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.

Project overview

This project will collect data to develop high accuracy digital elevation models and contours over priority surface water extraction areas in the Northern Territory (NT). This will increase understanding of how water moves through the landscape. It will also improve modelling of surface and groundwater systems.

Goals of the assessment

This data will be used to inform and refine existing allocation models and plans. It will also determine flood risks to key infrastructure assets across the region.

Project overview

Research investigations are being undertaken by the Northern Territory Government and the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training to better understand how groundwater recharges and how it moves through aquifers in the Western Davenport region.

Agricultural development requires access to reliable, secure and sustainable water resources. In many parts of the Northern Territory, water is considered to be the single greatest constraint to development.

Project overview

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams.

In the Myalup region in Western Australia, a full-scale managed aquifer recharge (MAR) scheme could assist in security water supply, improving water quality and expanding food supply markets.

Project overview

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams.

This detailed desktop study will map opportunities for MAR across New South Wales (NSW). The project builds on CSIRO’s previous rapid appraisal of managed aquifer recharge opportunities.

Project overview

Australia is home to more than 1,100 diverse and culturally rich First Nations communities. Many of these communities face challenges in accessing clean affordable drinking water. This includes desert regions where groundwater is the only reliable source.    

The project provides an overview of the common water supply and water quality issues across remote communities. The challenges are complex and include: 

Project overview

This analysis will determine groundwater age (time since recharge) in New South Wales (NSW) aquifers. The research will use groundwater stable and decaying isotope data and hydrochemistry results.

The project will use samples already collected by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

This will provide information about groundwater flow, aquifer interconnectivity and aquifer replenishment rates. This research will improve the understanding of the renewability of the groundwater resources.

Project overview

Climate change will affect how much water is available in a catchment (the catchment yield). It will also affect the timing of water demand and the reliability of water supply.

Climate change projections used to model catchment yield in Tasmania are dated. While they are still very useful, they may not fully inform us of the future risks to water resources.

Project overview

This project is part of the Darwin Water Supply Infrastructure Program Stage 1. This includes preconstruction works for the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) project.

The Northern Territory Government will need to develop a water allocation plan for the water that is stored and used as part of AROWS. Water allocation plans set out the objectives, rules and strategies, and monitoring and performance indicators for the water resource. They aim to maximise environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes for the water resource.

Project overview

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams.