Parramatta has become home to Sydney’s first live water-quality monitoring buoy following the installation of a new floating device at Lake Parramatta.
The solar-powered buoy operates around the clock, collecting real-time data on water temperature, pH levels and dissolved oxygen. It can also assist in detecting blue-green algae.
The device is designed to give swimmers faster and more reliable information about conditions in the lake, particularly after heavy rainfall, when water quality can change.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the technology would help protect public health while supporting the long-term condition of the lake and surrounding waterways.
“Lake Parramatta has become increasingly popular with swimmers looking for a quiet natural place to cool off during summer,” Cr Zaiter said.
“We want people to be able to check the latest water-quality information before entering the lake, especially following periods of heavy rain.”
Data collected by the buoy is published on the City of Parramatta’s website in real time.
The bright yellow device, named Sunny following a community naming competition, has been positioned just outside the designated swimming area.
It will complement the council’s existing water-quality testing program, which includes regular sampling at five locations around the lake.
Cr Zaiter said the project formed part of the council’s broader efforts to protect natural waterways and introduce more sustainable environmental monitoring.
“We are proud to be the first council in Western Sydney to introduce this technology,” he said.
“It is a relatively small project, but it has the potential to make a significant difference by helping residents enjoy the lake more safely.”
Live results are now available through the council’s Swimming in Lake Parramatta and Lake Parramatta Buoy webpages.
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