Groundwater
Windmill
Photo Arthur Mostead
Along with surface water, groundwater is under threat from pollution, over allocation and overuse, and requires active management. Groundwater management, like the management of most other natural resources, is currently the responsibility of state and territory governments. The Australian Government, however, is seeking to provide leadership and coordination for groundwater policy reforms and a focus for resolution of cross-jurisdictional issues.
The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts contributes to national processes for the determination of sustainable groundwater yields. The Department also contributes to the development of approaches for the protection and management of groundwater-dependent environment values, including the joint use of ground and surface waters.
- Allocation and use of groundwater: National framework for improved groundwater management in Australia
- National Water Quality Management Strategy Guidelines for Ground Water
- Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative (GABSI)
- National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems
- National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development
- National Water Initiative
Assessment of Groundwater Resources in the Broken Hill Region
As an initial step towards identifying options for securing a sustainable water supply for Broken Hill, the Department commissioned Geoscience Australia to undertake a study of groundwater resources and aquifer storage options (within 150km of Broken Hill). The findings of this assessment indicate considerable potential for:
- a combination of near surface/intermediate level groundwater extraction; and
- an aquifer storage system (Managed Aquifer Recharge) for surface water in the vicinity of water supply infrastructure near Menindee Lakes.
Complementing this assessment is the Darling River Water Savings Project - Part B which will investigate options for reducing evaporation and improving water efficiency at Menindee Lakes; and securing Broken Hill's water supply.
Groundwater-surface water interactions
The connected water web site provides information on jointly assessing and managing water resources above and below ground across Australia. The web site provides policy makers, water managers and catchment groups with an easy to use and convenient information package about issues to do with water connectivity.
Publications
- Associated off-farm economic values of saving water and restoring pressure in the Great Artesian Basin
- Assessment of groundwater resources in the Broken Hill region
More information
See also
- Bureau of Meteorology - water information
- Coasts and oceans
- Lake Eyre Basin Agreement
- Living Murray Initiative
- Meteorological information for primary industry and natural resources management
- National Centre for Tropical Wetland Research
- National Framework for Improved Groundwater Management in Australia
- National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems
- Water for a Healthy Country Flagship
Media releases
Key
Links to another web site
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