Groundwater in Australia : understanding the challenges of its sustainable use

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, and its groundwater is a critical natural resource for water supply for urban areas, farming, and industry. The use of groundwater is spread all over the country, and some area solely depends on groundwater for their water needs. Key aquifers for groundwater in the country are located in the Great Artesian Basin, the Murray-Darling Basin, the Perth Basin, the Canning Basin, the Daly Basin, and the Otway Basin. The Great Artesian Basin is the iconic groundwater source and is one of the largest underground water reservoirs in the world. In addition, there are numerous local and small aquifer systems. Groundwater accounts for up to 30% of the total water used in Australia, and it is a valuable source of water in some groundwater-dependent ecosystems across the country. Also, the mining industry is a significant user of groundwater in the country. The salinity of groundwater in Australia is quite variable, varying from fresh, drinkable groundwater to highly saline water, and as such the use and management of groundwater require careful consideration. With climate change looming, groundwater can act as an important buffer against occasional droughts, but the competition for both surface water and groundwater is an ongoing sustainability challenge.