Impact of groundwater pumping on groundwater quality
Project details
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Objective: |
Improve capacity to manage the risks to highly developed aquifers in NSW resulting from groundwater pumping. Areas at risk of groundwater quality decline within a five-year period will be investigated. |
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Funding: |
Up to $876,030 (plus applicable GST) |
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Jurisdiction: |
NSW |
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Commencing: |
July 2009 |
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Project status: |
Finalised |
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Outputs: |
The final report for the project, Characterisation of hydrogeochemistry and risks to groundwater quality, is available from the NSW Office of Water. |
About the project
This project has improved capacity to manage the risks to groundwater quality in highly developed aquifers in NSW. Increasingly, groundwater is being pumped to supplement declining surface water supplies. This activity can cause deteriorating groundwater quality, either through changing salinity or chemical composition, when water mixes between different levels of the aquifer.
This project has investigated seven sites in New South Wales groundwater aquifers where there is risk of a decline in the quality of groundwater. Researchers have reviewed the existing information and research data available on groundwater quality. They then correlate that information with new research at selected sites where fresh surface or groundwater resources occur near groundwater of marginal quality.
A suite of physical and chemical techniques were used to assess the extent of exchange of water within the test aquifers. The results will assist managers to predict the impact of pumping on water quality and enable better integrated water resource management throughout NSW.
Project outcomes
The project provides more accurate estimates of the level of risk to groundwater quality change in all Groundwater Management Units in NSW. This scientifically based evidence will influence future management decisions on sustainable yields and will be used in the future development of all water sharing plans.