Mapping water availability in the Albany Hinterland
In 2012 the department commenced a $1.6 million four-year regional water availability investigation along the South Coast, funded by Royalties for Regions.
A major component of the investigation was to look at potential groundwater supplies stored in palaeochannels of the Albany Hinterland.
Looking for groundwater supplies
Department hydrogeologists used a combination of aerial electromagnetic surveys and targeted drilling and sampling, to produce a detailed map that outlines prospective zones, depth, quality and potential quantity of water available for use.
Results reveal billions of litres of groundwater
The results reveal billions of litres of good quality groundwater that could form reliable water sources to meet regional development needs over the coming decades, providing medium to long-term water source options for agriculture, industry and also potentially a regional water supply scheme.
The investigation identified the nature and extent of some of these underground water resources for the first time.
