Inland Waters
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the mobilisation and exposure of sulphidic soils in coastal areas. This effect has
been observed on the Lefevre Peninsula, where a report noted that the
uncharacteristically high tides in recent seasons have resulted in the up-
swelling of sulphidic groundwater and vapours along the Port River. (Soil &
Groundwater Consulting Report 2011).
Groundwater - Environmental Indicator
Trends - Groundwater
•
Trends of Standing Water Levels (SWL) of observation wells:
DECREASING.
•
Salinity levels in most occasions have INCREASED in observation wells
since 2003.
Goals
Sustainable water use:
South Australia’s water
resources are managed within
sustainable limits by
2018.
South Australian Strategic Plan 2011
Indicators
Environmental indicators support quantitative reporting that enable more
informed and accurate decision making and policy development.
Condition indicators
•
Number of registered bores and wells in the City.
•
Ground water quality classification of Northern Adelaide Plains.
•
Ground water quality classification of Central Adelaide Plains.
•
Ground water extraction versus water availability.
Pressure indicators
•
KESAB community monitoring number of samples with poor results.
•
Number of samples exceeding water quality ANZECC thresholds for
wetland sites.
•
Trend of Standing Water Levels (SWL) of observation wells.
The extraction of groundwater was regulated previously under the Water
Resources Act 1976, and restrictions on use are enacted as Water Prescription
Areas. The Water Resources Act has now been incorporated into the Natural
Resources Management Act 2004. When areas are ‘prescribed’, the access to
water can only be via water allocation licences. It takes approximately three
years between the Minister announcing an intention to prescribe water
resources in an area, the Water Allocation Plan being prepared, and the issuing
of water allocation licences.
