Improving understanding of groundwater sustainability and renewability using isotope hydrochemistry

underway

This analysis will determine groundwater age (time since recharge) in New South Wales (NSW) aquifers. The research will use groundwater stable and decaying isotope data and hydrochemistry results. The project will use samples already collected by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). This will provide information about groundwater flow, aquifer interconnectivity and aquifer replenishment rates. This research will improve the understanding of the renewability of the groundwater resources. This assessment looks to: investigate the use of a spatial geographic information system (GIS) assess the existing hydrological and hydrogeological data develop more detailed maps of all of NSW, where data is available. These maps will estimate the scale of underground storage capacity. The maps will also estimate how these storages are distributed. The research will look at where opportunities for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) projects are able to support primary industries. The assessment will: Use isotope data and hydrochemistry results from samples already collected. ANSTO are analysing these samples to determine groundwater age (time since recharge). This will provide information about: groundwater flow aquifer interconnectivity aquifer replenishment rates improving understanding of the renewability of the groundwater resources.