National standards on groundwater mapping, definitions and assessment

Project details

Objective:

To develop a nationally-consistent groundwater mapping, definitions and management guidelines to improve water management in and between jurisdictions.
Funding:

$5 million plus GST under the National Groundwater Action Plan, and in-kind support from the states and territories.
Jurisdiction: National
Commenced:

March 2008
Completion:

December 2011

About the project

The project will develop nationally-consistent groundwater mapping, definitions and management guidelines to improve water management in and between jurisdictions. In particular, the project will lead to improved management of groundwater that crosses state boundaries.

Project benefits

The project will:

  • provide nationally-consistent definitions for groundwater to improve the understanding of groundwater resources and assist its management and communication
  • present nationally-consistent groundwater management guidelines that will set the standards for NWI compliant water management
  • provide groundwater mapping guidelines to improve understanding of groundwater resources
  • provide national guidelines for the assessment of groundwater resources
  • be overseen by the National Groundwater Working Group (a joint state, territory and Commonwealth committee) to ensure take up of the definitions and guidelines developed under the project
  • link closely with the Bureau of Meteorology's water measurement standards program, to produce nationally-consistent measurements of water resources.

The project will advance the National Water Initiative through improved management of groundwater resources.

Progress

Several sub-projects have commenced under this project:

Related information