Building upon Australia's strong relationship with Indonesia, the AquaWatch4Lakes: Indonesia technology demonstration project seeks to enhance Indonesia’s water quality monitoring and forecasting capabilities through research in action and co-design. The project is led by CSIRO in partnership with key Indonesian partners including BAPANAS, BRIN and Hasanuddin University, and is funded through DCCEEW.
Enhanced monitoring of key Indonesian lakes will improve access to water quality data, driving sustainable aquaculture practices, better water quality management and contributing to increased food security and improved environmental outcomes.
CSIRO’s AquaWatch program (AquaWatch) aims to improve the accuracy of water quality monitoring data globally and to provide scientifically robust water quality products and services to our partners to ensure they have access to water quality data that is accurate and can support decision making.
AquaWatch integrates Earth observation data with in-situ sensor measurements to deliver actionable, scientifically robust water quality data for its partners. By demonstrating AquaWatch’s Inland activity products in Indonesia, this project aims to provide innovative tools to monitor lakes, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions. By developing cohesive, data-driven approach to water monitoring, it will be possible to better anticipate, manage, and mitigate water quality impacts.
Centring co-design and collaboration, the project will build on existing research knowledge and experience of aligned project outcomes to deploy a suitable in-situ sensor suite and test the functionality and suitability of AquaWatch Inland Activity products and Dashboard in the Indonesian context.
This session will highlight AquaWatch’s research in action approach through the AquaWatch4Lakes lens, updating participants with the latest developments in AquaWatch’s ground-to-space monitoring capabilities. It will explore the benefits of regional strategies in addressing global challenges, such as real-time water quality information access.
Attendees will experience an interactive demonstration of the AquaWatch Inland Water Quality Dashboard, which offers time-series data on metrics such as total suspended matter, water temperature, and chlorophyll indices. These insights are drawn from satellite observations, augmented by in-situ data from key water bodies. The dashboard facilitates rapid issue identification, enabling timely prioritization for deeper investigation and targeted mitigation actions. This strategic approach streamlines resource deployment, minimizes operational strain, and enhances response efficiency to water quality threats.
The session will also feature hands-on engagement with CSIRO’s patented Hydraspectra in-situ sensor—a low-maintenance, reliable tool for water quality data collection.
We highlight the value of user-driven intelligence in advancing product development and fostering co-designed solutions, addressing water quality challenges with precision and impact.