The Federal Government is assessing the nation's subterranean water reserves. 

Developed by Geoscience Australia, the National Hydrogeological Inventory seeks to meticulously chart the country's groundwater-bearing basins and geological regions.

This inventory provides an overview of the communities, industries, and ecosystems that depend on groundwater. 

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King, says that while Australia heavily relies on groundwater, the comprehension of groundwater systems can be improved.

“Groundwater is critical to our national water security and for many areas of Australia has been the only constant source of water,” Ms King says. 

“The Inventory, developed through Geoscience Australia’s Exploring for the Future Program, will assist decision-making and help us plan future investment in groundwater.” 

Geoscience Australia’s Dr Steve Lewis, a groundwater geologist, says that one of the most intriguing elements of groundwater is the occurrence of recharge - the process by which water moves downwards through the Earth's surface to become groundwater, recharging the aquifers within the basin.  

“Developing an understanding of groundwater recharge processes is fundamental for developing a water balance, and for the sustainable management of water resources,” Dr Lewis said.

“Most recently we have been studying recharge processes in the Great Artesian Basin through mapping surface and near-surface structures to understand how water enters the ground to recharge the basin aquifers. 

“This basin is the most significant hydrogeological system in the country covering more than 1.7 million square kilometres across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

“For each hydrogeological region, a range of consistent and up-to-date information is compiled, relevant to understanding the geology, geography, hydrogeology including groundwater resources and systems,” Dr Lewis said.