Great Artesian Basin Water Balance Model

Project overview

This project assessed existing and new geoscientific data and technologies. This included satellite data, to improve our understanding of the hydrogeological system and water balance in the Great Artesian Basin (GAB). Geoscience Australia undertook the assessment with the National Water Grid Authority, CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, Australian National University and relevant agencies in the Queensland, South Australian, New South Wales and Northern Territory governments.

Goals of the assessment

• Assess new and existing geoscientific data and technologies, including:
  • traditional on-ground monitoring systems
  • data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite.
• Provide a more holistic understanding of the basin, including identifying knowledge gaps.
• Make recommendations for future work within the GAB.

Assessment outcomes

Outcomes from this project support the Great Artesian Basin Strategic Management Plan. It provides a framework to help guide water policy and resource planning.

Following the assessment, Geoscience Australia compiled the Water Balance for the Great Artesian Basin 2019 report. This report summarises the data, methods and results of the assessment.

A new 3-dimensional hydrogeological model was developed, which shows the basin’s architecture and highlights the structure of its major aquifers. This will help inform future groundwater assessment and provide a base that can be built upon by future research.

About the Great Artesian Basin

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is Australia’s most significant hydrogeological system. It covers more than 1.7 million km2 and is Australia’s largest groundwater basin. It covers parts of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory. Groundwater from the GAB is a vital resource for pastoral, agricultural and other industries as well as the water supply for more than 120 towns. It supports at least $12.8 billion in annual economic activity.