On 28 March 2025 the government assumed a Caretaker role. Information on websites maintained by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will be published in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions until after the conclusion of the caretaker period.
The CSIRO investigated 3 priority river catchment areas. These were across Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory (NT) and Queensland (Qld):
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Australian Government is committed to responsible investment in water infrastructure, based on scientific evidence and business cases that stack up economically and environmentally.
The Australian Government is no longer proceeding with the Managed Aquifer Recharge pilot in Myalup in Western Australia. The original project scope has been varied, and the Australian Government’s commitment to this project has been cancelled.
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 mapped opportunities for MAR across New South Wales (NSW). The project built on CSIRO’s previous rapid appraisal of managed aquifer recharge opportunities.
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:
This analysis investigated groundwater age (time since recharge) in New South Wales (NSW) aquifers. The research used groundwater stable and decaying isotope data and hydrochemistry results.
The project used samples already collected by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
This provides information about groundwater flow, aquifer interconnectivity and aquifer replenishment rates.
This research improved the understanding of the renewability of the groundwater resources.
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.
The Northern Territory Government is developing a water allocation plan for the Adelaide River Catchment. This includes, but is not limited to, the water that is stored and used as part of the Darwin Water Supply Infrastructure Program (Stage 1).