The Integrated Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring Dataset before, during and after the 2019/2020 Bushfires is a comprehensive repository of data compiled from multiple sources, including the MER (Monitoring, Evaluating, Reporting) program and other relevant sources. This dataset encompasses various types of information essential for assessing the impact of the 2019/2020 bushfires on water quality in selected ICOLLs (Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoons) and river estuaries. It incorporates historical water quality data collected during the bushfires and post-bushfire period through the MER program, rainfall data from nearby BOM (Australian Bureau of Meteorology) weather stations, logger data deployed at selected estuaries during or shortly after the bushfire season, dates of fire impact on the monitored systems, and surface and depth water quality monitoring data from smart buoys deployed across various estuaries.

Components:

1. Estuary and fire impact data Information detailing the systems incorporated in this data set and the dates when these systems were affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires.

2. MER Program Data (Lakes, Rivers): Historical water quality data collected during the 2019/2020 bushfires and subsequent periods as part of the MER program. Includes parameters such as pH levels, turbidity, salinity, chlorophyll-a concentrations, dissolved oxygen concentrations and nutrient concentrations. The MER dataset was collected as part of the NSW Government Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on estuaries program. The reported data has met the required QA/QC standards associated with this program. For further information: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/estuaries/monitoring-and-reporting-estuaries

3. Rainfall Data: Precipitation data obtained from BOM weather stations located near the monitored estuaries.

4. Logger data: Data recorded by loggers deployed at selected estuaries including Lake Conjola, Meroo Lake, Termeil Lake, Wonboyn Lake, and Tuross River during or immediately following the 2019/2020 bushfire season . Includes measurements of environmental parameters such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity. Compiled from published data available here: https://datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au/dataset/bushfire-impact-water-quality

5. Smart Buoy Monitoring Data: Surface and depth water quality monitoring data collected from smart buoys deployed in various estuaries (Wonboyn Lake, Wallaga Lake, Lake Conjola, and Durras Lake). This data provides continuous or periodic measurements of water quality parameters, offering insights into spatial and temporal variations in water quality after the bushfire period in the longer-term.