The City of Armadale has called on residents to assist its conservation effort by maintaining waterways on their properties.
Failing to maintain streams can have grave implications for fish, insects and plants and Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said some residents might not realise there were waterways on their properties.
“Improving the water quality in our riverside environment means we are contributing towards a difference to the waterways of the metropolitan area as these streams flow into the Wungong, Southern, Canning and ultimately the Swan River,” he said.
Since 2002 the city has run its Streamcare program, which aims to engage residents in maintaining and improving waterways, which run through their properties.
Streamcare provides landowners with advice on land and water management, weed control, chemical and pesticide use, property planning and revegetation.
The city said free native plants were available through the program for properties with waterways on them.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife said changes in water quality affecting ecological health could impact biological diversity and native resistance to toxic substances or viruses.
It said increases in phosphorus and nitrogen in waterways could increase the risk of algal blooms and low oxygen conditions which can contribute to the death of fish and plants.
Contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides could also be destructive to the environment.
The city asked landowners who were interested in participating in the program to call the Streamcare promoter on 0409 116 985 or email info@armadale.wa.gov.au.
