Groundwater quality and quantity have been identified as NRM
issues central to the Burdekin Dry Tropics region. In most parts of
the region rainfall is far less than the amount of water used by
plants for transpiration, therefore in general terms, not much
water passes through the soil to recharge the groundwater aquifers.
However, heavy monsoonal rainfall during the wet season usually
provides some recharge. At present, only limited water balance and
groundwater resources information is available for the region.
These tend to be areas where shallow groundwater aquifers are
important irrigation, industrial or residential water
resources.
Because of the lack of data and information, much of the
groundwater program is focusing on collecting this information. A
number of work briefs have been developed in consultation with
agencies, stakeholders and peak industry groups.