1.5.2.2.4 Gaps

The quality of the hydrochemistry data available for this assessment is difficult to determine, as analytical uncertainties are not reported in the dataset. The dataset includes chemical analyses from disparate points in time, sometimes decades apart, which will have differing levels of accuracy and precision. Additionally, bore screening intervals and stratigraphic unit information are not assigned in the database. Assigning these bores to stratigraphic units using the approach described in Section 1.5.1.2 may not accurately reflect the actual stratigraphic unit from which water is extracted. Useful further work could include cross checking the stratigraphic position assigned to bores with limited stratigraphic information.

A number of potentially harmful trace elements have not been included in this product due to scarcity or absence of data. Some elements have only one or two sample points, while others (arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, selenium, uranium and vanadium) have no data.

There is also a scarcity of information about the concentrations of a range of organic compounds in groundwater, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as hydrocarbons are not routinely measured in groundwater in the Hunter subregion. Further work defining the range and distribution of trace element concentrations in the subregion is required to fully understand the potential hazards they pose.

Water quality data from mining companies and other organisations might enhance the regional picture of water quality.

Last updated:
18 January 2019