Map of SA pinpointing Barossa region.
Research and planning
Location
Barossa region
SA
Estimated cost
$400,000
Project status
completed
Funding

This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government ($280,000) and the South Australian Government ($120,000). Australian Government funding was provided through the National Water Grid Fund.

Large dam with short dam walls on the right and bushland in the background, sunny day.

The project assessed the challenge of matching water demand with volume and quality.

Project overview

This project addresses the challenge of matching water demand with volume and quality. The investigation considered:

  • infrastructure required to store excess water
  • blending water sources when the quality is not fit for purpose.

Outcomes of the assessment

The project:

  • assessed all water volumes, quality and current crop demand
  • modelled data showing water volume and quality demand required by crops based on soil types in the Barossa and Eden Valley
  • produced a report which includes economic analysis of options and infrastructure requirements.

Groundwater volumes and water quality within this region were identified through the South Australian Government’s groundwater assessment. This assessment guides agronomic (computer simulated) modelling to assess the sustainability of groundwater use for growing a range of crops on the region’s soil types.

About the Barossa Region

The Barossa Valley and Eden Valley regions are located north-east of the city of Adelaide. The region is home to:

  • warm grape-growing areas on the valley floor
  • cooler climates at higher altitudes in the surrounding hills of the Barossa Ranges.

Key project benefits

Agricultural
Increased storage capacity
Water efficiency
Water quality