WTP1

This small ‘borrow pit’ at the Western Treatment Plant has been known to support breeding Growling Grass Frogs (a nationally threatened species). Melbourne Water attempts to manage water levels (and vegetation) in this small pond to provide good frog breeding habitat between October and April. The pond should normally be drawn down between April and August to prevent the build-up of frog predators, pathogens and parasites. But managing water levels (and water quality) is not exact since we have only limited control and have found the pond leaks badly when filled. The Fluker Post is used to record water levels and vegetation cover. In particular we are watching the patch of Kikuyu Grass to learn how quickly it might spread and when we might need to step in and manage it.