Making sure Australia’s water is secured for generations to come

In many regions, groundwater is the only source of water available. The people who help produce the country’s food supply, and their livestock are entirely reliant on it. We must ensure this source is protected and used sustainably for the benefit of everyone.

Imagine not having enough water to drink, to take a shower, or to grow food that feeds the country. Imagine if supermarket shelves ran empty again, reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic. That could become the reality if Australia’s groundwater supplies aren't managed properly.  

Fortunately, research from Flinders University is assessing how our groundwater supplies will track into the future due to changing climate conditions, and how we can best protect and use this water source – both here and abroad.  

But what exactly is groundwater - one of Australia’s most important natural resources?   

Groundwater explained 

Groundwater is found beneath the surface and is one of the key components of the water cycle. Whenever it rains or snows, part of the water filters down through the ground until it reaches a layer of impermeable rock, filling its pores and fissures where it remains stored in aquifers.  

According to Geoscience Australia, groundwater makes up approximately 17 per cent of accessible water resources across the country and accounts for over 30 per cent of our total water consumption.   

The importance of groundwater is most evident here in Australia, one of the driest inhabited continents on Earth.   

It is used throughout the country in cities and towns, in mines, and for agriculture purposes such as irrigation and livestock watering.  

During times of drought, it plays a crucial role as an alternative water source. But for many regions it is the only source of water available – numerous townships, farms and mines are entirely reliant on groundwater. That’s why it’s vital to use this source responsibly. 

Why we must be careful with our groundwater

All natural water contains some level of salt, and in groundwater the concentration can vary from fresh to extremely salty. While small amounts of salt are vital for life, high levels can be detrimental. 

High salinity can degrade water quality, making it unsuitable for human and animal consumption. It can hinder plant growth, negatively alter ecosystems, ruin crops, damage infrastructure due to corrosion, and cause increased economic costs due to how much is spent to fix all these potential issues. 

“Think of an aquifer like a bank account,” explains Flinders University Professor Adrian Werner.   

“If you make too many withdrawals, the groundwater drops, and if you put too much water into the aquifer, the mineral salt level can leach into the soil as water levels rise. 

“If contaminated water accumulates into the aquifer or discharges into sensitive ecosystems, it can lead to severe consequences.”  

He says sustainability depends on ensuring the health of all Australia’s waterways – rivers, lakes and underground aquifers.

How we’re protecting a vital system

Work being done by Professor Werner, with the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, based at Flinders University, reinforces the University’s reputation as a global leader in field-based investigations, and computer modelling of groundwater that informs the most effective harvesting and replenishment of groundwater supplies.  

“The big picture is about far more than just efficient irrigation,” says Professor Werner.   

“It’s about the ongoing health of a vital water system.  

An important focus of Professor Werner’s research is the Lower Burdekin Delta system (about 90km southeast of Townsville in Northern Queensland), which maintains vast underground water reserves and supports intensive agriculture in one of the nation’s most productive sugarcane-growing areas – providing an essential staple in our daily food supplies.  

The research being undertaken is helping to assess future climate and sea-level conditions affecting groundwater, especially the intrusion of saline water into aquifers and groundwater.  

Professor Werner says consultation between researchers, farmers and water managers has been critical to the success of this research project.   

“This is good science that makes clear sense to the wider community,” he says.   

“The outcomes will have great significance for other parts of Australia that have limited water resources.”  

Flinders hydrology experts are also focusing on finding solutions to protect freshwater resources for isolated communities across the Pacific, using a wide range of research techniques.   

“These atoll islands have the most threatened fresh groundwater on earth and are relied upon by some of the most remote communities,” says Flinders hydrology expert Dr Amir Jazayeri.  

Flinders researchers modelled a specialised form of fresh groundwater extraction, featuring horizontal wells, to reduce the risk of aquifer reserves being overused, and to provide drinking water of lower salt levels.  

The design, construction and operation of these wells needs to be precise to avoid drawing seawater into the island’s water supply. Flinders researchers have focused on improving their effectiveness and efficiency on nine small atoll islands in the Pacific Ocean, including Kiritimati Atoll and Bonriki Island in Kiribati, Lifuka Island in Tonga, and the Cocos Islands.  

Professor Werner says the results will have wider applications across many countries.  

“This all contributes to better global groundwater management strategies.”

At Flinders University, we are dedicated to finding solutions to complex challenges with research that matters. In a groundbreaking initiative, we asked 30,000 Australians from across the nation to voice the problems that matter to them the most in their local communities, resulting in The Flinders Wicked Problems Report. Read more here.