Site description:

Physical features:

Washpool Lagoon is a low lying coastal swamp on undifferentiated alluvial/fluvial sediments.
Soil type: Loamy sand. Mean annual rainfall 600 mm.

Hydrological features:

Local runoff, predominantly storm water is drained into the wetland. The basin plays a significant role in flood mitigation. The water level reflects seasonal cycles and also responds to episodic heavy rainfall. Water Chemistry 15/10/01: pH 8.5; Conductivity 1480 uS/cm; Turbidity 16.42 NTU; Dissolved oxygen 11.5 mg/L; Water temperature 18.0 C.

Ecological features:

Dominant riparian vegetation includes Cyprus gunni and Gahnia filum. Dominant buffer vegetation includes exotic grasses. Aquatic vegetation classes: Rooted vascular, algae.

Significance:

This wetland is an excellent representation of a remnant coastal lagoon system. Several species with conservation significance occur within the site. The wetland is visited by migratory shorebirds during spring and summer.

Notable flora:

Threatened species include: Alternanthera denticulata - Uncommon Southern Lofty, Angianthus preissianus - Rare Southern Lofty, Carex bichenoviana - Uncommon Southern Lofty, Geranium potentilloides var. potentilloides - unknown Southern Lofty, Haloragis aspera - Rare Southern Lofty, Hemichroa pentandra - Rare Southern Lofty, Imperata cylindrica - Rare Southern Lofty, Melaleuca halmaturorum ssp. Halmaturorum - Vulnerable Southern Lofty, Muehlenbeckia florulenta - Rare Southern Lofty, Samolus repens - Uncommon Southern Lofty, Schoenus nitens - Rare Southern Lofty, Sclerolaena diacantha - Rare Southern Lofty.

Notable fauna:

Washpool Lagoon is an important roosting site for a variety of water-bird species of which, waterfowl are the most common residents. The Black swan, Caspian tern, Black-winged stilt, White-faced heron and Whiskered tern are frequently observed. Non-migratory shorebirds are present year round, however, the population can increase in numbers during spring when migratory waders visit the site.

Other Fauna:

Invertebrate: Daphniidae spp. (Water fleas), Paramelitidae spp. (Scuds).

Social and Cultural values:

Recreation and tourism: None known. Social and cultural values: Washpool Lagoon has been identified as an important indigenous cultural site.

Land tenure:

Tenure on site: Local government and Public. Tenure surrounding: Private and Public.

Current land use:

Current land use on site: Council reserve. Surrounding land use: Residential.

Disturbance or threat:

Past/present: Damage caused by access tracks, fence lines, invasive plants and runoff from cleared land. Potential: Increased stormwater runoff from residential areas.

Conservation measures taken:

Conservation measures - Dedicated as a Council Reserve and Bushcare site. Current scientific research - Unknown. Current conservation education - Unknown.

Management authority and jurisdiction:

Department for Environment and Heritage and City of Onkaparinga.

References:

(Biological Database of SA; Lang & Kraehenbuehl 2001; NPWSA Act 1972, Updated Schedule 2000; Seaman 2002d; Turner 2000) See SA Reference List

Compiler & date:

15/10/01, Russell Seaman, National Parks & Wildlife. Updated, G Anderson SA Department for Environment and Heritage, 30/5/05.

Drainage: