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Social Engagement, Attitudes & Connection to
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Grassroots education of groundwater
Rhona E. Cartwright 1
1. KCB, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Objectives: A recent opportunity to showcase the science of hydrogeology to a local primary school allowed the presentation of an important yet relatively misunderstood scientific topic to an enthusiastic and young audience of potential future scientists. The object of the presentation was to raise awareness of hydrogeology and highlight the role a hydrogeologist has with the management and responsibility of the precious resource of groundwater.
Methodology: The presentation introduced the science of hydrogeology and the roles of a hydrogeologist to a young, impressionable and enthusiastic audience. Importantly, content was presented, and links were made respectful of the audience level of experience, using the water cycle as the focal point of the discussion. The delivery of the presentation included the use of physical props, videos and an interactive Q&A session. It was important to keep the information relatable and present reasons why it was important to know this information. Examples emphasised everyday activities which the listeners could relate to and how they interacted with groundwater.
The level of delivery and the enthusiasm of the audience allowed rapport to be developed, while interactive activities allowed engagement of the audience with the subject. This two-way form of interaction is something Kreamer (2016) believes to be very important when it comes to the understanding and sustainability of projects (water and sanitation and health projects specifically).
Problems in poor communication underpin challenges such as a lack of consideration for regional norms, customs, traditions or a lack of community participation. This in turn can promote the feeling of stewardship which has been observed to impact the long-term outcome of a project (Breslin, 2010).
Solutions to these issues include investing time to establish communication and build rapport and understand local traditions, history and appreciation for the community.
Additionally, overall involvement and engagement of the community in the project tended to enhance the sustainability of the project (Kreamer (2016) and McConville
& Mihelcic (2007)).
Conclusion: The presentation aimed to empower future generations with knowledge and motivation to take up a positive attitude with hydrogeology and the sustainable and environmentally responsible management of groundwater resources. Passing on stewardship at a “grassroots” level has the capacity to improve sustainable management of groundwater by future generations. Further, the promotion of STEM subjects to such a young audience is also great advocacy not only for the science of hydrogeology, but for scientific career options for young women and men alike.
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Raising a glass to citizen science: collecting more data and establishing better relationships between water users and government
Saeed Ghaderi 1 , Steve Barnett 1
1. Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide, SA, Australia
The SA Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has recently trialled a citizen science program in South Australia’s winegrape growing regions where increasing groundwater salinity may pose a threat to soil structure and winegrape yield and quality. In 2017, a pilot program was implemented in the McLaren Vale region where a new salinity monitoring network was designed to measure salinity from licensed bores in aquifers that are used for viticulture irrigation. These new salinity data are augmenting the existing state-funded salinity surveillance network.
The program comprised a mail-out to each landholder that included an instruction letter, a map showing the location of the target bore and a labelled sample bottle.
Irrigators were asked to submit their groundwater samples at a local drop-off station. The results of the analysis were sent to each irrigator in an email that also contained a link to DEW’s public environmental database Enviro Data SA where all of the state’s environmental data can be viewed in a variety of formats.
Of the 83 parcels sent to McLaren Vale irrigators, 65 groundwater samples (78%) were received. Results helped to confirm the presence of localised ‘hot spots’ of increasing salinity caused by inter-aquifer leakage. In early 2018, following completion of the pilot program, the network was extended to the Barossa Valley region. Of the 103 parcels sent to Barossa Valley irrigators, 86 (83%) of samples were submitted. In 2019, the program has been further extended to the Angas Bremer region.
The information gained from this program will help improve the quality of annual reporting of the resource status and aid in identifying emerging risks and focus any subsequent management actions. Other potential benefits include strengthening of professional relationships between irrigators and DEW staff charged with managing groundwater resources and greater stakeholder engagement in water planning and management.
