Over $6 million for water science in South Australia
The federal and state governments are investing $6.2 million toward three new water science projects – including a nation-leading pilot – that will investigate new and innovative ways to better manage and deliver water for regional communities.
Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a practical alternative to store water underground in aquifers, protected from evaporation. Climate change is impacting South Australia’s water resources, with surface water especially vulnerable to its effects. Projects supported include:
Loxton MAR
In an Australian first, the $4.8 million aquifer storage and recovery – reverse osmosis facility will be established at Loxton Research Centre.
The project will use reverse osmosis desalination to treat brackish groundwater. Surplus treated water can then be stored in an aquifer for future agriculture and irrigation use.
Creating a groundwater strategic reserve to buffer against seasonal variability and drought and ease resource pressure on the River Murray.
Findings from the successful use of MAR will be considered in other water scarce regions across the country.
Commissioning of the facility is expected to start mid-next year.
State-wide MAR
The project will explore supplementing regional water supplies using MAR to boost water security in remote South Australian communities.
Aims to identify suitable locations for MAR and assess options to capture and store stormwater underground, saving a vital resource.
Other MAR water sources will also be considered.
Small to medium-scale desalination brine disposal
Targeting groundwater resources suitable for desalination to help regional towns avoid future water shortages.
Will determine associated brine disposal options in each location.
Regulatory barriers, environmental impacts, cost effectiveness and long-term sustainability of this method will be assessed as part of the project.
Australian Government funding for these jointly delivered projects is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
