Allocating water and maintaining springs - progress
August 2010
The hydrogeology sub-program of the project has continued its drilling program and this new information in conjunction with historical groundwater data will produce a hydrogeological map of the western edge of the Great Artesian Basin
The ecology sub-program has seen a delay in field work over the last few months due to unprecedented rain across the region. At present approximately 90% of springs have been mapped with the remaining springs at Billa Kalina, The Peake, Allandale, Nilpina and springs on the surface of Lakes Eyre, Eyre South and Frome still outstanding.
Some preliminary messages from the study include:
- Project data indicates that the SA section of the GAB has been in a natural state of decline for at least the past 10 000 years, during which time the natural discharges from the system have been greater than the recharge to the system.
- Current modelling suggests that hydrological recharge is 10 times lower than previous estimates.
- Groundwater extraction from the Far North of SA accounts for approximately 3% of total SA water use. Projected mining for the region will increase this usage to more than 10% (more than 120 GL / year) of total state water use within the next 5 years.
- There are now approximately 5000 mapped spring vents in the region. These springs are protected under the EPBC Act.
The following photos of rain at Billa Kalina springs during field surveys and mud accumulation on the vehicles illustrate some of the logistic difficulties this project faces:
Photos courtesy of Travis Gotch, SAAL NRM Board.
November 2009
The hydrogeology sub-program of the project has collected and validated a great deal of historical groundwater data that will be included, with the data collected during the project, in a map of the western edge of the Great Artesian Basin.
Additionally, a sampling program to test the methodology to assess upward leakage was completed in September 2009. The assessment and refinement of this methodology will inform the larger testing program which will take place over the next two years.
The ecology sub-program has almost completed the spring mapping and elevation survey, which has produced a draft spring location map. Additionally, the sampling of springs, waterholes and geological controls for spring discharge points and areas is complete.
The project held its first national workshop in Alice Springs on 28-29 September 2009. Nearly 40 attendees, including representatives from the mining, pastoral, indigenous, science and management sectors, attended the workshop. Key amongs the presentations were:
- water resource planners from the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia governments presented data on water allocation plan developments, thus facilitating discussion on potential cross-border planning issues
- Andy Love, the chief hydrogeologist for the project, presented emerging data that is being used to develop a new hydrogeological model for the GAB
- Laurence Clarke, from Flinders University, spoke about several key endemic aquatic flora species from the artesian springs
- Davina White, from the University of Adelaide, presented data on using hyperspectral data to monitor the extent of, and changes to, wetland areas associated with springs.
Following the presentations, a facilitated discussion session took place on examining workable management outcomes from different stakeholder perspectives.
May 2009
A steering committee meeting was held on 27 May in Alice Springs. The meeting agreed to detailed investigations to be carried out under ecology and hydrogeology subprojects.
Work completed to date includes:
- a detailed elevation survey of over 2000 mound spring vents
- acquisition of a considerable volume of remote-sensing information
- commencement of the hydrogeology program
- start of the Northern Territory drilling program in the Finke River catchment.
The committee also undertook a field trip that visited a number of the significant mound spring complexes and Lake Eyre.
The project will provide a quantum leap in the understanding of the western edge of the Great Artesian Basin, which will be used to improve the region's water management plan.
Strangways spring complex
Dalhousie Springs
Main pool, Dalhousie Springs
Bore drilling, Finke River
June 2008
The project was officially launched on 4 June 2008 by Mr Chris Reed, presiding member of the SA Arid Lands Board, and Dr John Radcliffe, NWC Commissioner. The project has commenced and detailed hydrological and ecological work plans have been finalised.
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