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Supporting better management of groundwater in Pakistan: a collaborative approach
Michael Mitchell 1 , Catherine A. Allan 1 , Saira Akhtar 2 , Syed Khair 3 , Tehmina Mangan 4 , Kanza Javad 5
1. Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
2. Department of Rural Sociology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan 3. Balochistan University of Information, Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences,
Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
4. Sindh Agricultural University, Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan 5. Ecoseal Pty Ltd, Islamabad, Pakistan
NOTE: This abstract is for the first in a series of five connected presentations related to the ACIAR LWR-2015-036 project
Like Australia, Pakistan is a country of droughts and flooding rains. Pakistan is among the top ten countries most severely impacted by climate change and is expected to be declared water scarce by 2025. The Indus Basin irrigation system no longer provides enough supply for Pakistan’s agricultural needs, meaning farmers increasingly rely on groundwater. The Australian government is supporting a four- year research project to provide Pakistan’s irrigation managers with strategies to improve groundwater management and farming family livelihoods. We present a series of case studies from this project to demonstrate benefits of a collaborative approach.
The project used participatory rural appraisals to develop a shared understanding of problems associated with groundwater use in each case study area, and to build a network of stakeholders responsible to identify and deliver on changes needed.
Stakeholder forums were established to enable co-design of subsequent research activities.
Loggers have been installed to enable automated supply of groundwater depth and salinity data for modelling purposes. Irrigation departments are acquiring the capacity to build and use groundwater models. By establishing and engaging stakeholder forums, local-level farming organisations and others are determining how to access and benefit from information created by improved groundwater monitoring and modelling. This includes the development of mobile Apps made available to farming families, and the analysis of socio-economic data to investigate benefits of changed farming practices.
Adoption of a collaborative approach is crucial for practice change. It allows farming families to understand why and how they can improve their use of groundwater.
More importantly, the practices of irrigation department officials and agriculture extension agents are also changing, with greater appreciation for improving
groundwater management through collaboration, rather than relying on regulation alone.
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Improving groundwater management using a participatory research approach in Balochistan, Pakistan
Syed M. Khair 1 , Abdul Rashid 2 , Farooq Ahmed 3 , Razzaq Khilji 4 , Michael Mitchell 5 , Catherine A. Allan 5
1. Balochistan University of Information, Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
2. Balochistan Agriculture Department, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan 3. Balochistan Irrigation Department, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan 4. Balochistan Irrigation Department, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan 5. Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia
NOTE: This abstract is part of a series of five connected presentations related to the ACIAR LWR-2015-036 project
Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. The situation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province is especially bleak due to extreme depletion of
groundwater, which provides 50% of Balochistan’s water for irrigation. In view of the severity of the problem, a four-year research project for improving groundwater management in Pakistan was extended to include Balochistan.
At the provincial scale, the project relied on collaboration and partnerships
established through participatory rural appraisals (PRAs). In Balochistan, these were undertaken in Pishin and Kuchlak sub-basins. Activities included group interviews, transect walks, direct observation, interviews with householders, and a subsequent survey administered to understand socio-economic conditions. Stakeholder forums were established to further co-design subsequent research activities. Piezometers were installed at four sites across the two sub-basins to enable water users, researchers and the irrigation department obtain real time date on groundwater depth. A mobile App has also been developed and introduced to help farmers monitor water table levels, schedule irrigations and determine suitable cropping patterns.
PRA activities showed that small landless farmers are unable to afford modern technologies, so larger farmers lead adoption due to their wealth and influence.
Cropping patterns are dominated by high water use horticultural crops using
traditional flood irrigation. Groundwater is pumped from a depth of 100-170m mainly using electric motors. Because government subsidises electricity for this purpose, there is little incentive to use water efficiently, leading to an alarming 3-10m annual decline in the water table.
The project research activities are helping farming organisations and partner government and non-government organisations promote improved irrigation practices, use of high efficiency irrigation systems, and lower water use crops. The involvement of stakeholder forums in the design of local research activities has been critical for developing strategies to enhance practice change among water users.
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Exploring options for improved groundwater management using a participatory research approach in Sindh, Pakistan
Tehmina Mangan 1 , Mustafa Nangraj 2 , Michael Mitchell 3 , Catherine A.
