Tasmanian groundwater users will find it easier to access groundwater information and plan bores following the introduction of a new web-based tool funded by the National Water Commission. 

 

The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) has developed a new web-based tool funded by the National Water Commission to assist in the location and planning of groundwater bores in Tasmanian.

 

The Groundwater Information Access Portal provides access to an extensive data base of information on domestic, commercial and industrial groundwater bores throughout Tasmania.

 

National Water Commission Chair Ms Chloe Munro said a key aim of the National Water Initiative, Australia’s blueprint for water reform, was to ensure that  groundwater resources were properly understood and managed.

 

‘In developing this innovative tool and making comprehensive information on all known bores publicly available, DPIPWE is playing an important role in ensuring that Tasmania manages its precious groundwater resources responsibly," Ms Munro said.

 

DPIPWE’s Water and Marine Resources General Manager Mr Wes Ford said the portal was an easy-to-use, map-based tool providing property owners, hydrologists, consultants, government agencies and the public with access to maps linked to a comprehensive information bank on more than 10,000 bore sites.

 

 ‘As well as pinpointing the exact location of a bore site, the portal details geological conditions, construction, depth, operating status and yield,’ Mr Ford said.

 

‘Users can now better understand the groundwater conditions in their area and whether groundwater can meet their water supply needs.’ 

 

The Groundwater Information Access Portal was funded as part of the NWC’s National Groundwater Action Plan. The Portal will be updated as new bores are developed and can be accessed on the DPIPWE website at http://wrt.tas.gov.au/groundwater-info