Groundwater is the largest accessible source of freshwater on Earth. Large quantities ofgroundwater are extracted each day from aquifers in the Territory to supply towns and communities, stock, domestic rural needs, mining and irrigation. In addition to meeting the need of people in the Territory, groundwater also plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems, such asvegetation communities and wetlands.
With increased development in the Territory comes increase demand for groundwater and anincrease in the risks to groundwater quantity and quality. Appropriate use of groundwater and limiting the potential impact of human activities on groundwater supplies will help ensure theavailability of uncontaminated groundwater to meet the needs of the community and the environment.
An understanding of groundwater formation, movement, storage and the needs of the community and environment are crucial when considering the management of groundwater resources.
Groundwater monitoring is an important aspect of groundwater management. Changes in groundwater levels and chemistry help to assess the impact of human activities on groundwater and subsequently the environment.
