Fossil water in Australia
| Objective: | The project will provide a report on fossil water for water managers and planners |
| Funding: |
$50,000 plus applicable GST |
| Jurisdiction: | National |
| Commencing: | September 2009 |
| Completed: | December 2010 |
About the project
Fossil water occurs where groundwater aquifers have been cut off from recharge by geological events and have not been recharged for thousands, if not millions, of years. The use of fossil groundwater is increasing in a number of Australia's arid areas. The report will:
- report the known quantity of fossil water in Australia
- determine the extent of fossil water extraction in Australia
- set out how fossil water is dealt with under jurisdictional legislation and outline other policy and management issues
- examine the implications of the National Water Initiative (NWI) for fossil water
- determine the environmental, social and economic issues associated with fossil water extraction
- propose principles for the responsible management and use of fossil water in the context of the National Water Initiative (NWI).
The report will refer to experiences both in Australia and internationally.
Project benefits
A Waterlines report will raise the awareness of fossil water and provide management principles for water planners and managers.