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.