which was snapped this morning where the grass has turned a vibrant green colour. The Hollywood heavyweight wasn’t in Australia at the time of the fire but returned home to inspect the damage and rally a crew for the clean up.

Domestic Travel

“A miracle no one was killed:” Woolworths shopper recalls horror as ceiling collapses

A Woolies shopper says it is a “miracle no one was killed” after a ceiling collapsed following torrential rain in Melbourne’s Templestowe store. Chris Kounelis told Yahoo News Australia that while shopping with a number of other customers, multiple panels holding the ceiling together crashed to the floor along with a torrent of rain. “The torrential downpour and subsequent collapse of the ceiling resembled a scene from Titanic,” Mr Kounelis said. Rattled customers were shown the door while staff evacuated the building. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Just before at Templestowe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/woolies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#woolies</a>. Multiple parts of the ceiling collapsed and all customers were forced to evacuate. Like a scene from Titanic. Stay safe all! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/melbweather?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#melbweather</a> <a href="https://t.co/bD3cqo2VHO">pic.twitter.com/bD3cqo2VHO</a> — Chris Kounelis (@ChrisKounelis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisKounelis/status/1218775257009442817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote> Mr Kounelis shared a clip of the store after the ceiling collapsed his Twitter account, and showed customers dodging the rain pouring through gaps above. The Templestowe local said other shoppers were left questioning the durability of the roof. “A few customers I spoke to immediately raised concerns about the structural integrity of this apparently paper-thin ceiling,” he said. “Woolworths... clearly owes customers an explanation. “It’s a miracle no one was killed.” A Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia no one was physically hurt during the incident. “The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority,” the spokesperson said. “Our Templestowe team acted quickly to evacuate the store in line with our established safety procedures and alongside local authorities.” The store was shut down for around five hours on Sunday before it reopened. Two aisles remain inaccessible to customers and other staff within the store. In Melbourne, the northeast and inner east have been hit with severe thunderstorms, including giant pieces of hail. Further rain is expected, with widespread falls of between 10 and 30mm predicted. However, some areas could see isolated totals of up to 80mm or 100mm. The wet conditions could lead to flash flooding in some areas, but the weather bureau says rainfall is unlikely to put out remaining blazes.

Food & Wine

Little boy dances for joy at seeing rain for the first time

A little boy who has never seen rain in his life has spent the morning watching on in joy and dancing in mud puddles after a downpour hit his family’s farm in NSW. The 18-month-old’s mum shared a video of him running around their property in Scone, saying “wow!” as he tried to figure out what was going on. “Our boy just couldn’t contain his excitement,” his mother Tiffanie McKenzie wrote on Facebook. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9NewsSydney%2Fvideos%2F2808990652495370%2F&show_text=0&width=476" width="476" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> He can be seen dancing around as the mud puddles around his feet. Others from drought affected areas are thrilled about the long-awaited rain. Green Valley Farm in Tingha, NSW, has been drenched as the area has been hit with 75 mls of rain. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstephanie.stewarthickman%2Fposts%2F2634482036630810&width=500" width="500" height="624" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> Mudgee also received a lot of rain and Katoomba near the NSW Blue Mountains has had rain create a mist over the mountain tops. The NSW SES has urged residents in fire-affected areas, according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-rain-little-boy-dances-in-rain-for-the-first-time-scone/75f2492c-d24e-4988-80e6-095fa7fddbb8?ocid=Social-9News" target="_blank">9News</a>, to take care as there is now a risk of flash flooding, falling trees and landslides as wet weather impacts the fire grounds.

