Damon Mcknight
Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, and groundwater is a critical resource for the country, constituting more than 95% of its available freshwater. The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is the largest groundwater basin in Australia, covering almost 1.7 million square kilometres, or one-fifth of the continent. It is also the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, providing the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia. The basin is estimated to contain 64,900 cubic kilometres of groundwater, which is enough to fill Sydney Harbour 130,000 times. Groundwater in Australia is found in aquifers, which are geological formations that can store and transmit water, and the country's diverse geology gives rise to a variety of aquifer types.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for underground water in Australia | Highly variable rainfall impacts the availability of water resources. |
| % of freshwater in groundwater | 95% |
| Groundwater basins | The Great Artesian Basin, Murray-Darling Basin, Perth Basin |
| Groundwater usage | Drinking water, industry, farming, primary industries, groundwater-dependent ecosystems |
| Groundwater formation | Rain and river water travels through the ground and collects in rock fractures or between grains of sediment. |
| Groundwater storage | In aquifers, which are geological formations able to store and transmit water. |
| Types of aquifers | Alluvial, Coastal, Fractured Rocks, Sedimentary Basins, Palaeovalleys, Karst |
| Groundwater challenges | Lower rainfall, population and economic growth, evaporation and seepage |
| Groundwater management | Upgrading and controlling bores, converting drains to water delivery systems, coordinated funding |
| Groundwater planning | Hydrogeological Atlas of the Great Artesian Basin provides mapping and data for sustainable management |
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What You'll Learn
- Groundwater is the only reliable water source for many Australians
- The Great Artesian Basin is the world's largest and deepest artesian basin
- Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which are geological formations
- Groundwater is essential for drinking water, industry, and farming
- Groundwater supports unique ecosystems and biodiversity
Groundwater is the only reliable water source for many Australians
Australia's water resources are heavily impacted by its highly variable rainfall, which has the third most variable streamflow in the world. This, coupled with increasing water demand due to population and economic growth, presents challenges for managing the country's water systems. Groundwater is a significant source of water in Australia, particularly in regions where it is the only reliable water source for drinking, industry, and farming.
Groundwater constitutes over 95% of Australia's available freshwater, and iconic groundwater resources include the Great Artesian Basin, the Murray-Darling Basin, and the Perth Basin. The Great Artesian Basin, the largest groundwater basin in Australia and one of the largest in the world, covers over 1.7 million square kilometres and provides the only source of freshwater for much of inland Australia. The basin is estimated to contain 64,900 cubic kilometres of groundwater, with water temperatures ranging from 30 to 100°C. The water is stored in sandstone layers formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods when much of inland Australia was below sea level.
The Murray-Darling Basin, which includes the major alluvial aquifers, supports Australia's major food bowl, while the Perth Basin supplies much of Perth's water demands. Other crucial groundwater resources are found across Australia and are vital for sustaining communities, agriculture, and the economy. For instance, in northern Australia, the Tindall Limestone and Oolloo Dolostone aquifers are essential groundwater stores, with over 80% of local water use sourced from groundwater.
Groundwater also plays a crucial role in supporting ecosystems, providing water for native fauna and flora that rely solely on groundwater for their survival. It contributes to rivers and lakes as baseflow, helping to maintain surface water bodies during droughts. However, groundwater is susceptible to contamination, as seen in instances of groundwater poisoning by coal seam gas, which has impacted ecosystems and communities' ability to cope with droughts.
While the Australian government is working to ensure clean and reliable water for all, there are concerns that federal policies may overlook the country's vast underground freshwater reserves, instead focusing heavily on building new surface dams. Effective management of groundwater resources is essential to ensure their conservation and long-term sustainability.
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The Great Artesian Basin is the world's largest and deepest artesian basin
Australia's water resources are heavily impacted by its highly variable rainfall, which has led to a significant reliance on groundwater. Groundwater constitutes more than 95% of Australia's available freshwater, and the country has several iconic groundwater resources, including the Great Artesian Basin, which is the world's largest and deepest artesian basin.
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is a vital lifeline for rural Australia, providing the only source of freshwater for much of inland Australia. Covering an area of almost 1.7 million square kilometers, the basin underlies 22% of the continent, including parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales. The water in the GAB is held in a sandstone layer, which was formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods when much of inland Australia was below sea level. The sandstone layer is covered by a layer of marine sedimentary rock, which acts as a confining layer that traps water in the sandstone aquifer. The depth of the basin varies, reaching up to 3000 meters in some places, and it is estimated to contain 64,900 cubic kilometers of groundwater.
The Great Artesian Basin has been an important water supply for various purposes, including cattle stations, irrigation, and domestic use. The discovery and use of water in the basin have enabled the settlement of thousands of square kilometers of land away from rivers. However, there are concerns about depletion and chemical damage to the basin due to coal seam gas extraction and uncontrolled water flow from bores. To address these issues, the Australian government has implemented initiatives such as the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative and the Improving Great Artesian Basin Drought Resilience program to ensure effective management and sustainable use of this crucial water resource.