Allan 3 , Jehangir F. Punthakey 4
1. Sindh Agricultural University, Tando Jam, Sindh, Pakistan
2. ICT Agriculture Extension Services, Sindh Agriculture, Supply and Prices Department, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
3. Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia 4. Ecoseal Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
This abstract is part of a series of five connected presentations related to the ACIAR LWR-2015-036 project
Pakistan ranks third among countries facing acute water shortage and could reach absolute water scarcity by 2025. Sindh, being the lower riparian province of
Pakistan, is facing grave surface water shortages and problems of soil and groundwater salinity, exacerbated by mismanagement. Our four-year research project used a participatory case study approach to explore issues and options for improving groundwater management with water managers and users.
In Sindh, six villages were selected along the head, middle and tail of two case study canal distributary systems in Nawabshah and Naushehro Feroze districts.
Groundwater use and quality varies considerably across the canal distributary system, undermining equity of access of water for irrigation. Social mapping, discussions with farmer groups and interviews with people with a stake in groundwater management led the participatory research approach. Stakeholder forums in each case study area were then established to enhance ongoing collaboration on research activities, including exchange of groundwater and agronomic information from community piezometers installed and mobile Apps provided. A novel cultivation model called N4veg is also being used to improve both water management and farming family livelihoods.
The participatory research confirmed that groundwater management issues vary with the location of farms along irrigation distributaries. At the tail of minor distributaries more than 90% of farmers depend on tube wells for irrigation and use mostly
marginal quality (1500-2500 µS/cm) water. Groundwater depth is 30-60m contributing to higher pumping costs.
While there is a need to identify management strategies for more equitable distribution of water used for irrigation, including groundwater, there is also an immediate opportunity to use the Apna Pani mobile App, small cultivation planters and salinity meters as low cost interventions to improve irrigation farming practices among smallholder farmers unable to afford more expensive technologies.
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Evolution of groundwater concerns over the Carmichael Mine: 2014 to 2019
Adrian D. Werner 1 , Matthew J. Currell 2 , John A. Webb 3 1. Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
2. School of Engineering, RMIT, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
3. Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Objectives: In this presentation, we explore critical elements of the hydrogeological science and its evolution applied to the assessment of Carmichael Mine impacts over a five-year period – 2014-2019. The aim is to offer insights and lessons learned regarding the role of hydrogeological science throughout the approval process.
Design and Methodology: Key scientific inputs relating to datasets, conceptual model design, and groundwater modelling are synthesised to provide a historical account of the scientific evolution throughout the approvals process.
Original data and results: The approval of the Carmichael Coal Mine by the Queensland Department for Environment and Science (13th June 2019) was the culmination of a lengthy journey by Adani though Federal and State approvals
processes. During that time, groundwater-related concerns were raised, debated and reviewed at several junctures, most notably in relation to potential impacts to the nationally significant Doongmabulla Springs Complex (DSC). The approval process for the Carmichael Mine produced, arguably, the most polarizing, public display of hydrogeological debate in Australia’s history. Opinions on groundwater science were tested in public fora and the Queensland Land court, creating a time-stamped
evolution of hydrogeological investigation and understanding regarding the likely future impact of the Carmichael Mine.
Conclusion: This presentation offers a rare audit of hydrogeological science applied at various stages of the assessment/approval of a large-scale and high-profile development with major implications for groundwater.
1. Currell MJ, Werner AD, McGrath C, Webb JA, Berkman M (2017) Problems with the application of hydrogeological science to regulation of Australian mining projects:
Carmichael Mine and Doongmabulla Springs, Journal of Hydrology 548: 674-682, doi:
10.1016/j.jhydrol.2017.03.031.
2. Currell MJ, Werner AD (2019) Unpacking the flaws in Adani’s water management plan, The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/unpacking-the-flaws-in-adanis-water-
management-plan-116161.
