Upper King River managed aquifer recharge investigations

underway

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is the intentional recharge of water into groundwater aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit. It can improve water security and provide a drought reserve, as water stored underground won’t evaporate like water stored in surface dams. An investigation is underway to test whether a site in the Upper King River in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory could be suitable for MAR. In 2019-20, this region had suffered 3 consecutive below average wet seasons and the underlying Katherine Tindall Limestone Aquifer did not recharge. This led to reduced water allocations for many licence holders in the region. A MAR scheme could provide greater water security in this region by helping to ensure water is available even after poor recharge seasons. The project is part of a staged program based on an established Australian framework for developing MAR schemes. The project aims to test whether the selected site is suitable for MAR. It will consider whether a MAR scheme can provide ongoing water security to agricultural groundwater licence holders in the eastern areas of the Katherine Tindall Limestone Aquifer. The assessment will: The project will also address knowledge gaps regarding: The Upper King River is in the Daly catchment and has seasonal flows.