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Groundwater is stored in aquifers, which are geological formations
Alluvial aquifers are formed of sediments such as gravel, sand, and silt deposited by rivers or other running water. Coastal aquifers are deposits of sand formed along the coast by wind and water. Fractured rocks, such as granite, have fractures and fissures that can store and transmit water. Sedimentary basins are relatively large areas where thick layers of sedimentary rock, such as sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate, have been deposited over many years. Palaeovalleys are alluvial deposits formed by ancient rivers that are no longer active and may be buried by other sediments. Karst is formed by limestone or dolomite rock formations that are partially dissolved by water, creating fissures, sinkholes, and caves.
The Great Artesian Basin, covering nearly 1.7 million square kilometres, is Australia's largest groundwater basin and one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world. It provides the only source of fresh water for much of inland Australia and underlies 22% of the continent. The water in the Great Artesian Basin is held in a sandstone layer formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods. The sandstone is covered by a layer of marine sedimentary rock, which traps water in the aquifer.
Groundwater plays a significant role in Australia, providing drinking water, supporting industries, and sustaining ecosystems. It is particularly important in regions where groundwater is the only reliable water source. The highly variable rainfall in Australia can impact the availability of water resources, and the limited availability of surface water has led to increased water market activity and rising prices.
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Groundwater is essential for drinking water, industry, and farming
Groundwater is particularly important for drinking water, as it supplies nearly half of the world's drinking water. In the US, for example, groundwater provides 38% of the drinking water, while in Texas, the Edwards Aquifer serves as the primary source of drinking water for nearly two million people. In Australia, the Perth Basin supplies much of the city of Perth's water demands.
Groundwater is also vital for industry, including energy, mining, and manufacturing. It even cools the data centers that keep the internet running. In addition, groundwater plays a significant role in agriculture, with about 70% of groundwater withdrawn globally being used for this purpose. In some arid countries, this figure rises to 90%. Groundwater is especially important for agriculture in Australia, where it supports Australia's major food bowl in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The importance of groundwater for drinking water, industry, and farming is further highlighted by the challenges posed by its limited availability. In Australia, for instance, highly variable rainfall and increasing demand due to population and economic growth have resulted in pressure on water storages and record low allocations to water license holders. Similarly, in the US, the major stressor on groundwater is withdrawals from pumped wells, which are not easily replenished by rainwater or snowmelt. Therefore, it is essential to protect groundwater from overuse and pollutants to ensure its long-term sustainability.
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Groundwater supports unique ecosystems and biodiversity
Groundwater is essential for supporting unique ecosystems and biodiversity in Australia. The continent is home to a diverse range of environments, from ancient rainforests to vast desert landscapes and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. These ecosystems are shaped by evolutionary processes, age, and isolation, resulting in unparalleled biodiversity.
Groundwater, constituting over 95% of Australia's available freshwater, plays a critical role in sustaining these ecosystems. The Great Artesian Basin, for instance, covers one-fifth of the continent and provides the only source of freshwater for much of inland Australia. It is estimated to contain 64,900 cubic kilometres of groundwater, with water temperatures ranging from 30 to 100°C. The basin's water is held in sandstone layers formed during the Triassic, Jurassic, and early Cretaceous periods.
Groundwater-dependent ecosystems, such as the Great Artesian Basin, the Murray-Darling Basin, and the Perth Basin, are crucial for sustaining communities, agriculture, and the economy. They support a diverse range of flora and fauna, including iconic species such as the red kangaroo and thorny devil lizard. These ecosystems are also vital for groundwater invertebrates (stygofauna), which play a significant role in enhancing groundwater ecosystem services. The feeding, movement, and excretion of these invertebrates potentially improve water purification, bioremediation, and water infiltration processes.
However, these groundwater ecosystems are facing threats from human activities, including contamination from coal seam gas, and climate change. Instances of groundwater poisoning have been documented, impacting the ability to cope with droughts. Additionally, the increasing demand for consumptive groundwater use and the lack of attention to subsurface groundwater-dependent ecosystems in water plans pose risks to ecological values, water quality, and ecosystem services.
Conservation efforts are essential to preserving the unique biodiversity and ecosystems supported by groundwater in Australia. Understanding the ecological importance of groundwater invertebrates and their functional roles in ecosystem services is crucial for effective protection and management of these valuable water resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, and groundwater is often the only reliable water source. Groundwater is found in aquifers, which are geological formations that can store and transmit water. The geology of Australia is diverse, and the types of aquifers vary.
The Great Artesian Basin is Australia's largest groundwater basin and one of the largest underground freshwater resources in the world. It covers 1.7 million square kilometres, spanning over one-fifth of the continent. Other key sources include the Murray-Darling Basin and the Perth Basin.
The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) has expressed concern that the Federal Government's new national water policy focuses too heavily on building new dams rather than utilising the country's vast reserves of underground freshwater.
