Salinity Project

23 Feb 2026

In 2024 Weddin Landcare partnered with the Department of Climate Change Energy Environment and Water to undertake water quality testing to monitor salinity in the Bland and Tyagong catchment and build capacity in hydrogeological landscapes mapping (HGL). 

The data collected by Weddin Landcare feeds into a broader project with Murrumbidgee, Harden Murrumburrah, Mid Lachlan, Little River and Mid Macquarie Landcare groups monitoring 7 other catchment areas across a large area from Wagga Wagga to Dubbo. After each collection, the data is provided to Andrew Wooldridge, Salinity Technical Officer at the Basin Salinity Program, Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.

Weddin Landcare has split the collection points into two loops to cover the catchment with a total of 54 sample points covering a total distance of approximately 570km. 

Google Map image showing pins with salinity data is collected

Collection points across the Tyagong and Bland catchment area. Image from Google Maps.

Water sampling is completed using electric conductivity (EC) testing. EC testing measures the speed at which electricity passes between two electrodes through soil or water. The EC of a sample is affected by the concentration and composition of dissolved salts. As salts enhance the solution’s capacity to conduct electricity, a higher EC value signifies elevated salinity levels. 

Interpreting the data

950 EC is the maximum level for human consumption.

1500 EC is when freshwater plants and animals begin to be impacted, leading to stress and a decrease in biodiversity.

3500 EC is when the water can be harmful to pregnant livestock, leading to dehydration, stress and other health issues.

50000 EC is seawater!

The fluctuation of salinity levels is influenced by the continuous changes in the system. Rainwater and runoff serve to dilute the system, resulting in lower salinity levels, while evaporation raises salinity through concentration. Additionally, seasonal and climatic events, along with the ongoing activities across the landscape, play significant roles in these variations.

Tyagong Loop

The Tyagong loop covers a distance of approximately 190 km across Bumbaldry, Greenethorpe, and Grenfell.

Below are the figures from 10 sample points with consistent data from 2024 to 2026.

Tyagong Creek flowing across a gravel road near Greenethorpe NSW.

Tyagong Creek at Wilsons Lane, Greenethorpe

# Creek Sample point Jul 2024 Oct 2024 Dec 2024 Jan 2025 Jun 2025 Jan 2026
6 Tyagong Bumbaldry Rd 3000 2530 2060 4060 3650 4950
7 Kellys Wilsons Ln 4500 4850 4730 5750 5300 Dry
8 Tyagong Wilsons Ln 2900 2360 2140 3580 3580 4010
10 Tyagong Gambarra Rd 3400 2780 2720 4220 3840 4270
13 Tyagong Gerrybang Rd 3300 2450 2530 4240 3580 Dry
14 Brundah Newmans Ln 6400 5300 1480 6350 3700 2300
15 Brundah Bobelar Ln 600 2620 1480 3480 1380 n/a
16 Bungalong Brundah Hall Rd n/a 4700 2320 Dry 5300 n/a
21 Bungalong Wirega G/thorpe Rd n/a 4460 2360 Dry 4380 n/a
27 Tyagong Old Forbes Rd 3400 3400 1460 4030 3680 Dry

 

Bland Loop

The Bland loop covers approximately 380 km across Grenfell, Bimbi, Quandialla, Stockinbingal and Monteagle.

  • 27 sample points
  • 11 water systems – Emu Creek, Tyagong Creek, Burrangong Creek, Bland Creek, Bribbaree Creek, Narraburra Creek, Wattle Retreat Flowline, Cudgell Creek, Bulla Creek, Ten Mile Gully flowline and Duffer Gully flowline.
  • Data Points: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DariYSJscV4GFuz57 

Below are the figures from 10 sample points with consistent data from 2024 to 2026.

The Bland Creek overflowing after significant rainfall

The Bland Creek at Quandialla Road, Quandialla

# Creek Sample point Jul 2024 Oct 2024 Dec 2024 Jan 2025 Jun 2025 Jan 2026
2 Emu Old Forbes Rd 2540 1760 490 Dry 6090 Dry
4 Burrangong Old Forbes Rd 1880 1910 1430 2000 1900 Dry
7 Burrangong Troths Ln 2300 2470 1020 4201 Dry n/a
9 Bland Quandialla Rd 2000 2310 470 1610 2120 n/a
12 Bribbaree Moonbucca Rd 300 320 250 59 Dry n/a
14 Narraburra Mary Glimore Way 200 210 240 450 Dry n/a
16 Bland Milville Rd 2100 2330 640 1510 1080 n/a
21 Cudgell Quamby Rd 2500 2670 2230 2800 3040 2470
23 Burrangong Monteagle SR West 1600 1650 1410 1830 1740 2030
24 Bulla Monteagle SR West n/a 4330 2780 7020 6120 Dry

 

Indicators of salinity

Common signs of an underlying salinity issue could be a reduced crop yield, soggy or bare patches, puffy soil and changes in the vegetation.

Want to know more about this project? Get in touch on 0493 416 442.