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Geophysical & Petrophysical Methods &
Groundwater
Advancements in frequency domain electromagnetic surveys and their interpretation and effectiveness for determining flow in mine waste rock dumps and below Tailing's storage facilities
Bradley van Blomestein 1
1. AquaGeo, Craigie, WA, Australia
Objective: Understanding where water is occurring and its movement in mine rock waste dumps (MRWD’s) and below tailings storage facilities (TSF’s) is critical to the management of the waste rock dumps and tailings storage facilities during operation and closure.
Design and Methodology: A combination of frequency domain electromagnetic
geophysics (FDEM-8B) developed in 2018 and statistical interpretation using a newly developed program, Vlex4D, has allowed the definition of flow paths through TSF’s and MRWD’s in Northern Queensland, Western Australia and Egypt.
Although ground electromagnetic geophysical systems are well known in the geophysical industry namely the EM34, the FDEM-8B system, is unique as eight frequencies are read at each station. This allows faster traverses and quicker data capture. Files can be generated for pseudo sections as well as frequency specific grid contour maps. Using the Vlex-4D software platform, three dimensional iso-surfaces are generated from the ground geophysical data and "wrap" the similar
conductivities.
Data and results: The FDEM system used in conjunction with Vlex 4D has been effective in determining flow paths and acid metalliferous drainage areas (AMD) within the waste rock dumps and TSF’s. This was confirmed through drilling and monitoring of groundwater bores drilled on the MRWD’s and below TSF’s.
Conclusion: Applications define in which areas and what relative depths AMD generation is occurring within rock waste dumps, understanding flow paths below TSF’s into groundwater and allowing a more focussed approach to investigation of groundwater through drilling and sampling. This methodology has been shown to be repeatable and allows the targeting of AMD generating areas in waste rock dumps and leakage areas in TSF’s for priority rehabilitation.
Testing innovative technologies for Atoll groundwater mapping
Amini Loco 1 , Peter Sinclair 1 , Andreas Antoniou 1 , Anesh Kumar 1 1. Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji
The atoll's increasing vulnerability to ENSO-driven droughts and their water-related impairments prompted the assessment of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to generate subsurface models that
inform/guide drought response actions and investments with confidence. The ABEM Terrameter resistivity kit and the Mala Easy Locator Pro WideRange GPR (dual frequency, 160 and 670 MHz) were tested on Nukulau Island, Fiji, and on South
136 | P a g e Tarawa, Kiribati. The test was conducted under high rainfall conditions with the identification of the water table and the estimation of freshwater lens thickness being the main objectives.
On Nukulau island, high resolution ERT data was generated with the Res2DInv software with a distinctive lateral and vertical variation in resistivity exhibiting an estimated freshwater lens thickness of up to 7 m atop basal saline water. Clear distinction between unsaturated and saturated zones (water table) was easily made.
Contrasts between saturated materials at depth based on salinity levels and the possible presence of undulating and porous limestone was easily noticed – calibration of these models was made through known depth and salinity records from similar atoll settings.
The respective GPR survey was completed faster and the data processing, using the RadExplorer software, required signal improvement techniques, such as background removals, and assigning appropriate velocity values to subsurface materials at different depths and salinity composition, converting arrival time models to depth models. The model showed similar freshwater lens shape with a lens thickness of 3.5 m, 50 % less than the ERT model estimation.
The second GPR traverse was undertaken in Bonriki in South Tarawa, Kiribati. Two monitoring bores along the profile provided freshwater lens thickness of up to 18 m before decreasing to 7 m towards the end. GPR results, again, showed a reduced lens thickness of up to 6 m. GPR is limited in confidently defining the lens, possibly attributed to the limited signal strength and penetration of the two frequencies as opposed to the detailed depth varying ERT. The availability of monitoring bores to provide known depth and salinity measurements are critical to both methods to allow for calibration. Further, the identification of the water table can be difficult during the wet season and in moderate to high vegetation areas due to the increased moisture content in the unsaturated zone coupled with the influence of the capillary fringes causing reflections, and thus, increasing uncertainties of around 0.2 m as tested in similar conditions elsewhere.
