The volume of water stored in water table aquifers was not recognised as a water asset as it could not be adequately quantified.
The Western Australian Department of Water maintains a limited number of monitoring bores across the Ord region, including the sedimentary water table aquifer beneath the Ord River Irrigation Area, and the sedimentary water table aquifer adjacent to Lake Kununurra.
The aquifer underlying the Ord River Irrigation Area results from the drainage of irrigation water applied at the land surface. Some of the water stored in the aquifer has an electrical conductivity of more than 1,500 µs/cm and is not fit for purpose. Improved understanding of aquifer extent, aquifer properties, groundwater processes and water quality is required to adequately quantify the volume of the aquifer.
The aquifer adjacent to Lake Kununurra is used for urban water supply to the town of Kununurra. The aquifer volume has a relationship with the reservoir. Improved understanding of aquifer extent, aquifer properties, groundwater processes, and relationships between the aquifer and the reservoir is required to adequately quantify the volume of the aquifer.