The Department of Water is currently investigating Western Australia’s groundwater resources, with actions planned through to 2020.
A sound knowledge of groundwater resources and monitoring of changes are essential for effective planning to ensure sustainable management of the State’s water resources.
The program is improving our scientific understanding of the sustainability of groundwater systems throughout the State. Full details are in our publication Investigating Western Australia’s Groundwater Resources – A 15 year plan of action.
The program’s timing is driven by the large increase in groundwater use over the last decade and a large projected growth in demand. It is linked to the licensing of groundwater users.
The investigation program will bring social, economic and environmental benefits for Western Australia. Already it is giving us:
- a better understanding of the distribution and quality of groundwater resources
- information to better support, encourage and enhance mining, industrial, agricultural and regional development and
- new data to improve water resource management under changing climate conditions.
The focus is in areas of increased groundwater usage, where currently we do not have enough information to assess groundwater resources and ensure sustainable management.
Although the purpose for each investigation may be slightly different, the common objectives are to:
- define the size and extent of aquifers
- understand groundwater salinity distribution
- determine the sustainability of the groundwater resources in order to manage impacts and use and
- improve the monitoring of groundwater levels and groundwater quality in the long-term.
The program began in July 2005. For the first three years, the focus is on the metropolitan area and horticultural districts, such as Cowaramup and Gingin, in the Perth Basin (see map).
From the fourth year onward, more regional groundwater investigations will be introduced progressively to provide a balanced, State-wide assessment. The program is helping the local area committees that advise on local groundwater resources management policy, and private self-supply users who wish to establish groundwater supplies.
Our staff are responsible for supervising contractors, data analysis, interpretation and report writing. All information from the program is being made available in printed reports and distributed via the Internet.
Map of investigation areas
