Pitt Water (Tasmania)

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Pitt Water
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McGees Bridge crossing Pitt Water
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Pitt Water
Location in Tasmania
LocationSouth East Tasmania
Coordinates 42°48′14.83″S147°30′31.65″E / 42.8041194°S 147.5087917°E / -42.8041194; 147.5087917
Type Estuary
EtymologyNamed after Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Pitt
Primary inflows Coal River
River sources Coal River
Primary outflows Frederick Henry Bay
Ocean/sea sources Tasman Sea
Basin  countriesAustralia
DesignationPitt Water–Orielton Lagoon Ramsar site
Surface area43.1 square kilometres (16.6 sq mi)
Max. depth20 metres (66 ft)
Water volume~101.8 gigalitres (3.60×109 cu ft)
Residence time ~4.36 tidal cycles
FrozenNo
Islands Woody Island
Sections/sub-basins Orielton Lagoon, Iron Creek Bay
Settlements Midway Point, Penna, Sorell
References [1]

Pitt Water is a region and estuarine area near Sorell, in southeastern Tasmania. It forms part of the Pembroke Land District and includes significant natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and agricultural lands. [2] Pitt Water was named by Lieutenant Governor Collins, who named the shallow stretch of water between Sorell and Midway Point after the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Pitt. [3]

Contents

Geography

Pitt Water is a shallow 43.1-square-kilometre (16.6 sq mi) [4] estuarine system fed by the Coal River and connected to the Tasman Sea via Barilla Bay and the Frederick Henry Bay. The area is characterised by tidal flats, saltmarshes, and surrounding low-lying agricultural land. [5] It is located approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania.

The region forms part of the greater Pitt Water–Orielton Lagoon system, which is an important ecological feature of southern Tasmania. The estuary's main central basin connects with smaller sub-basins, such as Orielton Lagoon and Iron Creek Bay, and is shaped by a combination of tidal flows and sediment dynamics.

History

The Pitt Water area is part of the traditional lands of the Moomairremener people, an Aboriginal group of the Paredarerme. The region was used for hunting, gathering, and cultural practices, particularly along its rich estuarine margins. [6]

In 1803, Pitt Water became one of the earliest areas of European settlement in Tasmania when Lieutenant John Bowen established a short-lived settlement at nearby Risdon Cove. By the mid-19th century, the area had developed into a hub for farming and fishing, with its fertile soils supporting agricultural activities, particularly cropping and grazing. [3]

Environment

Pitt Water is part of the Pitt Water–Orielton Lagoon Ramsar site, designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1982. The site supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many migratory bird species protected under international agreements such as the JAMBA and CAMBA.

Key species that inhabit the area include:

Saltmarsh habitats around Pitt Water are also vital for carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and buffering against coastal erosion.

The estuary’s tidal dynamics contribute to its ecological health. Each tidal cycle moves approximately a fifth of the estuary’s total high-water volume (~101.8 gigalitres (3.60×109 cu ft)), with the flushing time averaging 4.36 tidal cycles. The main channel, about 12 km long with an average depth of 8 m, facilitates water exchange and stabilises salinity, temperature, and nutrient levels. [7]

Recreation

The Pitt Water region is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including:

Economy

Pitt Water and its surrounding areas contribute significantly to Tasmania’s agricultural sector. Key industries include:

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References

  1. Mount et al. 2005.
  2. "Water Quality of Rivers in the Coal Catchment" (PDF). Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  3. 1 2 "History – Sorell Council". Sorell Council. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  4. Mount et al. 2005, p. 44.
  5. Mount et al. 2005, p. 48.
  6. "Pitt Water Orielton Lagoon a Report to the Community a Remarkable Estuary Under Pressure" (PDF). NRM South. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  7. Mount et al. 2005, p. 45.

Sources