State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria)
The State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) sets the framework for government agencies, businesses and the community to work together, to protect and rehabilitate Victoria's surface water environments.
The Waters of Victoria policy was updated in June 2003 and reflects current scientific approaches and Victoria's catchment management arrangements.
Special measures are still needed for sensitive areas such as Western Port, the Gippsland Lakes and Port Phillip Bay. These are covered by Schedules to the Waters of Victoria policy, which outline specific beneficial uses and objectives to protect these areas.
EPA has prepared a publication (Adobe PDF file, 1311KB or 1.3MB) which describes in more detail why we need to protect Victoria's waters and how the Waters of Victoria policy helps us to do this.
Download the supporting documents:
- Biological Objectives for Rivers and Streams – Ecosystem Protection (Adobe PDF file, 304KB)
- Nutrient Objectives for Rivers and Streams – Ecosystem Protection (Adobe PDF file, 597KB)
- Water Quality Objectives for Rivers and Streams – Ecosystem Protection (Adobe PDF file, 557KB)
- Guideline for Environmental Management: Risk-Based Assessment of Ecosystem Protection in Ambient Waters (Adobe PDF file, 1527KB or 1.5MB).