Abstract
The Eyre Peninsula (EP) is a semi-arid region with relatively scarce water resources. The reticulated (mains) water supply is predominantly dependent upon groundwater
pumped by SA Water from prescribed wells areas (PWAs). Within these PWAs, allowable extraction volumes are allocated based on recharge rates, and hence the accuracy of recharge estimation is paramount to the sustainability of these groundwater resources.
There have been numerous past estimates of EP groundwater recharge, ranging from local estimates (e.g. using chloride and rainfall) and estimates of larger-scale average recharge (e.g. using CFCs and groundwater fluctuations). There is considerable variability in these estimates depending on the method used: a large degree of spatial and temporal variability has also been identified. The present ambitious project aimed to improve on the past recharge estimates, by mapping key soil and vegetation assemblages across the EP‟s PWAs (Southern Basins PWA and Musgrave PWA) as well as the area surrounding Robinson groundwater lens (near Robinson). The aim was to present a spatial assessment of recharge under historical conditions (Milestone 7 of the NWI project) and possible future climate change (Milestone 5 of the NWI project) across these key water resource regions.
pumped by SA Water from prescribed wells areas (PWAs). Within these PWAs, allowable extraction volumes are allocated based on recharge rates, and hence the accuracy of recharge estimation is paramount to the sustainability of these groundwater resources.
There have been numerous past estimates of EP groundwater recharge, ranging from local estimates (e.g. using chloride and rainfall) and estimates of larger-scale average recharge (e.g. using CFCs and groundwater fluctuations). There is considerable variability in these estimates depending on the method used: a large degree of spatial and temporal variability has also been identified. The present ambitious project aimed to improve on the past recharge estimates, by mapping key soil and vegetation assemblages across the EP‟s PWAs (Southern Basins PWA and Musgrave PWA) as well as the area surrounding Robinson groundwater lens (near Robinson). The aim was to present a spatial assessment of recharge under historical conditions (Milestone 7 of the NWI project) and possible future climate change (Milestone 5 of the NWI project) across these key water resource regions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Southern Eyre Peninsula Hydrogeology Fellowship Project |
| Number of pages | 45 |
| Place of Publication | Flinders University, Adelaide |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2009 |