Revisiting old cased bores for new hydrogeological data; borehole magnetic resonance
Benjamin Birt 1 , Olga Filiptsova 2 , Sheryl Ryan 2 , Panos Giannoulopoulos 2 , Timothy A.J. Hopper 1 , Keelan O'Neill 1
1. Qteq Pty Ltd, Wangara, WA, Australia
2. Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Perth, WA, Australia
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is a measurement technique used in a range of fields including medical, industrial, pharmaceutical, and the energy sector. In the Oil and Gas industry it has been used since 1958 to quantify volumes of hydrocarbon and porosity. The physics of the measurement involve the use of a static magnetic field and perpendicular radiofrequency pulse to stimulate hydrogen atoms in water (or hydrocarbon) and recording their return to steady state over time. Primarily the measurement technique gives a direct, lithology independent measure of total porosity. Secondary values include information regarding pore size, specific retention, specific yield and hydraulic conductivity from the use of empirical equations. The technique has been described in great detail elsewhere (Neville &
Hopper, 2017; Kleinberg, 2001). With the measurement based on magnetic fields, the Borehole Magnetic Resonance (BMR) tool can be operated in open hole, PVC and GRE cased holes without an impact on the measurement.
137 | P a g e The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that reliable hydraulic parameters can be obtained from existing cased bores. Validation of received data was done on the East Midlands project geophysical logs by comparing data obtained from a new bore, where BMR was run in open hole versus GRE/PVC cased holes. BMR was logged in nine shallow PVC - cased holes tapping the Perth superficial aquifer. The selected bores intersect three main lithologies: Bassendean Sand, Tamala limestone and Guildford clay. Geophysical logging results were validated in two bores where CRT - pump test data were available. Evaluation and interpretation of the available data indicates this methodology can be successfully employed to discern aquifer hydraulic parameters from existing bores at an affordable cost.
1. Kleinberg, R. L. (2001). NMR Well Logging at Schlumberger. Concepts in Magnetic Resonance, 13(b), 396-403.
2. Neville, T., & Hopper, T. (2017). Principles and applications of borehole magnetic resonance logging. FastTIMES, 22(2).
3. QTEQ. (2018). Principles and Applications of Borehole. Perth: QTEQ.
GAB Bore Doctor
Brendon I. Isbister 1
1. Department of Environment and Science, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia
Great Artesian Basin (GAB) springs were used by the indigenous people for millennia.
European settlements in the GAB regions would have been impossible without artesian bore water supplies for stock and domestic uses.
Currently, there are about 4167 registered bores in Queensland, with depths ranging from 120 to 1750 m. Due to issues associated with bore integrity (bore construction practices of the past, age of the bores, and groundwater quality), a large number of the bores required reconditioning/rehabilitation.
This paper describes borehole-geophysical logging surveys (physical probing, down the hole camera survey, calliper; temperature, gamma and density logging). Based on the experience of the last three decades, the suite of methods selected, are the most cost-effective methods to determine thickness and physicochemical properties of geological layers in production and monitoring bores in the GAB. This information is essential for proper construction of water-supply bores, assessment of
groundwater quality and rehabilitation of GAB bores.
A series of case studies to highlight the use of geophysics for hydrogeological applications
Karen M. Gilgallon 1 , Heather J. Ballantyne 1 , Brendan A. Ray 1 , Gregory Maude 1 1. Southern Geoscience Consultants Pty Ltd, Belmont, WA, Australia
Geophysics is useful in a range of hydrogeological settings. A series of short case studies will cover geophysical applications in coastal sedimentary aquifers, fractured rock aquifers, paleochannel aquifers and mine dewatering. Case studies of coastal sedimentary aquifers at Exmouth, and North Perth Basin, Western Australia will highlight the successful use of airborne electromagnetics (AEM) and ground electrical resistivity imaging to map the aquifer structure and saline water interface.