The change in the water balance and timing of flows, including sudden surges in water volume and velocity, impact on our waterways and bays. Some of the effects may be to:
change the structure, variety, and suitability of habitat for aquatic life such as fish and macroinvertebrates
disturb animals and plants that live in the waterway, and affect animal breeding habits
erode stream banks
alter natural flooding regimes
increase turbidity and pollution, affecting water quality
increase volumes of trash and oils
Overall these changes can reduce our ability to use waterways and significantly threaten animals in waterways such as birds and marine life such as dolphins and fish.
