This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($941,567) and the New South Wales Government ($400,000). Australian Government funding wais provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
This assessment has helped to identify groundwater connectivity and flow paths from the recharge areas of the Great Artesian Basin into the deeper buried sections.
Project overview
Groundwater in New South Wales (NSW) is largely sourced from the Great Artesian Basin (GAB). Sustainably managing water extraction from the GAB is vital for long-term water security in the state. This includes for agriculture, tourism and primary industries.
Goals of the assessment
This project aimed to provide an evidence base for informing future groundwater management decisions. It involved using water chemistry data to determine the age of groundwater and where it came from. The data used can indicate how major groundwater sources are recharged and if they are connected.
Outcomes of the assessment
The project improved the understanding of connectivity between groundwater sources of the GAB. This included how geological fault systems influence major groundwater sources in NSW.
Key outcomes include:
- There is limited connection between eastern and western sources of groundwater. This is due to fault systems acting as water flow barriers between these sources.
- The age of the eastern groundwater source was younger, with lower salt levels and temperatures.
- The western groundwater source was older, with higher salt levels and temperatures. This means recharge of these resources has not been recent.
- There is a major north-south geological fault system running between sources.