Redland water catchments have improved slightly in quality over the past year but remain in fair condition.
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This year's Healthy Land and Water Report found pollutant loads significantly reduced from high to very low due to reduced sediment (mud) and nutrients (401 to 108 kg/ha of sediment).
This often occurs in periods of reduced rainfall.
Mayor Karen Williams said a steady rating of 3.5 stars and improved catchment conditions of C+ (up from a C last year) showed the work being done across the city was yielding results.
"We know Redlanders love their local waterways and council is committed to supporting their health so locals and visitors can continue to benefit from and enjoy all that they bring to our city," Cr Williams said.
"While we know our creeks experience low oxygen and higher nutrient levels during dry weather, the report card shows a drop in pollutant load in the catchment from high to very low due to reduced sediment (mud).
"Local stream bank vegetation is good and the extent of our wetland habitats made up of mangroves and salt marshes, were rated excellent.
"Council also has an active erosion and sediment control program for development sites which seems to have contributed to the improved result."
The report card found that freshwater health increased slightly though remains very poor with little to no change in results except for fish community health which improved.
Stream bank vegetation remains in good condition, however wetland extent remains poor in the freshwater reaches of the catchment.
The extent of wetland habitat (mangroves and saltmarshes) in the estuary remains excellent which is critical for maintaining the productive recreational and commercial fisheries the Redlands community relies on.
The health of the estuaries (Tingalpa and Eprapah) declined from fair to poor due to a persistent algae bloom in the middle section of Eprapah Creek which exceeded guidelines on several occasions this past year. Water clarity and total nitrogen also declined in Eprapah Creek while little change occurred in Tingalpa Creek.
Cr Williams said the report card also showed the high value residents placed in their local waterways.
"The report shows 67 per cent of residents are satisfied with their local waterways, compared to 58 per cent across south-east Queensland.
"In addition almost half of the residents surveyed use local waterways for recreational purposes at least monthly, for walking/running, enjoying nature, cycling, picnics and swimming.".
"...This annual bench marking by Healthy Land and Water shows the need for a regional approach to waterways health and I will continue to advocate through the Council of Mayors (SEQ) for this approach."
Water quality remains excellent in central Moreton Bay despite a slight increase in total nitrogen.
The extent of seagrass habitat remains moderate and grows at depths of up to 1.6 metres due to excellent water clarity.
