Groundwater

World-first trials of CSIRO’s automated sensor system, SENSEI, are providing promising, real-time results to better monitor and manage groundwater impacts in mining operations

The launch of a new Australian noble gas facility helps us tackle groundwater issues in conjunction with government and industry.

Understanding impacts and relationships to better manage groundwater in Australia.

man examning copper tube with machine and screens

The Millennium Drought in south east Australia highlighted the value of the continent’s groundwater resources. We need a better understanding of our groundwater systems and how they are recharged to ensure that, as we continue to use this valuable resource and with a changing climate, we also protect it from overuse or contamination. The Southern Hemisphere’s first Noble Gas Facility will provide valuable contributions to do just that.

aerial photo of a sandy river bed with some water flow and riparian bushland

An extensive assessment of water resources in the Fitzroy River catchment points to the region’s largely untapped aquifer systems as key to the potential for irrigated agricultural development.

two 4WD crossing bush

Much of the hard work behind future decisions on development in Northern Australia has been done over the winter – getting hot and dirty in the field collecting the data and the detail that describe the country.

A helicopter with a large ring suspended from it hovering over landscape

It’s predicted that there will be a three-fold increase in water demand in South Australia between 2010 and 2019 by the mining and energy sector. Using world first techniques combining geophysical data and topographical maps, scientists are exploring if the water is there to support demand.

The aquifers below Perth and its surrounds store an important source of water for the city that is running low. Researchers are now exploring the potential of these aquifers to store, transport and even further treat wastewater that is currently being discarded, to provide a secure source of water into the future.