Family & Pets

The relief of rain after bushfires spells disaster for Aussie river systems

When <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-bushfires-are-horrendous-but-expect-cyclones-floods-and-heatwaves-too-129328">heavy rainfall</a> eventually extinguishes the flames ravaging south-east Australia, another ecological threat will arise. Sediment, ash and debris washing into our waterways, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin, may decimate aquatic life. We’ve seen this before. Following 2003 bushfires in Victoria’s alpine region, water filled with sediment and debris (<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2008.01851.x?casa_token=agMBKaIwouEAAAAA%3APypMeV5ZvxP-FB88fNaZ2E_Fyr1NCEkdPf8Q1CHfCEb8peTY_fT83a-tc86NZaix_Dbr7MpJfV9XVuk">known as sediment slugs</a>) flowed into rivers and lakes, heavily reducing fish populations. We’ll likely see it again after this season’s bushfire emergency. Large areas of northeast Victoria have been burnt. While this region accounts only for 2% of Murray-Darling Basin’s entire land area, water flowing in from northeast Victorian streams (also known as in-flow) contributes <a href="https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/421639/NorthEast_SDS_WEB.pdf">38%</a> of overall in-flows into the Murray-Darling Basin. Fire debris flowing into Murray-Darling Basin will exacerbate the risk of fish and other aquatic life dying en masse <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/feb/18/the-darling-will-die-scientists-say-mass-fish-kill-due-to-over-extraction-and-drought">as witnessed in previous years.</a>. What will flow into waterways? Generally, bushfire ash comprises <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935115300177">organic carbon and inorganic elements</a> such as nitrogen, phosphorous and metals such as <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Singarayer_Florentine/publication/317106161_Risk_of_post-fire_metal_mobilization_into_surface_water_resources_A_review/links/59de6f650f7e9bcfab24033e/Risk-of-post-fire-metal-mobilization-into-surface-water-resources-A-review.pdf">copper, mercury and zinc</a>. Sediment rushing into waterways can also contain large amounts of soil, since fire has consumed the vegetation that once bound the soil together and prevented erosion. And <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169410006748">carcinogenic chemicals</a> – found in soil and ash in higher amounts following bushfires – can contaminate streams and reservoirs <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ldr.3427">over the first year after the fire</a>. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VwPnKCx2SNM"></iframe></div> How they harm aquatic life Immediately following the bushfires, we expect to see an increase in streamflow when it rains, because burnt soil <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jof/article/102/6/16/4613173">repels</a>, not absorbs, water. When vast amounts of carbon are present in a waterway, such as when carbon-loaded sediments and debris wash in, bacteria rapidly consumes the water’s oxygen. The remaining oxygen levels can fall below what most invertebrates and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2008.01851.x">fish</a> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169412003691">can tolerate</a>. These high sediment loads can also <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135408001401#bib20">suffocate</a> aquatic animals with a fine layer of silt which coats their gills and other breathing structures. Habitats are also at risk. When sediment is suspended in the river and light can’t penetrate, suitable fish habitat is diminished. The murkier water also means there’s less opportunity for aquatic plants and algae to photosynthesise (turn sunshine to energy). What’s more, many of Australia’s <a href="https://setac.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/etc.4400">waterbugs</a>, the keystone of river food webs, need pools with litter and debris for cover. They rely on slime on the surface of rocks and snags that contain <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/fwb.12778">algae, fungi and bacteria</a> for food. But heavy rain following fire can lead to pools and the spaces between cobbles to fill with silt, causing the waterbugs to starve and lose their homes. This is bad news for fish too. Any bug-eating fish that manage to avoid dying from a lack of oxygen can be faced with an immediate food shortage. We saw this in 2003 after the sediment slug penetrated the Ovens River in the north east Murray catchment. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2008.01851.x?casa_token=GQgDJxvEkN4AAAAA%3ATNhhYCetOkbRaRUSA57m9ERqH1ZFgXwauB_OdBAh4ofE089LGsi4WT9Bbax0PtxxkN2CrpqD71ybsPBS">Researchers</a> observed dead fish, stressed fish gulping at the water surface and freshwater crayfish walking out of the stream. Long-term damage Bushfires can increase the amount of nutrients in streams <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es500130g">100 fold</a>. The effects can persist for several years before nutrient levels return to pre-fire conditions. More nutrients in the water might sound like a good thing, but when there’s too much (especially nitrogen and phosphorous), coupled with warm temperatures, they can lead to excessive growth of blue-green algae. This algae can be toxic to both people and animals and often closes down recreational waters. Large parts of the upper Murray River catchment above Lake Hume has burnt, risking increases to nutrient loads within the lake and causing blue-green algae blooms which may flow downstream. This can impact communities from Albury all the way to the mouth of the Murray River in South Australia. Some aquatic species are already teetering on the edge of their <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-015-3463-7">preferred temperature</a> as stream temperatures rise from climate change. In places where bushfires have burnt all the way to the stream edge, decimating vegetation that provided shade, there’ll be less <a href="http://www.publish.csiro.au/mf/MF04120">resistance to temperature changes</a>, and fewer cold places for aquatic life to hide. Cooler hide-outs are particularly important for popular angling species such as trout, which are highly <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/eco.1653">sensitive to increased water temperature</a>. But while we can expect an increase in stream flow from water-repellent burnt soil, we know from previous bushfires that, in the long-term, stream flow will drop. This is because in the upper catchments, regenerating younger forests use more water than the older forests they replace from <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wrcr.20351">evapotranspiration</a> (when plants release water vapour into the surrounding atmosphere, and evaporation from the surrounding land surface). It’s particularly troubling for the Murray-Darling Basin, where large areas are already enduring ongoing drought. Bushfires may exacerbate existing dry conditions. So what can we do? We need to act as soon as possible. Understandably, priorities lie in removing the immediate and ongoing bushfire threat. But following that, we must improve sediment and erosion control to prevent debris being washed into water bodies in fire-affected areas. One of the first things we can do is to restore areas used for bushfire control lines and minimise the movement of soil along access tracks used for bushfire suppression. This can be achieved using sediment barriers and other erosion control measures in high risk areas. Longer-term, we can re-establish vegetation along waterways to help buffer temperature extremes and sediment loads entering streams. It’s also important to introduce strategic water quality monitoring programs that incorporate real-time sensing technology, providing an early warning system for poor water quality. This can help guide the management of our rivers and reservoirs in the years to come. While our current focus is on putting the fires out, as it should be, it’s important to start thinking about the future and how to protect our waterways. Because inevitably, it will rain again.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/129449/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-mcinerney-428290">Paul McInerney</a>, Research scientist, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gavin-rees-csiro-au-932733">gavin.rees@csiro.au</a>, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/klaus-joehnk-932732">Klaus Joehnk</a>, Senior research scientist, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/csiro-1035">CSIRO</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-sweet-relief-of-rain-after-bushfires-threatens-disaster-for-our-rivers-129449">original article</a>.

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