Portal Drills Down to Groundwater Data
Media release - 17 August 2011
Tasmanian groundwater users will find it easier to access groundwater information and plan bores following the introduction of a new web-based tool funded by the National Water Commission.
The Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment (DPIPWE) has developed the Groundwater Information Access Portal - an extensive data base of information on domestic, commercial and industrial groundwater bores throughout Tasmania.
National Water Commission Chair Ms Chloe Munro said: 'A key aim of the National Water Initiative, Australia's blueprint for water reform, is to ensure that our precious groundwater resources are properly understood and managed.
'In developing this innovative tool and making comprehensive information on all known bores publicly available, DPIPWE is playing an important role in ensuring that Tasmania manages its groundwater responsibly.'
DPIPWE's Water and Marine Resources General Manager Mr Wes Ford said the portal is an easy-to-use, map-based tool providing property owners, hydrologists, consultants, government agencies and the public with access to maps which literally drill down into a comprehensive information bank on more than 10,000 bore sites.
'As well as pinpointing the exact location of a bore site, the portal details geological conditions, construction, depth, operating status and yield,' he said.
'Users can now better understand the groundwater conditions in their area and whether groundwater can meet their water supply needs.'
The Groundwater Information Access Portal was funded as part of the NWC's National Groundwater Action Plan. The Portal will be updated as new bores are developed and can be accessed on the DPIPWE website at wrt.tas.gov.au/groundwater-info.