Why sustainable water supply in arid regions matters
Groundwater accounts for approximately 20% of Australia’s currently accessible water resources. In some regions, even some major cities like Perth, more than 40% of our tap water is sourced from groundwater. However, this valuable resource is sometimes poorly understood and, as a result, inadequately managed.
As urban populations grow and agricultural demand increases, the sustainable design and management of groundwater supply borefields have become critical priorities for hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, and water planners. In some areas, such as arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, water security isn’t just a challenge—it’s a design imperative that requires science, strategic planning and long-term environmental stewardship.
These challenges are becoming more urgent with the accelerating impacts of climate change. Droughts are growing in severity and duration, and regions once considered secure in surface water supply are now facing extended dry periods. In 2019, for example, Sydney and much of NSW experienced record-low reservoir levels, with major towns such as Dubbo, Orange and Tamworth coming dangerously close to running out of water entirely.
Groundwater, particularly at greater depths, is generally more resilient to climate change and prolonged dry periods. As such, it has the potential to play a pivotal role in securing Australia’s future water supply.
Understanding the hydrogeological landscape of Australia
Some regions rely heavily on groundwater as their primary or sometimes sole water supply. Aquifers like the Great Artesian Basin and fractured rock systems in Western NSW are lifelines for communities and industries. However, over-extraction, poorly managed recharge, and salinis ation threaten their viability.
An effective investigation begins with a comprehensive hydrogeological conceptual model, which includes:
- Mapping aquifer extents and potential yields
- Understanding recharge and discharge mechanisms
- Assessing groundwater levels and quality
- Identifying risks of aquifer depletion or contamination
This is where expert input from a hydrogeologist in Australia is indispensable.
Key principles for sustainable groundwater borefield design
- Aquifer Yield vs. Demand Balance
Design borefileds and pumping systems that align with long term aquifer extraction limits. Groundwater pumping must account for long-term climate variability, drought cycles, and recharge events.
- Redundancy and Resilience
Build in redundancy by sourcing from multiple aquifers or integrating with treated wastewater or rainwater systems. Avoid single-point failures in remote regions where access and repairs are challenging.
- Water Quality Management
Implement comprehensive groundwater level and quality monitoring. If necessary incorporate robust treatment for naturally occurring elements like arsenic, iron or salinity.
- Recharge Enhancement Strategies
Infiltration basins, injection wells and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques can enhance groundwater storage. These are increasingly critical as rainfall patterns shift under climate change.
- Energy-Efficient Pumping
Design low-head, solar-powered pumps where feasible. These reduce operational costs and carbon footprint, aligning with sustainability and off-grid needs in rural areas.
Monitoring and Testing are not optional: The Role of Ongoing Groundwater Assessment
Sustainability depends on data. Long-term groundwater monitoring ensures extraction remains within sustainable limits and detects changes in water quality, borefield performance or aquifer yields.
Monitoring and testing programs should include:
- Pumping tests to track borefield performance
- Groundwater level and quality monitoring
- Contaminant migration assessment
At Douglas Partners, our groundwater monitoring and testing services utilise state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, from automated telemetry to in-situ sensors , giving engineers, planners and councils the insight needed to make evidence-based decisions.
Collaboration with environmental scientists and engineers
No single discipline can solve water supply challenges alone. Environmental scientists, geotechnical engineers, planners, ecologists, and hydrogeologists must collaborate to:
- Align land use planning with groundwater protection
- Assess ecological impacts of groundwater abstraction
- Integrate water systems into infrastructure developments
- Comply with environmental regulations
By combining environmental science with groundwater modelling and risk assessments, Douglas Partners helps design systems that are resilient and regulatory-ready.
Navigating regulations and risk in arid environments
Designing for water scarce regions also means navigating complex regulatory and environmental risk frameworks, such as:
- Water bore licensing Groundwater dependent ecosystem (GDE) protection
- Sustainable groundwater extraction that maintains equity among users and prevents interference with existing water supply bores
- Cultural heritage and landholder engagement
- Contingency planning for drought or bore failure
Douglas Partners provides environmental consulting services that guide public and private sector clients through approvals, risk assessments, and compliance strategies.
The Future of sustainable water systems in australia
Climate change will only increase the pressure on water supplies in Australia. Future-ready water supply systems will need to:
- Embrace digital water technologies
- Use 3D groundwater modelling for predictive management
- Integrate with smart agriculture and urban planning
- Be community-led and locally adaptable
At Douglas Partners, we believe sustainable groundwater design must be holistic, data-driven, and environmentally integrated.
Ready to partner on a groundwater project?
Our multidisciplinary teams, including hydrogeologists, environmental consultants, and geotechnical engineers, bring extensive experience sourcing groundwater in some of Australia’s most challenging environments.
Explore our Groundwater Services or contact us to discuss your water project today.
