meatworks at Dinmore, where organic waste entered the river untreated. Land degradation was identified as a serious problem in the catchment after a Department of Primary Industries survey was conducted in 1979. Riparian vegetation has been nearly completely removed and the banks are now weed-infested. Downstream the river suffers from not only sewage and farming runoff but also abattoir effluent. In 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 the Healthy Waterways annual assessment of water quality rated the Bremer River an F, the lowest grading possible. The Ipswich City Council has responded by increasing fines for allowing pollutants to contaminate the river. In 2013 and 2014 the Bremer River's water quality rating improved slightly to a D−. The 2015 the Healthy Waterways assessment included additional measures in the environmental grades, resulting in grades that are not directly comparable to previous years. The Bremer River was given a D− for 2015. Heavy metals including mercury, chromium, nickel and cadmium were found in Warrill Creek, a tributary of the Bremer, in 2009. The source of the contamination was discharge from the RAAF Base Amberley. The contaminates did not reach the Bremer River itself. In 2010, the Ipswich City Council and the International Riverfoundation launched a fund to help clean up the river. The worst pest species was the introduced water hyacinth, which sometimes was so dense it blocked boats. Severe outbreaks occurred in 1917, 1935—36, 1941 and 1965. Water supply Moogerah Dam was built in the upper reaches of Reynolds Creek. The dam provides potable water for towns such as Boonah and is an irrigation source for crop farmers and those grazing cattle. See also References Further reading External links State of the River Report Available online: Part 1 (archived), Part 2 (archived), Part 3 (archived) Tributaries of the Brisbane River South East Queensland Articles containing video clips Rivers of Brisbane Scenic Rim Region Pre-Separation Queensland