Use of geophysics to support water security and increase community awareness on Milingimbi Island, northern Australia

Over the last thirty years, groundwater pumping to supply water to the community on Milingimbi Island has resulted in declining water levels and increasing groundwater salinity towards the end of the dry season. Recent studies have indicated that that the limited groundwater supply may not be capable of supplying future water needs of the community, which is planned to grow significantly in the next few decades. This study used geophysical and hydrogeological methods to characterise the hydrological system on the island, constrain recharge rates and evaluate the risk of saltwater intrusion. As part of this investigation local community members from the island were engaged in training and use of near-surface geophysical instruments, as well as to share their knowledge so that it could be integrated into the investigation.